The Right way to Use it: Mixing Patterns

Hey Fashionistas!!   So today on "the Right way to Use it" I want to get into a trend that as far as I know ( and heard from a few friends and family members) a lot of people think its impossible to do or shouldn't be done at all, and that is Mixing Patterns.  For a long time we have heard only wear one patter at a time, match everything your using so you don't look like a crazy person without a mirror at their house.  But that couldnt be more far from reality.  The biggest rule of fashion, at least for me, is HAVE FUN because there are no rules.  Everything is permissible as long as you do it with taste and a little common sense.  To nail this one you've got to be brave enough to ditch the rule book and double up! With a little practice and confidence, anyone can rock the look.     So how, you may ask, does one clash their prints in a way that looks like a stylish nod to the catwalk trends and not like Worzel Gummidge on a bad day?
It's actually much easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be clashing and coordinating effortlessly before you know it.


Rule 1 - Mix patterns from the same color family.
Using hues from one main color when mixing patterns can create a very subtle look, while still showing your daring side. It’s still visually stimulating for the eye, but in a refined way.




Rule 2 - Opposites Attract

Mixing patterns is supposed to be fun. Although it can look cool, don’t go out head-to-toe in one pattern. That’s too matchy-matchy, and although we love the matchy-matchy look, for this particular brand of print wearing, it's all about teaming the right patterns together to create the perfect clash. The easiest way to stay on track with what works and what doesn't is simply to make sure you choose prints from opposite sides of the pattern wheel.  Although, if you want to push the envelope, switch up the colors of the matching patterns like Rihanna did. It’s a new twist on pattern mixing that keeps the overly matchy-matchy concept fresh. For example....


   If you are wearing a feminine floral print or ditzy polkadot skirt, then team it with a tough masculine plaid.         And if you've got one half all strict and angular stripes then keep the other half full of soft and curvy shapes.               Rule 3 - Neutral bases are your friends   Yes prints on prints are great, but if your outfit is a riot of colour and pattern then the look you are trying to achieve will be completely lost. Break the clashing up with neutral bases in between your layers to really show off your prints and give the illusion you 'totally just threw this together'. For example...     A simple white tee underneath a printed blazer, means you can easily add a clashing scarf or headpiece without looking overdone.       A sheer black vest thrown over the top of your maxi makes belting your checked shirt around your waist the ideal style statement.         Rule 4 - Think of some patterns/textures as solids

If you have a hounds tooth skirt, think of that as a solid. Same can go for small polka dots, thin stripes or checks. They’re small enough and understated that the eye can view them as a solid, even though they’re really not.  

Jonathan Saunders, Marc Jacobs     Rule 5 - Look for patterns that complement each other

The last thing you want to do is look like you got dressed in the dark. One way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to choose patterns that complement each other. Stripes and floral always mesh well, as do leopard and stripes or polka dots.


Alexander Wang, DKNY
 
  Rule 6 - If in doubt choose statement pieces   Still not sure you can pull it off? Then make it easy for yourself and just pick statement printed pieces and work them into your existing wardrobe. For example...     No one can argue with an all black outfit, but to take it from ordinary to extraordinary you could add a stand out geometric coat and a pair of patterned pumps.         Simple rules, endless outfit options and a tricky trend mastered! You'll never fear the clash again.  Let me know if you like this trend or if you have tried it.  Enjoy! (Runway images from Style.com)   Happy Styling!!