How To Mix Prints Like A Pro

When it comes to styling, mixing prints is one of our favorite things to do. It illustrates how versatile and creative you can be with your wardrobe.

We’re received lots of questions over the years from women wanting to know how to mix prints like stripes, polka dots, animal prints and florals.

Our answer is always the same, it’s all about balance!

For starters let’s dive into the theme of our outfits and how we went about mixing our prints.

For the overall look, we both chose black and white stripes as the theme print and combined them with reptile prints.

Our “stand out” color was green, which compliments both of the outfits nicely. This is also how we were able to slide in a 3rd print to the mix, which was camoflauge.

The striped accent on Jaelyn’s blazer ties in perfectly with her black & white snakeskin clutch as well as Kierstenn’s striped blouse.

Adding camouflage pants to the blazer ties in the green pencil skirt and snakeskin clutch in Kierstenn’s outfit.

And there you have it, two outfits that mix prints cohesively yet separately.

The goal of your look when mixing prints is to ensure that everything blends well, catching the eye without distracting.

Below are a few rules for mixing prints that will allow you to create a fun and stylish look.

Style Tip: Whenever you’re mixing prints you want to make sure that the end result has harmony and flow.
Kierstenn Desiree`

1. Choose the first focal print

Feel free to choose any print that fits your personality. It may be a beautiful floral blouse that you love or a leopard print pencil skirt that you’ve been obsessing over.

Keep in mind that your first print will be used as the base for the second print that you’ll add.

In other words, all of the other pieces of your outfit will build off of the first print that you choose.

2. Choose the 2nd print and create balance

It’s important that when mixing prints you create balance with the patterns and prints that you pair.

You’re not only going balance the colors that you choose but also the proportion of the prints.

Rule 1: Your 2nd print should have within it one or more of the same colors of your first print.

Rule 2: Your 2nd print should be the opposite size of your first print. (Example: Pair small prints with big prints.)

Rule 3: It’s best to pair busy prints with simpler prints.

Rule 4: Two of the same prints, inverted, makes a super cute pairing. (Example: A black blouse with white floral print paired with white slacks that have black floral print).

Following these tips will ensure that your outfit never looks as if your prints or patterns were thrown together without thought or reason.

3. Choose a solid accent color

Once you’ve chosen your prints and balanced them accordingly, be sure that your outfit incorporates a solid color. For example, if you have a printed top and bottom, add a solid color handbag or shoes to offset the prints.

Mixing prints is a fun way to make your outfits interesting. However, if you’re a bit apprehensive starting small with accessories only is a good way to go.