on March 1st, 2012Mixing prints is not as difficult a trend to pull of as you might think, and when done right, can look thoughtful, fashion-forward and fresh. There are just a few things to remember to make sure you don’t end up looking like a frazzled mess. To help, I compiled some sartorial inspiration and tips for specific pattern pairings. Grab those florals, stripes, dots and leopards, ladies, we’re mixing prints today!
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Last week, Refinery29 posted an article asking if Olivia Palermo can make floral + leopard happen – and while Olivia is, as always, amazing inspiration, I’d insist that floral + leopard was already happening! A floral dress with leopard bag or shoes, floral shirt or floral pants and leopard shoe, or floral skirt and leopard cardigan or sweater work perfectly. In fact, I had this covered back in 2010!
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Stripes + floral is another easy mix of prints. A floral skirt and striped shirt, or even a striped tank and floral cardigan, can be a perfect combo. Let the floral piece make the statement and keep the stripes simple to be sure.
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I love leopard + polka dots. Essentially, leopard acts as a neutral (remember this, always), so isn’t tough to mix with other prints, like dots or florals.
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Stripes on stripes are pretty easy to pull off too – pair thin stripes with thicker ones for a foolproof look. Keep them on top or be bold and pair a top with a skirt.
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Whether they’re graphic, animal or watercolor prints, you can still throw them in the mix. Just put together pieces in a similar color or mood – maybe one more neutral and another more bold or contrasting. And if you need to, tie it together with a belt or neutral accessories. Or throw caution to the wind and wear whatever prints you like! You know what they say – if you obey all the “rules,” you miss all the fun (or at least, so says Katharine Hepburn).
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This was such a fun post to read! I love seeing all the combinations ladies come up with for mixing prints!
Good advice- I am very afraid of mixing prints & looking silly. I’m going to try to be adventurous & use their post as a guide!
I love the mix. So modern.
When I saw the pic of Olivia from London Fashion Week I immediately thought I’m getting floral pants! This post is great pattern mixing inspiration for Spring and Summer. Great Post Liz!
OP can do no wrong! Love this round-up!
xo
Tina
such a great post! love the photos and your fab advice. xx
I like this round up! My fave is stripes and floral makes me think of summer holidays in Paris. x
I love all of these SO much. Especially the dots + leopard and stripes + stripes. Great post!!
LOVE all the pictures you chose for this, I need to stop being a chicken & try a little mix-up :)
great, great round-up. and i agree: love olivia but she doesn’t hold the title of floral + leopard originator.
Great post, people ask about how to do this all the time so this is very helpful!
http://www.itgirlallure.com
Oh I love these tips! Great post lady:)
I love this post! Print mixing has become my favorite way to remix my wardrobe. It’s always great to see more inspiration on how to do it stylishly.
Love this. Particularly the stripes and florals.
Collections
stripes with florals are my fave!
-Chrissy
http://gottahaveit0306.blogspot.com/
amazing post! think stripes on floral and stripes on stripes are my favorite.
Brilliant post! Loving all of these combos especially the florals and leopard! xp
I can’t decide which I like! They are all so chic!
LOVE IT!!!!
http://www.aroundlucia.com
http://www.aroundlucia.com
Genius post! Love the clever title too! Girl, you’re good;)
I love combining different prints, my favorite combo is stripes and leopard, but I’m fantasizing on trying stripes and floral and leopard and florals ;)
Great post! I love mixing prints, especially stripes and leopard or gingham and leopard for a preppy look!
Very cute outfit- love the glasses and the polka dots.
Im glad we are on the same page , you have utterly amazed me with the display and array of options .
Great Post !!!
monalavinia.blogspot.com
[...] Ok so…I must confess that I have these jeans in three colors already. But in my defense, they are the most comfortable pair of jeans I own. And they’re also the only pair of jeans I own that I don’t have to wiggle to fit into to. I bought this pair a few weeks ago, and love them so much that I decided I neeeeed more polka dots. They’re so classic without looking outdated. Pair them with a striped top for an on-trend mixed prints look. {If you need tips for mixing prints, check out Liz’s post here.} [...]
[...] more “How to Wear” posts, click here, and for a specific one on mixing prints, click here. Because how fabulous does Joanna Hillman look in that striped shirt + leopard coat. I definitely [...]
[...] polka dotted pieces. Plus, I love how perfect the patterns lend themselves to some print mixing (click here for my mixed prints tutorial)! My fave combo is dots and leopard (reminder: leopard is a neutral) [...]
[...] inspiration for any floral pieces you have or are planning to purchase, I recommend checking out this earlier post on mixing prints, and this one with some ideas for how to wear floral pants and tops. And remember, [...]