Ok, you’ve seen it, we’ve seen it, the whole world has seen it! It’s time to admit: people are mixing and matching prints on a global scale. And we are not talking only about fancy fashion bloggers! Real women are proudly wearing spots with stripes, more than one animal print in a single outfit, and even mixing one floral pattern with another floral pattern, with no regard for the ancient golden rules of the wardrobe. And they are looking awesome!
So, it’s time to join this colorful bunch, throw away everything that your momma taught you about dressing up, and wear whatever the hell you want. Let’s mash up!
Go BIG!
Getting the print size right is essential for making your clash outfit work. Choose a big print to make a statement and mix it up with something more detailed and contrasting. The big prints are flattering and depending on what you combine it with, it always looks different.
Color co-ordinate
Let color be your guide. If you’re new not sure about contrasting, a safe place to start is with a theme. Start by wearing patterns from the same color palette, and in no time you will get to wearing neon with leopard print.
Keep it simple
You don’t have to wear everything and once and make it hard for people to look at you. Start by putting together monochromatic prints with polka dots, for example. The more graphic the patterns the easier they are to combine.
Break it up with solids
Try not to stack prints on top of each other. It is a good idea to break it up with one-tone skirt or a chic belt. If you incorporate some simple pieces into your outfit, you can do pretty much whatever you want.
Stripes are neutral… seriously.
Stripes are a safe zone, they go with anything. So fill your wardrobe with thin striped shirts, t-shirts, vests and skirts. So you can go wild on everything else.
Play with textures
Texture counts as a print. So if mixing chiffon with silk makes you feel sexy, go for it!
Accessorize
Clashing prints is not limited to your clothes, you can mix and match accessorizes as well. Shoes, scarves… possibilities are endless. Oh, and no more plain black handbags for life!
Structure is everything
There has to be a method behind all this madness. Don’t let prints overwhelm your figure. Choose structured, tailored shapes and put together an outfit that you can wear with confidence, not the one that is wearing you.
Ignore all the rules and wear whatever you want!
If we are really talking about clashing prints, then there should be no rules! Nobody can tell you what you should or shouldn’t wear if it makes you look good. You can take all of your favorite pieces and wear it all at the same time. For example, I like to wear an oversized shirt dress combined with wide trousers. I don’t care about the rules how to wear a shirt dress!
“Oh, are you really going out like that?” Yes, I am. Just watch me!
