Mixing and matching prints and patterns may seem to be the preserve of fashion experts, but in fact, beginners can easily play with it as long as they master some basic principles. Not only will this make your outfit more interesting and personalised, but it will also show off your sensitivity and creativity in fashion. Here’s a beginner’s guide to mixing and matching prints and patterns to help you navigate this fashion challenge with ease.
1. Keep the colours consistent
When mixing and matching different prints and patterns, the first thing you should do is make sure that there is a common colour between them. This creates a sense of visual harmony and makes even very different patterns look coordinated.
2. Balance the size of the pattern
If you’re a beginner at mixing and matching, try mixing large and small patterns in one look. In general, it’s easier to match a large pattern with a small one, rather than two large or two small patterns clashing with each other.
3. Use neutral colours for balance
When you’re trying to mix and match multiple patterns, balance the overall visual effect by adding neutral-coloured pieces, such as black, white or grey. This will make your mix more natural and less harsh.
4. Try stripes and dots in the beginning
Stripes and dots are two of the easiest patterns to mix and match, and they can be seen as ‘neutral patterns’ that go with almost any print. You can pair them with bolder floral or geometric patterns as a jumping off point for mixing and matching.
5. Follow the same style
When mixing patterns, try to choose patterns that are similar in style. For example, bohemian florals can blend well with ethnic prints, while modern geometrics complement minimalist stripes.
6. Control the amount of mixing and matching
For beginners, don’t mix and match more than two or three patterns in the same look. Too much pattern mixing can be confusing and lose your sense of style.
7. Consider the placement of patterns
The position of the pattern will also affect the effect of the mix and match. You can try placing the patterns on different parts of the body, such as tops and bottoms, or embellish them with accessories, so that they are not directly adjacent to each other, causing visual conflicts.
Conclusion
Mixing and matching prints and patterns not only enhances the interest of your outfit, but also shows off your fashion attitude. As a beginner, following the above guide, you can take your time to experiment and find a mix-and-match style that suits you. Remember, there are no set rules in fashion, and the most important thing is that you dress with confidence and enjoy the process. Once you’ve mastered the basics of mixing and matching, take the plunge and maybe you’ll be the next street style benchmark.
