Some see it as a fashion faux pas to mix prints, but we love the trend. Bold, bright, and vivacious, mixing prints is the perfect way to let your outfit do the talking.
Whether you’ve previously stuck to the ‘one print per outfit’ rule or are a complete beginner when it comes to wearing prints and patterns, discover how to take your look to the next level by combining prints.
The basics of print mixing
Before we dive into some print combos that might complement your next outfit, we need to cover the basics.
Getting to grips with the types of prints and patterns you can incorporate into your outfits will help you balance your style. We’ll go through some of the most loved patterns and print, and how they might look as a clothing print:
- Geometric patterns: think classic stripes, polka dots, checks, and plaids.
- Floral prints: small delicate florals, large bold botanicals, and abstract florals.
- Animal prints: all the favourites, leopard, zebra, snake, and cheetah patterns.
- Abstract and artistic prints: let your creativity come to life with watercolours, brushstrokes, and geometric abstracts.
- Traditional patterns: tried and tested, consider a paisley print.
It can be a bit technical
1. Print scale
The size of the element within your print can impact how your prints and patterns look together. From tiny patterns that almost look like a solid colour from a distance (think small polka dots or thin pinstripes) to large, bold statement patterns that grab attention (such as oversized florals and large geometric designs), what you pair together matters.
2. Visual weight
As well as the scale of the patterns and prints, it’s important to consider how dominant a print is. Even a large pattern doesn’t have to take centre stage in an outfit if the pattern is delicate or light. Prints with a heavy visual weight are often high contrast with bold colours, but they can be any scale.
Why it matters
The scale and weight of your prints and patterns can make or break your look. For example, simply by changing the thickness of the stripes in your outfit, you can completely alter which element becomes the focal point.
The secret formula to mixing prints
If there's a ‘secret’ to mixing prints in clothes, it's balance. The better the balance between print scale, visual weight, colours, and blank space, the more seamless your outfit will seem.
For the perfect way to mix prints and patterns, use our easy ‘rule of three’ to ensure your outfit still looks balanced.
1. Coordinate your colours
When mixing prints and patterns, stick to a unified colour palette, avoiding any big colour clashes that might make your outfit feel disconnected. This keeps the look cohesive even when patterns differ.
Look for common shades between prints; this helps to create a sense of harmony, even if the prints themselves are drastically different. For beginners, try starting with black and white combinations.
Try incorporating some neutral pieces to ground the outfit. You can easily achieve this by adding a solid blazer, jeans, or neutral-toned shoes to break up print-heavy looks.
2. Vary print scale
It’s important to vary the scale of the prints and patterns you’re wearing, so mix a large print with a smaller one. This helps to prevent your patterns from competing and gives your overall look a focal point.
A great way to do this is to pair a bold, large-scale floral skirt with a small-scale, fine-striped blouse to create contrast and depth.
3. Space matters
Having too many prints close together can overwhelm your look. Use layering (like jackets or vests) or blank space (like exposed skin at the neckline or ankles) to prevent your outfit from looking cluttered.
Top tip: Choose your dominant print. Let one of your prints take centre stage and treat any other prints as accents. This helps stop your outfit from feeling chaotic and a bit too ‘extra’. Think of your main print as the ‘lead role’ and the others as supporting characters.
Can You Mix Animal Prints? (Yes, and Here’s How)
We love mixing animal prints in our outfits – they’re pretty much neutrals in the fashion world. Here’s how to start mixing animal prints in your looks:
- Choose contrasting patterns: Think leopard print with zebra print, or snake print with cheetah print.
- Keep your colour story consistent: Stick with black, beige, or earthy tones for a seamless look.
- Use accessories: Try a zebra print belt with leopard print shoes before going all in.
One thing is certain: whether it's a mixed animal print dress or pairing animal print trousers with a patterned top, confidence is key.
Mix and match your prints like a pro
Here are some of our tried and true combinations to help you mix prints and patterns:
- Stripes mixed with florals: A true classic that is easy to balance.
- Polka dots mixed with plaid: A playful way to combine prints.
- Checks mixed with animal print: Modern and edgy, for seasoned veterans of mixing prints.
Top tip: Ensure that you match at least one colour across your prints to tie everything together.
Be bold and creative
While we’ve given you some tips and tricks and a formula for print mixing, we encourage you to experiment with your style. Your clothing is a way to express yourself, so if you feel like ignoring every tip and trick we’ve offered, go for it, and with confidence!
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