The Spring Summer 2016 shows saw lots of mixing and styling of patterns – one of my favourites being Stella Jean with her African inspired mixing up of patterns. We’ve also seen same patterns being worn together – especially for suits – a look previously considered taboo and now the hype of fashion.
So what is the secret to successfully wearing patterns – when are they mixed correctly and when is it simply a matter of bad taste?
The answer is simple – this time it all lies in your hands! If you wear something with confidence and act like it’s meant to be that way – with a purpose that you have defined in your own mind – then congratulations, you have successfully styled a multi pattern combination.
3 Simple Steps to Successfully Styling your mixed Pattern Outfit
1) Get all patterned pieces of clothing out of your wardrobe
2) Stand in front of a mirror try them all on in different combinations
3) Are there any that make you feel good? If yes then congratulations you’ve successfully styled your own mixed pattern look!
A word of warning though, mixing patterns is nothing for the faint hearted or those that aim to please as fashionable or not such a look will always polarise and never please all. Recently I published an article about “Bad Taste Day Survival” – I have found the feedback super interesting – many people told me how lucky I was my daughter saved me from going out looking like that and then at the same time I had just as much feedback from people telling me the outfit looked fabulous and I shouldn’t have listened to her.
If you’re not brave enough to mix patterns – start by wearing the same patterns together and then go from there.
Sometimes mixing patterns can happen by default – the other day rushing out for a photo shoot I didn’t have time to change properly so simply slipped on a skirt with shirt and cardigan I was already wearing – expecting it to look awful, but quite the opposite, teamed with brightly coloured high heels I actually pulled off a look that’s meant to be – smile!
Red and white Skirt and top borrowed from one of my favourite shops eclectic – really excited as today is the start of their 4 day warehouse sale – will I see you there??? I’m certainly going to see what there is on offer – smile.
All photos of me in this post from blackrabbit photography check out her brilliant site!
Wishing you all lots of fun mixing patterns!
5 Persons think this post is funky
Love both looks! All over pattern and pattern mixing are both daring, but I love it when it’s done right!
http://www.wearwagrepeat.com
Thanks for the feedback Tori.
Mixing prints is not for any one but I am all for it! The thing is you are are not going to please everyone but I really do not care to please everybody! I really love your two looks!
Thanks Lanae, sometimes it is nice not to feel like you have to please everybody – smile.
Great look! Love these styles!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks for your lovely comment Trang.
Have a great day XX
I couldn’t agree more! I wrote a whole post on pattern and print mixing, but it ultimately boils down to confidence. Wear anything with confidence and it will look purposeful and awesome!
– Liz @ Downtown Demure
Thanks Liz – you are so right 😉
Have a great day,
Yvonne XX
I Love this dress and how you styled like a skirt! Join my weekly Weekend Wear Linkup and share your style.
xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
Thanks Sheree – have a lovely weekend.
I will try to do this weekend – otherwise next weekend for sure.
XX Yvonne
Well Yvonne, you have styled patterns beautifully. That red+white dress is beautiful and stylish. I am a sucker for red anything. It is my most favorite color!
Please welcome by and linkup with me this Thursday and every Thursday. This outfit i so beautiful – it must be seen and shared! The new linkup is currently Live! Thanks and have a fabulous weekend!
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/04/thursday-moda-8-and-festival-inspired.html
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great pattern mix.
You’re welcome – always fun to see what the other linkups are wearing 😉
Yvonne XX
I found your blog via the Fashion Should Be Fun link-up and love this write-up. I love the print on the dress in your first outfit and your second outfit also looks fantastic. For me, sometimes throwing patterns together without overthinking them works really well. I see that you’re in Zurich. I had the chance to visit there last fall. If I ever return, I’ll have to get some shopping tips from you!
xo – Beth – Tall Fashion Adventures
Many thanks for your lovely comment Beth. Yes definitely – if you do come to Zurich again let me know and I may even be able to give you a personal shopping tour 😉
Have a wonderful Friday,
Yvonne XX