Mixing different patterns and fabrics is a way to elevate your outfit unexpectedly. Besides, if you know how to do it well you’ll be able to give your outfit an extra personal touch. There’s nothing as boring as a predictable creation (dressing in one designer from top to bottom = lack of imagination). All you need is courage, imagination, and, of course, creativity. A few rules you should adhere to:

Tip 1 Repeat Colours

The most important thing when you combine different patterns in an outfit is to have one colour in common. The repetition of a specific colour makes it look like the different fabrics mesh. Even if you’re wearing two completely different patterns, it may still look like they belong together. A lime green, striped skirt and a paisley with a lime green background. The colours don’t have to correspond exactly, but they should look alike enough to make clear you wanted to combine the two on purpose.

Tip 2 choose a combination between big and small prints

If you combine too many prints of the same size, you might end up looking rather scattered and messy. Combine big and smaller prints. The combination of big and small spots are very hot this summer. Also thick and narrow stripes are often used together.

Tip 3 follow the 60-30-10 rule

If you’re mixing three different patterns then make sure the biggest print covers about 60 percent of the look, choose an average sized pattern for 30 percent of the look, and the accents only 10 percent. The accent could be a fabric and pattern, but also a shawl or striking earrings. If you follow this rule you’ll see that it’s easy to end up with a nice balance, which isn’t too over-the-top.

Tip 4 use an even fabric to alternate between prints

Sometimes, two prints can clash. An even fabric can then cause some harmony. Choose a colour that corresponds with both prints. For example an unlined jacket in an exotic floral motif with a long skirt in an abstract pattern combined with a uni fabric top. This combination gives the eyes a place to rest instead of skipping between busy patterns.

Tip 5 mix two similar patterns

Which means, thematically similar prints. Think of flowers and leaf motifs or leopard with python print. This season we also see lots of abstract patterns combined with each other (Céline). Another possibility is to combine different patterns in the same colours. This look’s especially great if you combine black and white.

PS: Perhaps you only think about mixing clothing, but you can also play with accessories like patterned bags, shoes, and shawls.

PPS: This season there are a lot of great t-shirts with prints. Use it with other prints, preferably in the same colours or theme.