Mixing patterns

What Was She Thinking?

On my Sunday observations today I noticed a trend of badly coordinated patterns.

This was particularly apparent with one woman, who though dressed with style had chosen to put three different patterns together that did work, all variations of animal prints: She had on a grey and black animal print cardigan over and green and black camo print tank, blue jeans and very cute animal print flats. The result was a chaos of spots that did not work well together!

I’ve seen this done before successfully but it is hard. If you are going to mix patterns, which can create a very interesting, playful look, your must do it thoughtfully.
It is best if the patterns do not compete, so mix scale and motif. For Example, a large scale paisley over a tight check can work well together as opposed to the Spotty animal print over the spotty camo in the same scale.
There also should be some common theme between the two patters like a common color or shape or even contrasting colors work well. An orange check with a blue stripe is poppy and eye catching. The two animal prints, though common in theme, had nothing for the eye to connect them together.

The outfit she wore was a cute idea, each individual garment was great, but really, what was she thinking???It just shows how important it is to think how you put things together. Have fun mixing patterns, but do it with care! (A hint for spring, florals are big and mix with argyle really well)

What are some great pattern combinations that you’ve seen or worn that you have loved?