For a beginner pattern mixer, stripes are a must! Stripes are the one pattern that everyone has in their closet, and if you don’t, what are you waiting for? Stripes are the starting point of pattern mixing and pair well with pretty much any pattern because they’re basically a neutral. The best part: stripes come in so many varieties! Not only can you switch up the color(s), but the stripe width comes in thin, bold, and everything in-between! We’re picturing a bold floral skirt with a thin striped top or even a bold striped pants paired with a leopard print blouse.

Pair with: floral, gingham, plaid, polka dots, contrasting stripes, and more complicated patterns for more advanced mixing. Switch between thin and bold stripes depending on the pattern.

Plaid is the other pattern that I’m sure you have in your wardrobe. Plaid patterns vary in size, color, and the number of colors, but there are a few simple tricks to pattern mixing with plaid. Try pairing two plaid patterns together, but use opposites! A large, simple plaid looks perfect when paired with a smaller, busier, more colorful plaid. You can’t go wrong with black on black so try pairing with stripes or more plaid in black, white, or grey. Like all pattern mixing, the key to pairing plaids is to mix complementary colors and tones. Try pairing a plaid scarf with a thin striped tee.

Pair with: stripes, more plaid, graphics, gingham, and herringbone.

Gingham is the another print that you’re almost sure to have in your closet. Gingham comes in a wide range of prints, from patterns that look more like plaid to prints with tiny checkers. General gingham rule of thumb: If a pattern looks like checker print with even grids, it’s gingham. If it has a lot of extra, uneven lines, it’s plaid. When in doubt about what to pair gingham with, always choose polka dots or floral.

Pair with: floral, plaid, polka dots, and other complex patterns (anchor print).

Polka dots were probably one of your favorite patterns since you were little. You might even think you’ve outgrown them, but we’re here to tell you to try again! Polka dots can be super fun for pattern mixing. One of the more playful combinations is mixing a polka dot print with another contrasting polka dot print, aka, a print with larger or smaller dots. Try a larger polka dot on top and pair with a small polka dot print skirt on the bottom.

Pair with: stripes, floral, graphics, and contrasting size polka dots.

Floral is one of those trends that just keeps coming back and we’re perfectly okay with that. Whether you’re a bold floral or small print floral kind of girl, you need to be pattern mixing with floral! Floral prints are one of the more versatile patterns in fashion. When in doubt, always pair floral patterns with stripes! There is almost no better beginner pattern mixing than this duo, just imagine a bold floral shirt with a lighter pinstripe pant. Mix and match the scale of both prints to create countless perfect pattern mixed outfits that will have you looking like a fashion blogger.

Pair with: stripes, gingham, polka dots, animal prints, and contrasting floral.

Animal prints have always been considered a neutral and can be mixed with just about anything! If you’re one to shy away from animal prints in general, start small! Animal prints make for great accessories as shoes, handbags, and neck scarves. Start with leopard and branch out from there!

Pair with: stripes, floral, gingham, herringbone, and other animal prints.

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