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Mixing prints can feel so intimidating. We often see online: “How to mix prints,” because it's taken over social media. Sometimes you see a dizzying swirl of florals, stripes, and plaids that somehow looks impossibly chic in store or on others, but when you try it yourself, the result feels less like curated chic and more like a jumbled mess. For years, prints have been trending, and there are so many ways to style different prints. Yet, the questions remain: where do you even start, and how do you successfully mix and match prints without looking like you got dressed in the dark? Think of this as your print-mixing playbook for fall.
We’ve all been there, standing in front of the mirror with a leopard print top and checkered skirt, feeling like a fashion victim instead of a visionary. But the truth is, fashion is a form of self-expression, and sticking to old rules really can hold us back. In fact, Emma Macdonald, CEO of statement style brand TBCo, shared with Teen Vogue, “The ‘rules’ around mixing prints and minimal styling are very much out the window this season; it’s more about confidence and having fun than following rigid guidelines.” So, if you are looking for inspo on how to mix and match prints this fall, here are some of the top tips from stylists and fashionistas on the different ways you can master the art of mixing prints:
Start Small by Mixing Textures
Want to dip your toes into mixing without jumping into the deep end right away? Pair a statement print with another plain texture. “We’re backing faux-snake print with borg and chunky ribbed knits. It's all about textural combos like a reversible gilet or cosy bomber cardigan over a dress, or a chocolate brown thick funnel neck jumper with a flowing skirt,” says Lucy Bevan, Creative Director at Mint Velvet. Similarly, Rachael Perry, stylist and wardrobe consultant, says that mixing textures is a great way to dip your toes into prints without going full-fledged print-mixing yet. “A mesh top worn with pants in a heavier fabric like satin or denim but both in the same print – the different textures will achieve a similar outcome but feel slightly safer than mixing [two different] prints.” Finally, Ashley Conor, stylist and image consultant, has been seeing “a lot of lace, sheer dresses and vintage nightgowns on the streets this summer” and she is excited to see these textures mixed with “plaids, checks, and our other fall print staples.”
Balance Prints with Neutrals
Even if unintentional, this tip is probably the most followed. “Balance bold patterns with autumn neutrals,” suggests Bevan. For example, she suggests using cream jeans as a “perfect way to anchor any conversational prints,” and another good tip is blending leopard print and blue denim.
Play with Color
When it comes to mixing prints, another tip is picking prints that share a similar color palette or picking one standout color from the print and highlighting it. “Sticking within a color palette can make a [print] look blend more cohesively, or it can be helpful to have a bolder signature color that runs through all prints,” says Conor. Bevan agrees, saying, “A sharp focus on a warm fall palette will make print-mixing feel effortless.” Perry advises to pair an “animal print mini skirt with black or brown top/knit” because that will look “so chic”. She also agrees that, “in the same way, if you have a print with lots of colors, pick one color in the print and match the rest of your outfit to that.”
Add Accessories
You don’t necessarily have to wear the prints as the main outfit, but you can certainly add prints via accessories - headbands, socks, scarves - the possibilities are endless. “Printed silk scarves are the ultimate low stakes way to effortlessly mix prints into your neutral outfit; in the hair, on the bag, tied around the waist or on a belt loop, there are endless ways to wear them. These accessories are a great way to dip your toe into print mixing, without committing to an entirely new wardrobe,” says Conor. Alternatively, if your outfit is full of prints, you can use accessories to balance the look out. “We’re zipping into leather boots to style up our prints [or] taking them down a notch with retro suede sneakers,” says Bevan.
Clash Prints
This is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes it won’t make total sense, but if you are ready to make a style statement, a full on print clash is the perfect way to do so. The key for a clash is confidence, of course. Macdonald says, “What feels fresh this fall] season is the way we’re [going to see prints] layered and clashed with unexpected prints.” This means two or more prints that would traditionally not go together – think bold floral and leopard print, for example. Embrace the chaos in the chicest way possible.
