Change It Up for Spring - Try Mixing Your Prints
It has been a long hard winter here in New England. If you're like me you want to put those dark heavy clothes you wore all winter in the back of your closet not to be touched again for many, many months! CThis spring why not go way out of your comfort zone? Try the new trend that is everywhere - mix your florals, graphics, and animal print.
Now, I am totally a left-brain individual. Everything has to be neat and organized so mixing prints scares me. However, I ventured into this last year by mixing polka dots and stripes. This spring I am totally in for this. Here are the tips I’m following that help me decide what works and what doesn’t.
Now, I am totally a left-brain individual. Everything has to be neat and organized so mixing prints scares me. However, I ventured into this last year by mixing polka dots and stripes. This spring I am totally in for this. Here are the tips I’m following that help me decide what works and what doesn’t.
1. Colors are key.
To be the safest, choose prints that have the same dominant matching color. Many prints have a dominant white, beige, blue, or black color to them. If you want go bolder, choose less dominant colors to match. And, finally, if you want to go all the way just choose colors that look like they go together even though they don’t truly match.
2. Choose the scale.
The simplest is to pick one print for your top and another for your bottom choosing smaller, simpler designs to create one continuous flow. To take it a step further, try one bold print mixed with a simpler print. Wear the bolder print on your top if you are a triangle figure, or wear it on your bottom if you are an inverted triangle. Aways keep in mind your unique body shape and what you want to emphasize by directing the eye.
3. Break up the prints.
Use solid colors to break up the prints. The solid should match both prints. An example is to wear a striped top, a floral pant/skirt and then top with a solid jacket or cardigan. An alternative (and very safe) is to wear two different prints on the top (printed top with printed scarf) and a neutral on the bottom. Use a solid color belt to break up a printed top and bottom combination.
4. Accessorize.
Play around with your accessories. You can use them to help break up the prints and also to emphasize a shade in both prints. For example, if both of your prints have red then use that in your earrings, necklace, shoes or bags. Or, again, if you have a floral dress match an animal print bag or shoes. Just have fun and experiment.
Here are examples of what you can mix:
- Polka dots with plaid or stripes
- Black & white prints
- Two kinds of animal prints
- Floral and Stripes
- Tweed with plaid
- Leopard and graphic
I looked in my wardrobe and took out a floral printed skinny jean from last year that I only wore with a white top. I paired it with a plaid shirt that I have had for several years and only wore with blue denim. Then I found a scarf that also looks good with the outfit. Take a peak at my combinations. A great on-trend outfit without spending any money!
Once you try this trend and get comfortable with it your wardrobe options are endless! For some people - there are no rules - go for it. However, remember this - whatever you wear you need to love it and own it. Wear it with confidence!
