After a winter full of warm, heavy clothes, there’s just something about reaching for all the bright, beautiful patterns in your closet that feels like a breath of fresh air. If you’re like me, it doesn’t quite feel like spring until you pull your floral prints out of hibernation.
Patterns are everywhere these days and for good reason. They’re a great way to add interest to your outfit and make a bold statement. It may seem like mixing accessories with your printed pieces would result in a “zany art teacher” look, but adding a bright scarf or fun statement necklace is actually a great way to anchor a strong pattern. With a few guiding principles, it’s easy to mix-n-match patterns and accessories to create looks that are all your own.
To help inspire you to mix patterns and accessories, I’m going to style four bold looks that I’ll be living in this spring — paired with my favorite statement making accessories from Noonday Collection. Shall we begin?
Start with staples.
Do you find yourself always pulling out the same black dress to pair with an eye-catching statement necklace? If so, it’s time to mix it up with some fun patterns! If you’re not sure where to start, begin with basics. A simple stripe or polka-dot pattern will make an impact when paired with a bold accessory. Or you can even try a leopard print, which feels daring but actually works well as a basic.
Give patterns some space.
Want to go bold with a statement accessory and a piece of statement clothing? We like the way you think. Just be sure to space out the patterned clothing item and accessory to avoid a look that’s too busy. A basic black top helps break up two bold prints to create a cohesive look. Adding a belt can also be a great way to draw a visual divide between a strong print and a sassy bib necklace.
It’s all in the (color) family.
We love the way women are mixing different patterns to create entirely new looks. This may have been a fashion faux pas in your grandmother’s heyday, but these days an animal print skirt and a plaid top can get along famously. If you try out this mix-and-match trend, simply avoid mixing colors. Pick patterns and accessories with one or two shared shades to create a cohesive story.
Look for complimentary patterns.
Some things just belong together. Chocolate and sea salt, bacon and eggs — stripes and floral are also a winning combination! Polka dots are another sure bet when it comes to prints that play well with others. Take time to explore your own closet to discover which patterned pieces are just begging for a formal introduction.
And … don’t forget about neutral prints! These are another great way to play with texture. Best of all, they make an excellent backdrop for a brilliant pair of earrings or a chunky bib necklace.
How do you experiment with pattern play?
Images via Cassie Robison of Noonday Collection
1 comment
Great tips. I’ve found that incorporating the same colors into my accessories with a print helps. You always have to have one color from the print in another clothing piece (a shirt, a scarf, or a jewelry accessory) to help balance it out and not leave your outfit with a look that is overwhelming. I’m going to use these tips to help me style prints even more!