Photo by Violeta Neamtu

The idea of mixing two different patterns may seem a little scary at first, as it could easily lead to a fashion mishap, but if properly executed—with the right combinations, the outcome can make quite a bold statement. By following a few simple rules, you can overcome your fears and confidently combine patterns in no time.

The first and perhaps most important rule is to avoid mixing too many patterns together; two or three will work just fine. Too many different patterns in one outfit will clash, which won’t be very appealing to the eye, and definitely too much for someone with a minimalist style. Keeping the number of patterns to a minimum allows the eyes to dance over the patterns and see the outfit as a whole as opposed to several separate pieces. The key is to have a harmonious blend, and for the same reason, the patterns used should complement rather than compete with each other.

It’s equally important to mix patterns of different sizes and densities. Instead of mixing a large floral print piece with a large polka-dotted piece, try putting smaller polka dots with large floral prints or tighter polka dots with sparse floral prints. This method will create a more balanced look.

Another helpful tip is to stay within the same color family, and choosing a basecolor is a great place to start. For example, if you have on teal and brown plaid shorts, try pairing them with a striped top that has one or both of the colors present in the shorts. The colors don’t need to be an exact match, but they should come close. Starting with a base color allows the outfit to flow together smoothly, making it much easier to pair prints together. With that being said, try not to be too matchy-matchy, which may take away some of the oomph from the outfit!

Last put certainly not least, it’s best to break up the patterns, which can be done in a couple ways. One way is to incorporate a solid into the outfit, so rather than wearing a printed shirt, cardigan and tights, simply substitute the tights with solid hosiery. Accessories also allow for a small but very noticeable break to pattern mixing, not to mention they can add a real punch to the ensemble. An animal print belt or a bold printed scarf is a great way to liven up an outfit, but don’t overdo it! Over-accessorizing can both overwhelm the outfit and make it look cluttered, so again, take a more balanced approach.

If pattern mixing still seems a little risky, start of slowly with a scarf or even a handbag. Once you get comfortable, you can add patterns to your outfit. And whenever you’re in doubt, stripes with floral prints is always a safe bet, so go ahead and start mixing your way to a fabulously chic you!