Metz Get Dressed: Pattern Mixing

Hi y’all! Here we are with week two of Metz Get Dressed (learn more about the series here and see week one here), and we’re focusing on pattern mixing. It always feels a bit scary to mix patterns, but I have some tips to make the process of building a mixed print outfit a bit easier.

Find a common color scheme and tones. When mixing patterns look for similar color schemes or tones to help tie the two patterns together. So both patterns have navy or grey or both patterns are warm toned hues. This makes the mixing seem more purposeful and less like you got dressed in the dark.

Vary the size. Too many patterns of one size pattern can make the outfit seem too busy or overwhelming. Choose one smaller and one larger when mixing.
Separate patterns with a solid. One of my go-to’s as you can see is leopard with plaid (or stripes), and the easiest way to do this is with leopard shoes, solid bottoms, and a patterned top. It allows you to dip your toe into pattern mixing without getting too crazy just yet.
Treat stripes as a solids. Wear your black and white striped shirt as if it is solid black by pairing a print you would wear with black.
Leopard is a neutral. We all know leopard has had a moment this season, but honestly, it is a neutral in my opinion. Instead of grabbing your brown shoes opt for your leopard ones instead.

I hope this helps you branch out of any closet rut you might be in and inspires you to try something new. Especially those who are fearful of pattern mixing. Now let me see what you create!

xx,

Linds