Welcome back to another Salty Saturdays post! Today, we’re diving into one of the trickiest but most fun aspects of styling—mixing patterns! When done right, mixing prints can elevate your outfit, giving it a bold, creative, and eye-catching vibe. But, how do you mix patterns without clashing? Let’s get into it!
1. Start with a Neutral Base
The key to mastering pattern mixing is balance. Start with a neutral color or solid base, like a pair of jeans or a basic top, to ground the patterns. This ensures that your outfit doesn’t become overwhelming. Neutral shades like black, white, beige, or soft pastels make for a great foundation, allowing your patterns to shine without competing for attention.
2. Pair Patterns of Different Scales
When combining prints, aim for patterns that are different in size. For example, you can pair large florals with small polka dots or thin stripes with a bold plaid. The contrast in scale helps the prints complement each other rather than clash.
A good rule of thumb: choose one statement pattern and one supporting pattern. The bolder print takes the spotlight, while the smaller print adds visual interest without competing for attention.
3. Find a Common Color
Patterns with a similar color palette tie the whole look together, making it feel cohesive. You don’t need to match everything exactly—just having a single shared color between your patterns can make all the difference. For example, if you're wearing a patterned skirt with shades of blue, find a top that also has blue tones in its print. This creates harmony, even if the designs are wildly different.
4. Stripes Go with Everything
Stripes are a wardrobe MVP—they pair beautifully with almost any other print. Whether you're rocking polka dots, florals, or animal print, stripes help balance out the look without overpowering it. They add structure and can be styled in a vertical or horizontal pattern depending on the vibe you’re going for.
5. Animal Prints as a Neutral
Animal prints like leopard, cheetah, or snakeskin often act as neutrals and can be paired with nearly any pattern. For instance, a leopard print blouse with a floral or plaid skirt can add unexpected depth to your outfit. Just be sure the colors don’t clash and follow the rule of varying the scale of the patterns.
6. Keep it to Two or Three Patterns
While it's tempting to go all out with prints, try to limit your outfit to two or three patterns at most. Too many prints can feel chaotic, and you'll lose that effortlessly chic vibe you're aiming for. Play around with textures too—mixing a patterned scarf with a textured sweater can add even more interest without overwhelming the look.
7. Confidence is Key
Finally, the most important element in mixing patterns is confidence! Own your look and wear it boldly. Pattern mixing is an art form, and it’s all about expressing your unique style. If it feels right to you and makes you feel great, then you’re already rocking it!
At Be Salty Boutique, we love experimenting with styles that help you stand out while staying true to your vibe. If you’re looking to try your hand at mixing patterns, we’ve got plenty of options in-store and online—from playful stripes to bold florals and animal prints. Drop by and we’ll help you mix, match, and master this stylish trend!
Until next time, stay salty and keep slaying those patterns! 🌊👗
- Jess