Welcome to day 25 of the “New Year New You” Challenge and tomorrow’s challenge is to wear mixed prints.
We are posting each challenge the evening before so that you have time to prepare your outfit/ your challenge ahead of time.
New Year New You Challenge 2021 : Wear mixed prints
So, tomorrow’s challenge is “Wear Mixed Prints”.
“I want to remind people of a different kind of glamour, a different look, and breaking rules of fashion. I want to break the rules”. Dita Von Teese
Today, I want to challenge you to have some fun, experimenting with mixed prints.
“Never mix prints” is one of the outdated fashion “rules”, similar to “blue and green should never be seen“, and we now often see examples of print mixing, and it’s a really fun way to elevate your style.
And yet, many of us still hesitate before placing two prints next to each other, and it never quite seems to look right when we attempt it ourselves.
Mixing prints is a little daunting, and yet when done right it looks fabulous. So, here are a few tips to help you get mixed prints right.
1 Cheat
You can follow my example and cheat by having all the mixed prints in one piece, such as in this skirt from Claudie Pierlot.
I paired it with a simple green sweater, from Sezane, which picks up one of the colours in the skirt. (see this post for how to wear a bold print).
However, whilst technically, I think this counts as mixed prints, it’s not really in the spirit of the challenge so here are a few tips for mixing prints in different pieces, and a look from this summer.
2 Pay attention to Balance
Balance large and small prints.
If one print is big, then balance it out with a smaller scale print.
Balance loud and subtle prints.
If one print is bold and bright, balance it with a more subtle print, or mix neutral coloured prints with a bold coloured prints.
You want the overall look to be balanced and not about competing prints!
3 Make use of the “new neutrals”
Simple black or navy horizontal stripes are considered as neutrals for the purposes of print mixing, so you could combine a striped top with a bolder print skirt, or vice-versa.
Similarly, subtle animal prints such as snakeskin and leopard print, are considered as “neutral” for this purpose, so style them with a bold print, such as florals.
4 Pay attention to your body shape
In general, large prints and horizontal stripes make you look bigger, whereas small prints and vertical stripes are slimming.
With this in mind, wear the larger print/ bolder print on an area of your body that you want to draw attention to, and keep the smaller/ subtler print for the area of your body that you want to minimise/ distract attention from.
5 Mix prints that have a colour in common
Pick prints that have a colour in common to make the look more harmonious.
Or if you want to start simply, opt for black and white and mix black and white polka dots with black and white stripes for a subtle take on mixed prints, or opt for shades of grey.
The polka dot print above is so subtle, you can barely discern that there is a second print.
6 Mix prints of the same colour but in different sizes or inversed colours
For example, you could wear a black top with white polka dots and a white skirt with black polka dots. This will be aesthetically pleasing and create a balanced harmonious look.
7 Make use of accessories
If you’re not ready to commit to full-on print mixing, try adding the second print with an accessory, such as a print scarf or bag.
You can even try print mixing with your dog!
You can also have a look at my Pinterest board for mixed prints if you want some more inspiration.
And remember, it’s supposed to be fun, so don’t overthink it! It’s an opportunity to express your personality and be authentically you!
And, here are my favourite picks of the prints!
The aim of this challenge is to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe, by wearing what you already own to put together new outfits.
It’s about putting together what you own in new ways and shaking you out of your style rut. So, just have some fun with it!
I hope you enjoyed these tips for how to wear mixed prints, and you can also have a look at more of our style tips if you want some more inspiration.
Love these tips! very cool to incporate colors with something so busy.
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
Glad you like the tips Angelica xo
I never mix prints but they look great on you!!
Thank you so much Mariann xo
Love these tips! Print mixing is cool. Your mixed print skirt is gorgeous!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely xoxo
I absolutely love the very first skirt! So pretty with all of the different prints.
Make Life Marvelous
Thanks so much Ashley! I love this skirt too x
Dying over this beautiful skirt you are wearing. Mixing print and bold colors is so much fun!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much Kathrine! I love this skirt too!
These are great ideas and gorgeous looks! I love how mixing prints add a fun and unique element to an outfit!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill! Print mixing can be a lot of fun to experiment with xo