We’ve all been there—you’ve pressed the snooze button on your alarm clock three too many times and eventually you’re forced to roll out of bed, throw on the first two articles of clothing you find and run out the door. While this may seem like it could result in a less-than-cute look, accidental outfits can actually turn into something super trendy. Never before has clashing been so acceptable. The sea of patterns have officially merged, so there is no need to separate them. Plaid and floral or graphics with lace are just a couple nontraditional combinations that make for perfect outfits. However,this is definitely a trend that requires the action of meticulously thinking out what genuinely looks good together and what looks a tad too aggressive.
This week’s Fashionista did superb job of balancing two separate patterns by starting off with a cropped patterned pant. The small pattern is soft when accented with a large printed scarf. The two patterns are completely different but with the solid black tee in the mix, the combination is not at all overwhelming. The colors of the patterns flow well together, complementing each other. Finishing off the look with a bold red flat adds a pop of color which really completes the look.
My personal favorite portrayal of the trend is by certain Fashionistos. With the bow tie more popular than ever, this small accessory makes the outfit. The matching of a sock with a bow tie shows that little details matter the most. Even when a patterned bow tie is paired with a larger item like a contrasting patterned shirt, it can still be a huge success.
So why not take a risk? At the end of the day, clothes and outfit combinations are fun—in fact, they’re my favorite form of self expression.
How To: Before going big and bold, try a simple color contrast with your shirt and socks by cuffing your pants or just showing a little ankle. From there, when confident, mix larger prints with smaller ones. The difference in sizes will balance the two prints. Adding complementary colors will also help achieve the look. Once you’re comfortable with the ability to mix and match patterns and print sizes, you can go further with textures and contrasting colors. Be bold and be great!
