Mixing patterns can be tough, but don’t fret—it’s easier than you think!
This Fashionista is heading into her senior year at Syracuse University. She grew up with a mother who loved fashion and encouraged her to express herself through her wardrobe. She told me, “I like to wear clothes that are a little different and edgy because I feel like it’s a way to make a statement.”
Wearing anything that makes you feel confident makes a statement about your personality or level of professionalism. Having positive encouragement to wear what you want from your family, as in the Fashionista’s case from her mother, goes a long way to celebrating who you are as an individual.
Her top is from GUESS. Large floral prints are great for mixing patterns because they are not overly distracting like small cheetah print or polka dots can be. Florals also give you a lot of colors to choose form when completing your outfit. This Fashionista chose a powder blue bag to complement her floral print and the water color effect it has.
High-waisted jean shorts are a staple in any woman’s wardrobe these days. Denim is considered as neutral as black or white in the world of fashion. In accessorizing, she has also taken the risk of mixing metals. The large bronze buttons on her shorts are far enough away from the silver necklace that they complement each other, rather than clash.
This Fashionista’s striped heels add an element of surprise and sophistication to the outfit that many people wouldn’t dare try, however it works out well because the patterns are far enough away from each other that they aren’t butting heads. When mixing patterns, things don’t always have to be so far apart, but if you’re just getting into it this is always a good way to begin.
How To: Pull out your favorite garments that feature any pattern from zebra to floral and lay them out on your bed. Pair clothes with colored patterns that are either complementary (opposite each other on the color wheel) or analogous (next to each other on the color wheel). You should have some fun selections that may breathe new life into your wardrobe!
