As a person who loves pattern mixing, it was really easy to come up with lots of examples for this post.
My best tip for mixing your patterns is to make sure that at least one colour is repeated in both. Even if that colour is black (or white), a common colour will ensure they don't clash. Another tip is to mix the same type of pattern in different colour ways: for example, blue leopard with orange leopard, or blue/red floral with red/blue floral.
If head-to-toe pattern mixing scares you, there are subtler ways to do it. A patterened scarf with a patterened top in similar colours or two black and white prints that aren't actually on top of each other are good ways to ease yourself in.
Are you an avid pattern mixer? What are your go-to mixed patterns of choice, and are you on the subtle or extreme scale? Do share in the comments!
Subtle pattern mixing
This is your best bet if you're afraid of pattern mixing or have never mixed them before. Either keep the patterns away from each other with a plain piece in-between, or choose one bold and one small pattern. Keep at least one consistent colour throughout and they won't be awkward like you think they might.
Subtle pattern mix #1 - A contrast of feminine rose print with a masculine camo (original post)
Subtle pattern mix #2 - A very obvious check with a very subtle, thin stripe (original post)
Subtle pattern mix #3 - Bold polka dots with a neck scarf in the same colour way (original post)
Subtle pattern mix #4 - Two black and white prints separated by a solid block of colour (original post)
Regular pattern mixing
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, go for two pieces in bolder patterns, again with a similar colour palette or 1-2 colours repeated in both. Rather than doing it head-to-toe you can break it up with a solid colour jacket, trousers or top (depending on your other pieces). The patterns can be be as wildly different as you like, just keep a colour theme in mind and you can't go wrong.
Regular pattern mix #2 - Three checks, from bold to subtle, all including a deep red colour (original post)
Regular pattern mix #3 - Two leopard prints in contrasting colours toned down with a neutral trench (original post)
Regular pattern mix #4 - The summer classic: florals and stripes, with blue in both (original post)
Extreme pattern mixing
This is where you can go a bit crazy with three (or four!) patterns, head-to-toe-everything patterned, or really, really bold combinations. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but you can get a coherent look by using a colour theme or a consistent pattern running throughout. If you buy pieces from a brand's particular collection you often find that they'll work beautifully together as they've been designed to at least look good next to each other on the store's rails, if not worn together. Go forth, and multiply those patterns...!
Extreme pattern mix #1 - Taupe-based bird print and stripes with a graphic floral in navy and taupe (original post)
Extreme pattern mix #2 - Three pieces from the same brand: Two versions of the same floral plus a bold window pane check (original post)
Extreme pattern mix #3 - Two prints with blue backgrounds with similarly-sized (but different) patterns (original post)
Extreme pattern mix #4 - Head-to-toe double floral with the same blue and red in both
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