Mixed Signals.

Over the last few years patterns have become increasingly more popular in fashion. A way to spice up the usual patterned items in your wardrobe is to pair them with other patterns in place of basics. This may seem like a failure in the works, but when you mix patterns correctly they create an awesome look.

(shirt, skirt)

One way to mix patterns is to keep the same basic color scheme between the two. In this outfit, we have a black and white flannel worn with a black and white striped skirt. This mixing of patterns works due to the continuity in colors between the two items. 

(top, sweater)

Another way to mix patterns is by having a smaller pattern mixed with a larger pattern. In this outfit, we have a polka dot print top with a striped sweater. The large stripes balance out the small print of the polka dots.

(dress, jacket)

A final way to mix prints is by having the same shape of the prints. In this outfit we have a mixture of cheetah print and a soft grid looking pattern. Both of these patterns appear as little circles and therefore can be paired together for shape continuity.

There are a few ways that a simple mixture of patterns can go terribly wrong. One thing to avoid is two like prints worn together. For example: one should not mix a floral top with a floral skirt. The difference between prints is what makes them work. Another thing to avoid is clashing colors. When working with mixing prints it is best to stick to neutral colors or pull a color from one print and use it in the other. For example, if you wear a floral shirt with purple yellow and green on it, you can wear a sweater with one of those colors in a print with a neutral.

Trying out a few different mixtures of the prints in your closet will give you different options and  allow you to see which prints work best together of your own.