How To Mix Prints Like A Pro

If you're looking for a way to create the ultimate fashionista look for you or your clients this Spring/Summer, then mixing prints is it! We've seen this trend all over the runways at fashion week at now it's making its way to the high street as one of the biggest trends of the season. But while we sit back and watch the models pull off the perfect print match, contrasts, and clashes, it can be a style that brings fear to many clients and even Stylists. But have no fear! I've got all the tips and tricks you need to pull together the ultimate mix like a pro.

Pick Your Dominant Pattern - The first thing you'll need to do is choose the pattern that will be the focal point of your outfit. A dominant pattern is usually one that is brightly colored, large print, or there is simply more of it than other patterns. Think of the pattern which is going to be the most eye-catching and that will naturally attract people's attention. If you're not ready to go for big, bold flowers, don't worry, a polka dot or a plaid that covers the whole of the article of clothing is still a dominant pattern.

Choose Your Accent Pattern - Your accent pattern works to break up your dominant pattern and make it a little less overwhelming. Your accent pattern should compliment your dominant pattern while still adding interest to the outfit. More muted colors work best for an accent and will help balance out the bright colors. Find a pattern that has smaller details to use for your accent. If you have large flowers for your dominant pattern, then you'll want to choose a smaller flower print for your accent. This again helps to create balance in your look.

Find the Right Balance - When mixing prints, it's all about creating the right balance. You should never be looking for a 50/50 ratio between your dominant and accent pattern. Your dominant pattern needs to be just that, so your accent needs to be smaller or cover less of an area.

Choose Your Connecting Theme - Whether it's the print itself or simply a color, your outfit needs to have a connecting theme. If you're choosing floral prints then you can continue this through the outfit as your connecting theme. You can also use color as a way to connect the patterns, so look for a complimenting color in the two patterns you choose. For example, if you're wearing blue stripe trousers then you can go for a blue polka dot top as the color blue is the connecting theme.

Pick Your Placement - Wearing prints draws attention, so it's important to make sure you are drawing attention to the area you want. If you're not happy with your hips and thighs, then you'll probably want to wear the dominant print on the top rather than the bottom.

Don't Forget Accessories - When mixing prints many people think simply of skirts and tops or pants and tops, but don't forget about accessories! Accessories can actually be your dominant or accent print so don't forget about them. There's no reason you can't wear a leopard print shoe with plaid pants as long as there's a connecting theme such as color.

Have fun - Fashion should be fun, and there's no better way to have fun than to play around with mixing different prints. Try putting things together that you think would never work, and you might be pleasantly surprised at how great they look.

Happy Styling!

Louisa.

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Photo credit: Getty Images, Dolce & Gabanna