On-Trend Tuesdays: The Mix Masters

photo via refinery29.com

Mixing prints is scary.  I relinquish!  It’s daunting, challenging, and difficult to wrap one’s mind around.  The very thought of any of our beautiful, dainty, southern matriarchs’ responses to such an outlandish idea is enough to make a girl cringe.  But, then, you think of the subsequent rebelliousness of the look; how appealing such a nuanced, minor thumbing of the nose might be to the traditional establishment.  Ah, then you see a mixed-print dress sashaying its way down a runway, or yet another fresh-faced girl mixing it up and you think I want to be THAT girl.  Then the enemy of all confidence (Self Doubt) sets in:  I could never do that.  But, my fashionistas, I am here to give you an invitation, a license!  You are that cool, that confident, that modern.  All you need is a little know-how.

L to R, clockwise:  The adorable Susie Bubble, photo via elle.com; Olu'Kai Printed Ponyhair oxfords, 124.99 at Feet First on Magazine Street; Background image via theglamourai.com (mixed plaids!); editorial via fashionista.com; All Black Sequined Flats; Rachel Comey FW 2011, style.com; Street style shot, elle.com.

Mixing your prints not only belies a certain devil-may-care irreverence, it also implies a mastery of fashion altogether.  Having an instinctual understanding of pairing prints does not come naturally to many of us; to most it’s a learned comprehension that can begin in the most easy of ways.  As they say, practice makes perfect:  soon, you’ll be pairing prints with all the confidence and ease of a Mr. Newton girl.  Please also remember, if something just feels right, you have carte blanche to ignore absolutely everything.  Let’s begin.

Inspiration:  a Kelly Wearstler interior.  Photo via theglamourai.com

1. Start off Slow!
If you're super apprehensive, start with matching a scarf to a patterned shirt, or a leopard shoe with a striped dress.  If you begin with a clashing accessory, you'll feel way more comfortable putting on a patterned piece to offset it.  Also, staying within the same color family could help:  a navy+white polka dot skirt with a teal, navy, and taupe floral, for example.  Pick pieces that aren't "clowny" or costumey and it will be difficult to look anything but chic.

2. Basic vs. Nouveau Prints

To start off easy, take two “basic” or classic patterns and pair them together.  Basic prints are prints that are cultural establishments that we’ve seen a million times, like leopard print or florals, that stay within a somewhat limited color palette.  The first rule of mixing is that, if you are new to this, don’t even try to mix two of the same kind of print, i.e. two different kinds of nautical stripes.  But do take one and mix with the other:  leopard with ikat, or floral with a stripe.  When you get more comfortable, you can begin to pair the classic prints with more avant-garde ones if you’re so inclined.   The only thing I make myself remember is that it is rare to find a girl wearing more than two prints who actually pulls it off.  Unless you're wearing Dries Van Noten today (I wish!) start with two.  Only two!

Left to right:  J. Crew FW 2011 x 2, Rachel Roy FW 2011 (all three style.com); Whiting and Davis Leopard Mesh Bag, NOLA Couture Orange cashmere blend scarf with crab print, 74.99 at Feet First on Royal Street; Nicole Host Leopard Pump

3. Don’t Try Too Hard

Two different prints that happen to be the same type of print, in the same scale, and in a similar color palette will read like this:  you are the kind of lady who had way too much time on her hands to painstakingly search for the exact same print in two different pieces, and found something so similar that maybe? she thought the world would not notice that they were just a little bit different.  In a word:  crazy.  So not fresh or modern!

4. K.I.S.S.

When you are making such a – fab! – statement, keep your other pieces simple.  Black, nude, gray, white, and taupe accoutrements are best.  When you are new to mixing, you might want to steer clear of otherwise eye-catching, yet competing elements like metallics or statement jewelry.  Remember, you want to look chic, fresh and maybe just a little edgy.  I repeat:  not crazy!

5. Tailoring.  Is.  Everything.

The number one easiest way to become overwhelmed by a look:  an ill-fitting garment.  Ensure that the fit of everything is picture-perfect and you’ll look like a song.

The Master of Mixing, Dries Van Noten.  FW 2011.   All images via style.com

Want my cheat sheet?  Here are some of my favorite pairings of all time.

-leopard and nautical stripes

-leopard and ikat or tribal print

-stripes and florals (especially in warmer weather)

-Plaid on Plaid (yeah!)

-Any two black and white graphic prints. 

Pairing prints like a pro is an ability that comes with time.  It might take a couple of tries in your wardrobe to find the perfect pairing, but if you give it a go I am sure you will find an ensemble that jives juuust right.  Go with your instincts and you’ll see for yourself that confidence really is your very best accessory.  Who knows, once you conquer the world of prints, maybe you’ll garner just a little bit more of it…?

Love and fashion,

Keke

P.S.  Post any printastic (or other!) fashion conundrums in our Comments section and I’ll be happy to reply.  Happy styling!