Print Mixing
The minute the weather starts to warm up I start rummaging through my closet for items of clothing to wear that do not include black or navy. I feel compelled to start wearing bright, happy clothing which may or may not include a fun print. Last year I became intrigued with print mixing. I was more of an observer than an actual participant but was curious about how some people were pulling off the look effortlessly and with plenty of style.
Recently, after a few days of spring-like weather, I was ready to dig into my closet for some fun looks. I wanted to try my hand at print mixing and looked for any prints I could put together and feel confident enough to wear outside the four walls of my closet. These looks represent for me a reasonable "starter pack" where I'm dipping my toe in the print mixing water without diving in head first. Here's what I created:
Stripes + Dot + Leopard
As soon as I put this outfit on I immediately wanted to have somewhere to go. I love the combination of stripes and leopard with the addition of the "dot" print, which is more muted. It's bold but in a fun and playful way.
Stripes + Leopard
Stripes with leopard print is an easy print mix especially with black bottoms as a base, to give the prints a respectable amount of distance. I could definitely embrace this pairing.
Floral + Leopard Print
This combo has been out there, a la Dolce & Gabana, yet I never thought to wear these two pieces together, until now. I love how fun it is in an unexpected, sexy way. Throwing the white jeans in to separate the bold prints makes it easier to wear.
Graphic Print + Zebra
Black and white graphic print can easily be mixed with animal print. Adding white as a base to separate the prints makes each print stand on their own but the entire look is pleasing to the eye.
Polka dot + brocade
Wearing black or nude footwear to finish off an outfit that includes a polka dot print top is an obvious choice but adding a brocade print shoe is turning it up a notch.
Here are some recent street style print mixing for inspiration if you're thinking of taking a stab at it. These are more bold and brave, I personally need a bit more practice before going all in.
