Mixing Prints and Patterns

Firstly I’d like to apologise that it’s been such a long time between posts.

With dressing women for Melbourne’s racing seasons and the success of the recent article in the Australian Financial Review on Style by Gessica (thank you Jacquie Hayes) I have been inundated doing what I love most – helping women shine.

It’s been amazing and I have you to thank for that for your ongoing support and recommendations. I really appreciate it.

And so – my new post on prints and patterns.

What’s the rule to mixing them well? You know already I am going to say there’s no general rule but there are definite guidelines that will make you look amazing and not like a quilt.

There is an art to mixing and matching opposing prints.

One mix may look good on one person but not the other. However once you do get the hang of what works on you, you’ll be able to take what you’ve got in the wardrobe further to create interesting outfits for work and fun. Although it can be tricky to mix prints, fabrics and patterns,  you’ll be surprised at how many times your can wear a particular item differently. Mixing prints doesn’t mean it’s all about boldness and colour either. It can be subtle and sophisticated too. My main piece of advice is as ever – experiment.

Of course it’s also worth hiring a professional to help you pull it all together and you know where to find me by now. Enjoy.

In this post I’m going to give you some simple examples of prints mixed together. They are visual, colourful mixes that oddly enough look good together for both work and leisure.

Mixing prints with Skirts:

This graphic printed pencil skirt from Get the Looks works well with this feminine lace and embroidered Veronica Beard blouse found on Matches. Notice the shoes and handbag are mismatched as well yet tend to work together quite well. It is a matter of experimenting.

Another eclectic combination of prints and colours that can be worn together. This Stella Jean skirt and Diane Von Furstenburg wrap top both found on Matches worn with striped shoes are a daring work outfit.

Mixing prints and fabrics can also just be about various colour combinations as in this look.

The Midi skirt is a popular choice when mixing prints. So much variety. This outfit is showing you that it doesn’t have to be all about colour. The black and white cardigan from Jane Norman with the graphically different satin skirt works. Add a dash of colour with shoes and detailed handbag.

Again another example of a midi skirt combination, this time with a patterned jacket and printed shoes. Both midi skirts found on Get the Looks. Balmain jacket found on Matches

Some daring pattern mixes. LOVE.

Well I can’t go past the Maxi skirt. This fabulous Etro skirt found on Net-a-Porter  looks stylish with an animal print cardigan. Add a thin belt, wedges and you have a bohemian style.

Another fantastic maxi look. I matched this elegant embroidered Temperley from London skirt found on Net-a-Porter with the crazy multi pattern Just Cavalli jacket found on FarFetch and kept going with the pattern mixes by throwing in this Megan Park clutch and earrings.

Dresses:

Yes you can achieve the mixed print look with a dress as you see here with this Roksanda Illinic dress found on Net-a-Porter, Nicholas Kirkwood shoes and fun floral handbag.

A-line dresses allow for diversity when mixing prints and patterns. Both these styles found on Net-a-Porter. However it’s the patterned shoes, handbags and accessories that make a difference in these ensembles. As you can see, although they are completely mismatched, they do work together in an odd and quirky way.

Pants:

I love patterned pants mixed with silk blouses. Here I have placed these fabulous Witchery black and white pants with a silk Roberto Cavalli blouse. The Colourful Diane Von Furstenburg pants strangely work well with this Floral silk bow blouse from Dolce and Gabbana found on My Theresa.  Again, I added printed shoes just to complete the look.

I had too much fun putting these looks together and could have added far more collages as per usual.  It is incredible how far you can go with mixing prints and patterns. I experiment with my wardrobe all the time and that is key for you. Just keep experimenting. Many of the items were sourced on Net-a-porter, Matches, Polyvore, My Theresa, Get The look, and many other sites.

As I keep repeating in my posts, these are purely looks to give you an idea of how to put things together. If there is something you love that I haven’t given details on where it is found, then please email me at stylebygessica@gmail.com and I will send you details plus any other queries you have.  I can also help you with sourcing similar items that are within your budget if some of the items on here are not.

Enjoy and see you next time.

Gessica X