i have a lovely guest post today from miss meryl! i am excited to share her knowledge on fashion and mixing and matching patterns. i love when people do this and especially when they feel confident in their outfits. i need to work on this!


For the past couple years, designers and fashionistas alike have turned the mixed prints look from faux pas to in vogue. This can be a hard look to master, but when done right you get beautiful pops of color, the likes of which spring has never seen. Mixing prints is a great way to stand out this season, so look your best with these tips on how to make prints sing a beautiful spring tune.

Prints by Color Scheme
If you are looking for some balance without giving up the fun, try getting into the pattern groove with matching color scheme throughout your outfit. By picking different prints with the unification of the same shades, you are able to produce an attention-grabbing outfit without being too matchy-matchy.
Make a statement this spring by coordinating two bold prints in like colors. Proenza Schouler showed off this striking number keeping the harmonious colors from head to toe. You could also do this with a more subdued look, introducing a monochromatic look. By keeping the colors exactly the same, you are able to get the same bold effect by using louder prints.

Working with a tight color palette enables you to play with scale of prints and type you are working with. By keeping the same colors you can go wild; mixing stripes with animal print, florals with polka dots.

Scale your prints
The best way to mix prints, without being an eye sore is to choose similar patterns in different sizes. Take polka dots for example. Pairing a big, bold, polka dot print tunic with smaller scale dots will give you an effortless look that is both flirty and fun for spring. This is definitely the way to go when you are new to the print mixing trend, and you can go as simple or as crazy as you want.

Keeping the Pattern
This is one of the hottest ways to mix patterns this Spring. Keeping the same scaled pattern, but utilizing them in different colors is great for adding depth, without going too extravagant. This technique can be easily thrown together with pieces you probably already have. Plaids have been a staple in closets for years, and are always in style.

here are some more mix and matching that i’m loving!



[all photos from here and here]

Meryl Fulinara is a freelance fashion writer and pop culture junkie. As one of the editors of a fashion careers blog, Meryl specializes in all things beauty-related. From designer profiles to careers in fashion, Meryl loves to write and explore all facets of style. With her love of art and all things fashionable, she delights in sharing her sense of style from her closet to your computer monitor.

thanks Meryl for the good advice! i am definitely inspired. now i want to see everyone out there mixing their patterns. you should send pics and i can post them! ready…go!