Pattern Mixing, in both novice and advanced forms is so very on trend. If you’re battling with the bold concept, but would like to give it a try, here are four patterns that are relatively easy to mix and match with other patterns, namely a stripe, a polka dot, a plaid and an animal print. 

In these visuals, the floral skirt is the dominant pattern, while the others are the supporting patterns. If you keep the supporting patterns two-toned and within the same colour palette as the dominant pattern, they’ll be easier to mix together.

Stripe

Polka Dot

Plaid

Animal Print

Of course, keeping both patterns in the same colour palette is just one way to mix patterns. Here’s an example of a supporting pattern, the green plaid, that’s still two-toned, but it’s not in the same colour palette as the dominant floral. In my book, this is a more advanced, fashion-forward form of pattern mixing, that totally works. Although it might not be your cup of tea.

Personally, I don’t do a lot of pattern mixing because the effect is maximal and my style is about a more minimal look. That being said, in the name of trendy fashion fun, I thorougly enjoy wearing subtle forms of pattern mixing, like the outfit I wore on New Year’s Day, and will even throw in the odd maximal look from time to time.