https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:54:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2277561 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 22:24:53 +0000 SarahD8 2277561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the kind words, <b>ZoeyGirl</b>!</p> <p><b>suntiger</b>, yes re lesser-worn items often getting passed on after a day of wear. On the other hand, not always: my gingham button-up is currently enjoying a YLF-inspired renaissance as a lightweight topper over all sorts of dresses in our current hot weather. So it's worth doing the exercise rather than automatically culling lesser-worn items! (Plus, by doing the wearing I learn a lot more about the *why* of passing things along.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2277469 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 09:20:36 +0000 Anonymous 2277469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun pattern mixes, and yes to wearing the lesser worn items for the day to test them out. I've found the same thing- either they're uncomfortable (physically or mentally), or fussy in some way, and they often get passed on after a day of wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d/page/2#post-2277453 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 02:33:51 +0000 ZoeyGirl 2277453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a huge fan of these outfits! Each one has something interesting - the lines of #1, as Suz notes (thank you for putting into words what I was noticing), the colors of #2 (I like the longer cardigan too!), the simplicity of #3, the gingham of #4, and the dress of #5. Lovely all around!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2277407 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:42:01 +0000 SarahD8 2277407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SF</b>, the fact that you had an inkling of how many basic types of machines there might be just shows you're far ahead of me in this particular intelligence department!</p> <p><b>Dana</b> thanks for the kind words! I am very pleased to have unlocked expert pattern mixer status! Re the shoes -- it was not just that they were too tight but the footbed was just a smidge too small, too. Hard to stretch a sisal footbed! I gave them away this week (along with two vintage silk jackets that I hardly ever wore) and feel great about it. </p> <p>Relatedly, I'm swearing off buying secondhand shoes online, aside from a couple of brands that are extremely reliable for me. Actually I think I'm swearing off Jeffrey Campbell shoes too (the maker of the salamander espadrilles -- his 36 seems to be consistently too small but 37 is too big. Mind, if a pair of salamander espadrilles in 37 ever crosses my path in the future I'll be sorely tempted!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2277386 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:36:05 +0000 Dana 2277386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such cute outfits! In theory, you wouldn't think the gingham and paisley would work together, but it really does!! Moves you to expert pattern mixer status! And those shoes!!!! So fab...can you stretch them? Such a fun quirky find. (When I find things like that, they're usually out of my price range.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276775 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 23:12:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2276775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SIX basic machines? I thought there were five. Now I’m going to be up all night, cause googling would be cheating. But amen to different types of intelligence! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276773 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 22:54:22 +0000 SarahD8 2276773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jules</b>, yes! I could try the gingham with the black sundress too. Navy and black is always an interesting combination but I rarely think to do it in the summer. Maybe with gold or silver sandals (speaking of metallics!) to lighten things up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276727 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 16:44:00 +0000 Jules 2276727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great shop-your-closet remixes! 10 and 11 are my faves. Glad you are keeping the gingham, I also feel like it can be overwhelming or too high contrast for me (especially in a long dress let's say) but worn like this I think it's great and it's making me rethink my own aversion. I think you could wear it the same way with outfit 10. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276715 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:38:59 +0000 SarahD8 2276715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime</b>, yes! We went to a Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit on our recent trip to Portland, and my mind just shuts down when confronted with mechanical stuff. (I am very smart in other ways! I wandered through the exhibit making notes for feminist poems.) At the end of the exhibit there was a sort of playroom for kids that explained the six basic types of machines (lever, wheel and axle, pulley, etc.) and I was like, Aha! Now this is on my level! They should have put this info up front! Lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276652 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 02:45:36 +0000 Jaime 2276652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful outfits and insights to match. Yes, working with your storage system is more a matter of strategy than big changes. As for DH, we all have our mental sieves don't we? Please don't ask me to anything mechanical works - I only learned to use a lighter with careful instructions . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276648 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 01:55:19 +0000 SarahD8 2276648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, yes , you get it! Sometimes something that shouldn’t work is dead right…but sometimes it’s hard to be confident about that. I can certainly attest that Breton stripes are great on you! I’m definitely keeping the gingham shirt around — I think I’ll try it with my sunflower sundress next, and maybe with the Mexican one too.</p> <p>Merwoman, it does take all kinds and thank goodness for that. My mr. is also my IT consultant. Fortunately for me as I am some sort of witch whose aura makes anything electronic go haywire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276630 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 21:00:04 +0000 merwoman 2276630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun read Sarah! Your DH sounds a lot like my dear merman. Anything technical his mind is a steel trap, but fashion?<br />Love 10, 11 and 13. So sad about those shoes!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276608 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:58:15 +0000 Angie 2276608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8,</b> YES! I'm hearing that a lot! Heat pump and mini splits have become common in Seattle homes the last year. Good for you! I'm envious. Our loft is brutal in the Summer. Don't know if the system works with our condo though. We might need ducts. We will see!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276604 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:33:03 +0000 slim cat 2276604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun exercise! I really like #2, 10,11 and of course your Mexican dress and shoes . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276602 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:24:04 +0000 Suz 2276602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great set of realizations coming out of that earlier discussion. This makes complete sense to me. It reminds me of the way I try to plan for trips -- I'll have a potential or theoretical outfit in mind for every day or each activity, but one "fallback" outfit that would work in almost any circumstance and feel okay if something made Option 1 no good -- wardrobe malfunction, weather, changed activity, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love your pattern mixing in #1! I am an eager pattern mixer, as you know -- but honestly, I never was, prior to YLF and in fact, i often cringed at pattern mixes on others. I don't know what happened to me. Anyway, my favourites here are #1 (those blues are fantastic and the lines are also harmonious) and the gingham shirt with the dress -- wow! I hear you about the high contrast. It's hard for us to see that since your face is mostly concealed but as a fairer "summer" I understand the concern. Periodically I go through this worry that my high contrast stripes are "too much" for me, somehow. But then I get real-life confirmation that they do work on me (DH loves them, for instance). Anyway -- in the photos, this looks smashingly fantastic on you, So please keep that in mind! Also, I find a <b>small </b>gingham can read as a false plain from a distance -- my B&amp;W gingham shirt reads as grey from far away and even, to some extent, close up!&nbsp;</p> <p>The minimalist look is fabulous for a heat wave day! Love the Mexican dress and shoes, too!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276601 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:21:54 +0000 SarahD8 2276601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, ok, I hear you all loud and clear -- the gingham button-up gets a reprieve! I like <b>Angie's</b> idea to style it with brights, and am looking forward to experimenting with that.</p> <p>Also <b>Angie</b> hope your AC consult goes well! We put in a heat pump and mini splits last year and it's been&nbsp;<i>glorious</i>.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b>, yes! The Mexican dress is definitely an icon piece! I bought it secondhand so I don't know much about its provenance but it looks to me like the embroidery is done by hand.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Helena</b> the black dress is actually from American Eagle -- a teeny bopper mall store. But it's really nice, 100% cotton and well made -- apropos of your earlier discussion about fast fashion wardrobe heroes.</p> <p><b>Joy</b> I think my impulse in styling a maxi skirt like you describe would be to go very simple and sleek on top and let the skirt be the hero of the outfit. But I like your ideas too and look forward to seeing how you wear it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276594 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:06:52 +0000 Anonymous 2276594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your Mexican dress inspires me to pull out my old Guatemalan skirt with &nbsp;native colorful patterns. &nbsp;It is a maxi and a heavy cotton. &nbsp;I used to wear it with a white tee with colorful flowers embroidered on it. &nbsp;This time I may try a boho top. &nbsp;Love your pattern mixes. How would you style the Guatemalan skirt? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276584 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:33:29 +0000 Angie 2276584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hubs cracks me up :)</p> <p>Glad you're figuring out dressing with your unique storage spaces! And fab challenge too! A fun thing to do between our heatwaves. Third one this Summer on the way. (We have an appointment with an air-conditioning specialist today......).</p> <p>KILLER cute pattern mixes! They are all harmonious.&nbsp;</p> <p>#1 and #2 are my faves with both sets of shoes!</p> <p>#11 is my next fave! Gingham is a versatile pattern mixer. Hold on to the shirt. Fab with brights. It changes the overwhelming factor that concerns you. Personally, I find it flattering!&nbsp;</p> <p>And the Mexican dress in #13 with the salamander espadrilles is all kinds of awesome! PERFECT Seattle heatwave outfit!&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276583 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:27:21 +0000 Helena 2276583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you know my minimalist heart loves the black boho look! Also love the gingham and the embroidered dress. But honestly, all of these work because even in the uber-maximal mixes, there is an element of <i>intentionality </i>there, which to my eye is what separates quirky maximal style from something more chaotic. YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276582 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:26:42 +0000 JAileen 2276582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, the salamanders are fab. &nbsp;Second, I admire your pattern mixing. &nbsp;I tried it a couple years ago and got four patterns in one outfit. &nbsp;They were tied together with the particular shade of blue. &nbsp;Some people at church thought it was too much. &nbsp;I wanted to say Don’t Look! But I didn’t.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276579 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:39:39 +0000 SarahD8 2276579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the positive response and kind words! This was a fun exercise. I do a lot of pattern mixing with my cold weather wardrobe but not so much in summer -- so it was fun to realize that this was possible and wear things in new ways.</p> <p><b>Sal</b>, yes -- forcing oneself to wear things can be a really effective closet editing strategy. It really frees me from "just in case" thinking -- "well, this could be useful if..." Nope! It's obviously not!</p> <p><b>SF</b>, re how the aqua tank came into my closet -- I was specifically thinking of pattern mixing it with skirts (although I think in theory I'd also wear it with neutral solids, something denim-like). I was thinking that the elastic/banded bottom would be a good feature that would add structure with skirt outfits. I have another summer top that has elastic at the bottom and doesn't bother me as much, so that didn't seem like a deal breaker. This was an online secondhand purchase and it was more sheer than I expected/could tell from photos. Actually too-sheer is a problem I've had multiple times with summer tops of late -- now that I'm noticing the pattern, I can be wary of it in the future. But sometimes you have to make a mistake to avoid a mistake iykwim.</p> <p>Thanks also to everyone for appreciating my <b>axolotl</b> friends! Hoping someone in my neighborhood buy nothing group has very small feet and will enjoy them!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276576 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:36:52 +0000 Brooklyn 2276576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great stuff. So happy to see you post! I think the pattern mixes work very well. I particularly like the red dress/gingham. Something about it packs a punch. Interesting. Unique. A bit sexy. The black dress outfit is very chic. (I have a very similar handbag that I use a lot in Spring/Summer.) And the Mexican embroidered dress is fantastic. That’s an icon piece you should keep forever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276574 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 12:24:14 +0000 Indigoprint 2276574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Much fun. I especially like your shoe choice in #1 and think it quite clever to put these two pieces together. I am more of a solids girl so am drawn to #11 and would choose #10 as my fav..a step above your inspo pic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276570 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:29:20 +0000 Staysfit 2276570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These outfits make me smile! &nbsp;They are joyful and the pattern mixes are a huge success! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276561 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:55:29 +0000 Vildy 2276561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a delightful post and pix to match.&nbsp; I enjoyed reading about your process so much. The perception of the top as a tie dye boho version of a breton is sooo good.&nbsp; And, pattern mixer here myself, am taking inspiration from your idea of Minimalist Boho.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276559 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:42:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2276559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clearing some things out makes storage work better, you say? Whaaaat? I hear you on needing to know what you’re retrieving when you go to get something! </p> <p>Such fun patterns &amp; mixes! Yes to the baby elephants—with anything! I’d like to see them with the paisley in 11-12, but then you’d have on a skirt &amp; a dress, oops. </p> <p>I’m curious how you got the top in the second outfit. The aqua color is great for you. Broad stripes like that can be good for pattern mixing (hi to hubs!) but I can’t see you wearing them in the standard stripes + solid of one color of stripes kind of way. Sheer doesn’t sound like you, nor does fussy elasticized bottom. So I’m wondering how it got into your closet, as a way to think through purchase decisions. </p> <p>Sorry to see the lizards get the boot! Hope they find a happy home elsewhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276554 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 04:23:01 +0000 Sal 2276554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These look wonderful on you Sarah!&nbsp; I love the pattern mixing combos.</p> <p>I really love the first, the black minimalist and the tied shirt - but then the Mexican dress is very cool as well!</p> <p>I agree - sometimes making yourself wear something can make you find out the faults.&nbsp; I need to do this with anything winter that I haven't worn as yet (with two official weeks of winter to go). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276553 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 04:23:00 +0000 rachylou 2276553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are calling my name with pattern mixing! Glorious! Simply glorious! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276552 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 03:02:01 +0000 Bijou 2276552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely - my favourite is the Mexican embroidered dress. I am so sad about those shoes because they are so fun, I can see why you bought them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d#post-2276551 Thu, 11 Aug 2022 02:45:22 +0000 MsMaven 2276551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>11-12 knocks me out. Fabulous combination. I can’t easily analyze why. Something about the two patterns makes them blend so well. </p>