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Checkmate!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I've not done much pattern mixing recently -- too maximal for my mood. However, I wanted to try this, more neutral mix. This is the first outing for the houndstooth pants, and for the Maude-inspired longer cardi. This is a very classic outfit, so I think the mixing kicks it up a notch. I usually go for a more obviously feminine look, but I think the drape of the blouse, and the longer cardi in a rich fabric helps the outfit seem more "me."

1/2: Houndstooth pants, sturdy ponte with a hollywood waist and just a bit of metallic in the fabric. Apt. 9 blouse (Kohls), J.C. Penney Sweater.

Are you pattern mixing at all this season?

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Alfani Houndstooth Ankle Pants, Only at Macy's

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Apt. 9 Dot Roll-Tab Blouse - Women's

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Worthington Long-Sleeve Long Cardigan Sweater

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34 replies

Latest reply was from Firecracker (Sharan)

Deborah

Veteran

Beth Ann this is really beautiful pattern mixing. It has the subtleties that I really like. It's clever and thoughtful styling.

Meow

Veteran

Love! Want to copy!
Love this subtle pattern mixing - and to answer your question, NO....I don't mix patterns. I rarely wear patterns or prints, I think it goes back to the time in high school when a popular girl wore the same patterned shirt as me. It was traumatic - at least in my mind. Geez it's been a long time....you think I'd be over that by now.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very subtle and you look great. I am not much of a pattern mixer, but would do something like this if the mood struck.

AJ

Veteran

I like every detail of this outfit! So FAB! Where are the pointy toe flats from?

Adelfa

Veteran

You look amazing. I think the colors make it seem you as well. I feel incredibly brave just to wear one pattern. No mixing for me yet

Brooklyn

Veteran

I like this kind of pattern mixing. It is subtle but gives the outfit more depth and interest than if, say, the pants were plain. It is kind of like adding a different texture to an outfit.
Not much opportunity for pattern mixing for me with the weather warming up here. My outfits are getting more and more simple. But I would definitely be willing to give it a go when the opportunity arises.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Really nice subtle mixing. I have a similar pant with a hint of metallic and think I will try to recreate this outfit.

JamC

Veteran

I love the mix of patterns. The cardigan finishes your outfit perfectly.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Love the subtle mixing of patterns here...fabulous

MTBGirl

Veteran

This is terrific and you look fab! You might have inspired me to wear my windowpane shirt this week. : )

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You had me at checks. You look wonderful as always, and I hope that you and your style feel more settled and established in your new environment.

I'm not pattern mixing as much as I used to because I have fewer patterns in my closet at the moment - and most of them are stripes and checks. I wear animal print footwear regularly though.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

This is a wonderful pattern mixing, Beth-Ann - subtle and eye-catching in the same time. Fun to have two similar prints in different colors and scale.
And may I add that you are looking better and better in your WIWs girl

lyn67

Veteran

Love the blouse with the check pants, it's a subtle and chic pattern mixing, refreshened classic style! YLF BethAnn!

Carole

Veteran

What a great outfit...great pieces to mix up! YLF!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Like Angie, I'm not really doing pattern mixing either, but this is really good.

rachylou

Veteran

Beautiful! I'm an incorrigible pattern mixer, as we all know

Runcarla

Veteran

Subtle mix. Rich colours.

donnat

Veteran

You look fabulous!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I was on the run all day -- in a monochromatic outfit, lol, so I'm enjoying catching up on YLF.

Deborah and Shevia -- I tired of bold pattern mixing, but this one feels easy and right -- I'm interested in mixing texture these days, too.

Sarah: I know that situation well -- only it was college when it happened to me! And she was dating the guy I liked! Still, I can't stay away from patterns

A.J: The flats are actually kitten heels from DSW -- but there were purchased over a year ago. They do have some amazing low heeled pumps at the moment! Their pointy toe flat selection isn't as great at the moment.

Adelfa: I learned from my mom and an interior decorator friend that the easiest way to mix is with two very different scales (one big and open, one small and denser) and a neutral or simple color scheme. What about a low contrast striped top under a flannel plaid shirt? Baby steps!

Cheryle: I'd love to see your version, with your mile long legs!

Brooklyn: I love texture, too! And wildly patterned pants are heinous on me, but the subtle low contrast of these works better. Are you in the southern hemisphere? I guess with the moniker Brooklyn, I just figured you were from the NYC borough!

Jam and Cheryl: Thanks for the thumbs up!

Donna: I'd love to see how you style your shirt!

Angie: I'm seldom in checks --- I tend to like my patterns bold and colorful, but the pants are much more versatile than the cabbage rose pair I had in the 90s! I'm still getting acclimated to my new place, and my style is still in flux, but dressing simply, but well, is a great help. When I feel like I look like my best self, it's far easier to get myself out there in my new community. I think I need a "Introduction" capsule. Or maybe I should call it my "Howdy" capsule. P.S. I love your animal print footwear!

Sveta: Thanks for the compliment! I'm working on it. In a new place, it's good to look your best and have lots of healthy energy!

Lyn and Carole -- Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Anna: You have many ways to create interest in your outfits! Loved the horse headpiece!

Rachy: Your awesome mixing makes me want to go native, but then I'd be like all those midwesterners that claim to be "part-Cherokee." Must be the influence of that Cher song.......

Carla and Donna: Thanks so much!

abc

Veteran

You look great! Love the mixing, subtle is good in my book.
Speaking of pointy toe flats. Have you seen a good selection lately and if so, where?

What's a Hollywood waist btw?

I'm off to the mall shortly and may have to copy that loft Moto jacket of yours

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am a Maximal dresser and am pattern mixing still. I love this subtle version.

Eliza

Veteran

I am not a pattern mixer; perhaps almost a pattern avoider as lately I have focussed more on textures. Your outfit is beautiful and interesting. Well done!

Bonnie

Veteran

I haven't done any pattern mixing but enjoy the look. I love what you have done in this outfit and I would definitely wear this combination.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is lovely on you, Beth Ann. You look comfortably elegant.

I do pattern mix now and again, usually in small bits -- a belt in a different pattern than a scarf. But sometimes also in a full outfit like this. I am fond of mixing stripes with florals, too.

Susie

Veteran

I don't do a lot of pattern mixing as I tend toward minimal but I do like mixing textures. This is really lovely on you, Beth Ann, and I love your color choices. That cardigan reads feminine yet practical and suits you so well.

E

Veteran

You look gorgeous!

I don't think I've ever pattern mixed. Unless tweed is a pattern. Which is funny, because I'm pretty happy with lots of detail in my outfit, so you'd think I'd be ok with pattern mixing. Oh wait...I have worn raspberry tights with a same-colour diamond pattern with a floral skirt.

Now texture mixing...I will be doing lots of that this season!!!

unfrumped

Veteran

This is just fabuloso. Perfect amoung of pattern for mixing and great colors. Love houndstooth and I especially like dark versions instead of black & white, for me, anyway because the tonal look is softer, and also for trousers, it's a great way to have not-black. Yes, it does have a menswear vibe, but a good one that is nicely balanced by the drapey sweater, the tapered pants, and pointy flats. The cardigan color is wonderful on you and just the right amount of deep color with the neutrals.

Beth Ann

Veteran

ABC: I've not seen great collections of pointy toe flats this year, but DSW has great pointy toed comfort pumps -- lots of them with 2-21/2 inch heels and nice footbeds.
As for a Hollywood waist: "Pants with a Hollywood waist come above the natural waistline but have no waistband. Instead, darts are used to fit the pants snugly to the waist area." -- Orlando Sentinel

My pants have a elastic band beneath the darts.

Tracey: You love high energy outfits! I think for those of us with more casual wardrobes it adds interest.

Eliza: I love textures, too! Particularly in winter outfits.

Bonnie: This is entry level mixing -- which made it easy to try!

Susie: Thanks for the thumbs up on colors!

Suz: I love your taste in florals! You do so well at finding sophisticated versions!

E: I would have supposed you pattern mix a lot, but now that I think of it, your closet is filled with solids! Texture mixing, however, is fabulous, too!

UF: I think I'm realizing that I look best in outfits with a distinctly feminine vibe. Classic sportswear doesn't seem to feel as much "me," I guess. I do think the softness of blouse and cardi make it works for me, though.

MsMary

Veteran

Love, love, love! I want to steal this outfit!

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