Extreme Pattern Mixing - YouLookFab Forum

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Extreme Pattern Mixing

cobaltblue

Veteran

I'm sure 6:30 AM is a bad time to ask for quick responses - I hope those of you on the other side of the world are still awake. I'm a little afraid to go downstairs and let my mother-in-law see me before I hear some feedback!

I thought I'd try this button-up shirt and dress together. The dress is too low-cut on its own. But it does sort of show my new baby bump!

Is this combination beyond crazy? The dress has a high-low hemline, and I'd wear it with three-toned oxfords. My husband stepped back and said, "Whoa!" but then said it works. If I get preliminary good feedback, I'll post the completed outfit when it's light enough to go outside.

Thanks!
Becky

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14 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

anne

Veteran

Sounds like congratulations are in order!!! (though I wouldn't have noticed the tiny bump if you hadn't mentioned it)

I am not quite comfortable with pattern mixing yet, but would say that you seen to be observing Angie's principles

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Humm...I'm not sure about this - the colors do work together, but to my eye they are also competing for attention since they are so close together. I think I would prefer a solid color shirt, but I am curious to see what others have to say.
Congratulations to you and your family!

sarah

Veteran

I'm not quite sure about this and I know how you have some insecurities around the MIL, so I'd say "pass".

I think that this doesn't work quite so well because the patterns are nearly the same size, but have very different "vibes" that clash a bit IMHO.

cobaltblue

Veteran

Well, shoot. I already headed downstairs with it but will probably change anyway. Still interested in further thoughts!

Jewell

Veteran

First off "Congratulations!"

Bear in mind that I'm no expert at pattern mixing. However, I think the patterns here are too similar in size and color to avoid competing with one another. Do you have a shirt with a larger or perhaps complementary color that you could try?

Alecia

Veteran

It's definitely bold, but I like the patterns together. Now, whether I'd vote for the outfit depends on the complete look. I think this kind of pattern mixing is very advanced and the rest of the outfit would need to reflect that kind of fashion acumen, too. Otherwise, the pattern mixing could look like it wasn't an intentional choice and then strange. Can't see the complete look in this picture so hard to vote on the outfit itself.

And congratulations!

cobaltblue

Veteran

Interesting, Alecia! I think I will play around with this a bit more and post the whole outfit just for fun. It'll have to wait till Monday, though.

shoppingisfun

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure collared shirts can be worn with dresses...I've never seen such a look before!! I'm not crazy about the patterns together.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like this combination (I seem to be in the minority). However it is very high fashion to do something like this and you need edgy accessories and footwear to make it all work and make it look intentional rather than like a mistake. I'm assuming this is what you've done, so I can't wait to see the whole outfit!

(Examples of things that would complete the outfit -- a cobalt blue cocoon coat; a clutch, and booties.)

Oh yes and scrunching the sleeves might look good too.

Jules

Veteran

I think it works but is pushing the boundaries. At very first glance I thought it was a one-piece dress, so the patterns might be fighting but it ends in a tie. It is hard to tell 100% with these photos and I would consider somewhat of a risk, so depends on your risk tolerance.

Diana

Veteran

I like this but it is very "fashiony" so you have to be ok with getting a lot of double takes and weird comments from people who just don't get it. (So, maybe not the best idea to wear with MIL, but would be great for something like a YLF gathering.)

Deborah

Veteran

Congrats! And I love this!

jayne

Veteran

me too! I love it. I think they are perfect complementing patterns like B&W and W&B. And the styles match. Congrats on bump

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I don't think this is extreme at all...they are both black and white and the patterns are similar scale so it reads like one complementary outfit! Fun! I voted Yay for I like it!