Pattern mixing for the not so adventurous

This is what I wore to the office today. I have said before that I love how other women on YLF mix patterns without batting an eye. I made a promise recently that I would give it a try. As a result I have "boldly" shoved one whole pinky toe into the pattern mixing waters.

OK -- I am the first to admit that from a distance no one would be able to tell that my trousers have a pinstripe. But I am very pleased with the color, pattern, texture, and shine for this new go-to outfit. I was actually trying to work in the teal tee, it was a challenge because temperatures are topping out in the mid 40's.

(Angie if you are reading this I did scrunch the sleeves soon after these were taken!)

For those of you who mix patterns with more gusto, I welcome your suggestions for bolder patterns to go with this cardigan.

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13 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

I have no experience in the art of pattern mixing, but this looks great to me. That cardi is really cute.

CocoLion

(website)

I do see the pattern mixing in #3, and it's a great way to start. I think you can go much bolder than this. You are completely right to keep the color scheme consistent, I think that's the #1 rule of pattern mixing.

The green necklace looks amazing against the teal top. That is the first thing I noticed about this outfit.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You shoved your pinky toe into the pattern mixing trend with panache. This outfit works well

How about pattern mixing with a plaid, polka dot, stripe or floral?

TraceyLiz65

I too am just getting started with this and my first one was a black & white polka dot skirt with a zebra striped scarf. It mimics the same principals you used here which was to mix to patterns with like colors. I so hope to get more adventurous, but think baby steps are more my style in this arena....

Love that cardigan!

celia

I like this pattern mix, it was a great start.Great outfit!

Jenava

Very nice! This is a classy look.

I think leopard plus floral would be interesting! I like to see geometric patterns paired with more organic patterns. So this works, but would love to see the stripe in a more bold way, such as a striped or plaid skirt.

You could also try to mix in patterned accessories such as shoes or a bag? Most of my bags and shoes are solids, but if I were going to jump into mixing this might be a fun and easier way to go...like a floral print day clutch (sorry, have day clutches on the brain these days) with a dark background to make it season appropriate?

Day Vies

Angie should I also consider scale of the pattern too? Do you think it would be too much to add the second pattern on top or should I aim for a bottom?

Coco Lion -- I am much more confident playing with color. I was really pleased with the tension between the teal and green.

Jenava -- I like the patterned clutch ( I actually have some!) That way if I get scared and change my mind half-way through the day I can just tell people I didn't have time to change my bag

Haha, exactly! (-:

Anonymous

Nicely done. I do mix polka dots and stripes quite frequently. Other than that, I have zero experience.

Congratulations! There's nothing wrong with starting small. I love the outfit.

moira

I have similar pants except there is also a pink stripe. I love them with an argyle sweater.

Aida

Very nicely done! Now that the pinky toe is in, it'll be easier to get the rest in :} That cardigan looks like a great option for mixing with, a printed blouse in place of the tee would be really fun for a 3-way mix!

Nice! That's my kind of pattern-mixing. But as you are probably beginning to guess, I can be pretty conservative about some things.

Thistle

This is such a lovely combination! You look so fab I it, and I think you did a great job pattern mixing. I still have not really dipped my toe in that pool. There is a woman where I work who pattern mixes, and I hear several people give her gentle tips that she doesn't match. It makes me too nervous to try. Maybe pattern mixing hasn't yet caught on by me!

Jaime

I can see why you are confident about your color mix - I love the necklace against the top. A very fine pattern mix also. A pattern mix does not need to yell to be heard!

Mona

you did really well with pattern mixing! love that sweater.

Very nice! I like the mix, and the cardigan is so cute!

amiable

Gorgeous! And I too love the green necklace with the more blue top. And that cardi is wonderful!

Suz

Not only are you gorgeous and smart, but you also crack me up every time I read one of your clever posts! This looks terrific, and before you know it, you'll be pattern mixing with the likes of Queen Jonesy. (If you haven't had the pleasure yet, do a search in the archives for her WIWs!)

Asingh

DV, first of all I love that cardigan and I want one too. Second I see the subtle stripes on the trousers. Even I have been wanting to try my hand at pattern-mixing and will wear some stripes and polka soon. I really like your outfit and the teal complements the trousers.

I think you pulled this off beautifully. It is subtle and looks classy.

Transcona Shannon

Be careful Day Vies - pattern mixing is oh so addictive! This is a lovely start to the trend - beautiful tonal colours between the trousers and the cardigan. Like Cocolion, the green necklace against the teal top really caught my eye - love that combination.

Those look great, esp. #3. I've started mixing florals or paisleys with stripes, keeping everything in the same color scheme so they look like they're supposed to go together. I'm sure polka dots would work, too. I just don't have any polka dotted stuff at the moment.

Rabbit Heart

Active Member

Great start, you look great! I think keeping the two patterns in the same colour scheme is the right way to go. I'd go for a black and white striped top with that cardigan - similar to this outfit: http://images3.chictopia.com/p.....an_400.jpg You could then keep the rest of the outfit simple (e.g. black trousers or skirt) and add some colour with accessories (belt, necklace, handbag, shoes...) .

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