Recently a friend asked me to explain to her how I put my mixed pattern outfit together. She made me realize that putting outfits together is a skill that is honed over time. And quite honestly, it’s not a skill that is ever fully learned or perfected. Trends and the rules of fashion change and can be broken.
This past Sunday I wore a $20 Forever 21 polka dot dress, $30 Forever 21 sandals, and a plaid jacket I’ve had for years. I was ecstatic when I found this dress a few weeks ago. Modest, versatile, and $20? Score for the home team!
◦ The first and foremost important thing about mixing patterns is picking an anchor color. In my outfit, black was the anchor color. I call it an anchor color because it is the foundation of the outfit.
◦ The second key is mixing small patterns with large patterns. I paired large polka dots with tight plaid. By mixing different sized patterns, visual symmetry is created.
◦ Finally, go ahead and play it safe. You don’t have to mix every color in the rainbow. Use simple combinations, like the always classic black and white, to create elegant outfits that have a trendy flair.
If you like these looks, Dainty Jewell’s has plenty of options for pattern mixing in the Spring Collection. The Twirl Around Skirt is one of my favorite skirt designs in our store and would look darling paired with floral, small polka dots, or stripes. The Stripe Maxi Dress has so many possibilities as well. And both are so reasonably priced for beautiful, quality, modest clothing.
So the rules of mixing and matching are to: a.) have an anchor color, b.) mix different sized patterns, and c.) use simple combinations. Of course, above all else, the most important thing is to be frugal. Fashion that doesn’t break the bank always makes me feel better about wearing it!