Wearing prints can feel intimidating, but with a little know-how, you can mix and match patterns to create outfits that look effortless and stylish. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to dive headfirst into bold combinations, these simple tips will help you wear prints with confidence. Mixing prints is a great way to inject personality and creativity into your wardrobe! It’s a chance to play with colours, textures, and patterns in a way that feels uniquely you.

Here are some wears you can wear prints:

MATCH ONE COLOUR ACROSS THE PRINTS

When mixing patterns, the easiest trick is to find a shared colour. For example, The patterns in the image above have yellow in common, which creates a sense of harmony in your outfit, even if the patterns are completely different. Think of it like painting: you want your colours to complement each other, not clash. If you’re unsure, start with smaller items, like a patterned scarf or a pair of shoes, and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be mixing prints like a seasoned stylist.

STICK TO SIMILAR COLOUR FAMILIES

Another simple rule for wearing prints is to keep the colours in the same family. Cooler shades, like the ones in the image above work well together and warmer shades will also work well together. When the colours naturally complement each other, your outfit will feel intentional and well put-together.

PAIR A PATTERN WITH A BLOCK COLOUR

If you’re not ready to fully embrace the world of mixed prints, start small by pairing one patterned piece with a solid colour. I love adding patterns away from my face so that they don’t feel overwhelming. This is a foolproof way to ease into this look without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to match the solid colour to one of the shades in your printed piece. For example, in the image above, the white in the trousers has been picked out to match with the white top.

USE UNIVERSAL COLOURS TO ANCHOR YOUR LOOK

When in doubt, turn to universal colours like dark navy, soft white, grey, beige or dark cool brown. These shades are incredibly versatile and pair effortlessly with almost any pattern. For example, in the image above, dark navy is used to anchor the heavy multicoloured pattern on the top. Universal shades act as a grounding element, helping your prints look coordinated rather than chaotic. They’re a great starting point if you’re unsure about mixing patterns or want a more understated look.

PLAY WITH SCALE

Mixing prints is all about balance, and scale is a big part of that. Pairing larger prints with smaller ones creates a visually interesting outfit without looking overwhelming. For example, in the image above, the two animal prints work well, because the scale of the print in the top is larger and the scale of the print in the trousers is smaller. The contrast between big and small patterns keeps the look dynamic and stylish. If you’re new to this, stick to two patterns at first—a bold piece and a subtle one, ideally pair colours or shades from the same colour family (warm or cool). Once you’re more comfortable, you can experiment with adding more prints into the mix.

BONUS STYLIST TIPS

Start small : Outerwear and accessories are a great way to dip your toes into mixing prints. A patterned jacket, bag or shoes can add interest to your outfit without feeling like a big commitment.

Choose classics: Stripes, polka dots, and checks are timeless prints that are easy to pair with other patterns. They’re like the building blocks of a print-friendly wardrobe.

Break the rules: Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment. Leopard print with florals? Why not? Stripes and plaid? Go for it! Sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most stylish.

With these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to mix and match prints with confidence, creating outfits that are as stylish as they are effortless. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Until next time,
Your Personal Stylist,

Numba