I’m a huge fan of mixing prints and rather enjoy trying to push the boundaries of fashionably acceptable on a daily basis. A lot of ladies ask about the basics of combining two seemingly disparate prints, which can beĀ intimidating if you don’t do it often. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing prints, but I have the best success with a few basic guidelines.
Firstly, when it comes to mixing two prints that you think have no business going together, start by playing with the scale of the prints. For example,Ā try pairing aĀ big print with a smaller one – like aĀ big bold floral print with some small pinstripes. Or like I did in today’s outfit, where I paired theĀ large-scale whimsicalĀ Alice inĀ Wonderland print on this Pinup Girl Clothing skirtĀ withĀ a smaller-scale polka dot blouse.
Sometimes IĀ like to soften the excitementĀ of a print with a repeated neutral tone.Ā I tried to ground this particularĀ look by repeating the black areas ofĀ the skirt with the peter pan collar and cuffs of the top and with my shoes and accessories – therefore the pairing looks even more intentional and likely to feel like they were meant to go together all along. Though not done specifically in this outfit (even I have my limits), print mixing can also make more sense if youĀ repeat colors ā prints that you think would have no chance of complimenting one otherĀ will be fast friends in no time if they share a color story. Two different prints that are both in tones of blue, for example, will go a long way to help things feel cohesive.
Sometimes with mixing prints, you just have to close your eyes and dive in with reckless abandon. It could fail spectacularly (and who would know?), but you might be pleasantly surprised by the things that go together…
IĀ was really happy with how thisĀ print-mixing adventure turned out in the end. I actually put this outfit together earlier in the year for Jenny January, an Instagram event hosted by the ever-fabulous Miss Amy May. It basically unifies all of us PUGsters by challenging usĀ to bring ourĀ Jenny-style dresses & skirts from Pinup Girl Clothing out into the sun! I loved the end results andĀ I felt it deserved another wear. Especially now that the weather is taking a turn for the chilly, my long sleeved tops are peeking out of the closet as if to excitedly ask, “Is it time???” Yes, dear fashion, it’s time.
Whether it’s the print mixing or the grinning cheshire cat on this PUG skirt, I find that there are days when wearing your sassy face just helps. And I can’t help but notice I’m sporting more than a little sassy face in my photos. Perhaps certain outfits bring it out, or certain times of year. I definitely find that wearing it with a complimentary smirk puts a little extra swing in my hipsĀ as I marched off to the lab – and these days I’ll take all the extra sass I can channel.
How are you mixing it up today?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Top:Ā ASOSĀ (similarĀ hereĀ &Ā here)
Skirt:Ā Pinup Girl Clothing
Necklace:Ā Macy’sĀ (similar)
Belt:Ā PUG – from another dress (similar)
Handbag: Bettina DarlingĀ (similarĀ hereĀ &Ā here)
Shoes: Moschino, thriftedĀ (similarĀ hereĀ &Ā here)
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