At a recent speaking event at the Campbelltown Community Centre, I had the pleasure of sharing with a fabulous group of women one of my favorite topics – mixing prints and patterns to add some zing and personality to any outfit!
Mixing prints and patterns is such a fun way to elevate an otherwise simple or dull outfit. You don’t need to have a creative or dramatic personality style to pull this off – even subtle touches can add flair and interest.
Here are my four practical tips to help you mix prints & patterns confidently – start with a patterned or printed scarf with an outfit item such as a shirt.
1. Create colour harmony – When mixing prints that feature multiple colours (like scarves), make sure at least one colour is clearly shared between both pieces. For an even more polished look, having several colours in common across each item works even better. This helps pull the outfit together and keeps everything looking cohesive and intentional.
2. Match colour intensity – If you’re introducing a bold colour, like red, aim to match the intensity of your other pieces. Pair brights with other brights, and soft hues with other soft tones. This creates proper colour harmony and makes the overall look more balanced and visually appealing.
3. Balance pattern density – If one piece has a dense, busy print (where the patterns are close together), pair it with something more spacious or open in its design. This creates breathing room and helps the patterns complement each other rather than clash.
4. Play with scale – Combine different pattern sizes for visual harmony & balance. For example, a large floral print works beautifully with a smaller floral/flower or polka dot. Avoid pairing two patterns of the same scale, as it can look too busy or overwhelming.
I’ve shared three different scarves I love wearing with a much-loved vintage-style shirt I picked up in Sydney a couple of years ago. Notice how each scarf pairs effortlessly with the shirt – the colours coordinate (are in common), the pattern sizes vary slightly, and the mix of dense and sparse prints keeps it balanced and visually appealing.
