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Time: 10 mins

Practice makes perfect!
I was always intimidated my mixing prints with my clothes but I loved the way it looked so slowly, but surely, I embarked on a print mixing mission and I want to share some tips that may help you give this fashion trend a try!

Posted by Sheena D. • Published 14th August 2015 • See Sheena D.'s 8 projects »

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Libby W. added Guide To Wearing Mixed Prints to Clothing 05 May 11:29
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Sheena D. published her project Guide To Wearing Mixed Prints 14 Aug 06:00

Step 1
Tip #1: Pair items that share the same color scheme. This is key in mixing prints and having it look cohesive. If your pieces have similar colors it will make sense visually to the viewer.
Step 2
This is another example of Tip #1. I chose black and white as my similar colors with an accent color of red. By placing an accent color in various areas (my shoes, my belt and my earrings) it forces the eye to travel and ties your entire look together.
Step 3
Tip #2: Pair patterns with similar shapes. While this top is not the same color as the leggings they are cohesive with their diamond and geometric shapes. I went a step further and added shoes with a similar shape as well.
Step 4
This is another example of pairing similar shapes. Both the top and bottom have a large abstract floral print which makes both pieces flow together. I also used tip #1 by using similar colors throughout this look. See, we are building on the steps!
Step 5
Tip #3: Scale is important when mixing prints. You can use the same scale but for interest, it is recommended to used patterns and prints of varying size. Here I paired pants with a large pattern, with a shirt that has a smaller pattern, but both have the same color scheme. You'll notice the flow of orange from my shoes, to my bracelets, to my shirt to my headwrap, using the traveling eye trick!
Step 6
This another example of scale. The jumpsuit has a large print and the top has a smaller print. These two pieces don't actually match (one is blue and the other is black) but because of the two different sizes in pattern you can't tell. This is a great trick when pairing colors that aren't exactly the same in a way that works!
Step 7
Tip #4: Use your accessories to mix and match prints. Here, I went with an animal inspired print mix with a leopard print shirt, giraffe print bag and African Ikat print shoes. I topped it with bracelets and a necklace with textures that mimicked animal prints.
Step 8
In this look, the accessories are just an extension of the print mixing. Keeping the same color and jungle, African vibe, I wore completely different shapes, prints, scales and textures to create a really unique look!
Step 9
This last look combines all four tips. Similar colors, different sizes of the patterns, similar shapes and using your accessories to add to the look. Really, there are no rules when mixing. Do what feels good and is fun for you. Hopefully, these tips will make wearing mixed prints a bit less intimidating! I would love to see your print mixing! Tag me on IG @IAMSHEGLOBAL so I can see what you're rockin!