Mixing prints

Your closet might already be full of florals, stripes, dots, and plaids—but you probably only wear one patterned piece at a time.

 Print mixing is one of the more difficult trends to pull off, since more often than not, wanton combo-ing can lead to Bozo-esque outfits. 

When done right, mixed prints can look wildly high-fashion, and breathe some new life into your tired clothes. 

Below, we've come up with some easy tips to get you going. 

Balance Artist‐When mixing intricate prints, it helps to keep one of the prints in a neutral hue, and the other in bright. We love how both the silky textures play off one another. 

Above, from left: J.Crew Factory Printed Silk Cami, $59.50, available at J.Crew; Madewell Pretty Plumes Skirt, $98, available at Madewell.

Thick and Thin—One of the easiest starting-off points is to mix your stripes. A thin-striped cardigan thrown over a thicker-striped tank is effortless, but looks super-thoughtful.

Above, from left: Aerie Striped Boyfriend Sweater, $29.95, available at Aerie; Kain Striped Tank, $90, available at Net-a-Porter.
Rad Plaids—Plaids of nearly all colors, types, and textures look wonderful together. A slim blazer worn atop a classic flannel is a fun, wintry take on the classic combo. 

Above, from left: Madewell Double Breasted Coat, $268, available at Shopbop; Old Navy Women's Classic Flannel Shirt, $24.50, available at Old Navy. 
Pants Perfection—Printed pants are our weakness. We can't say no to a good pair! Avoid the pajama connotations by wearing a fancy top in a contrasting color 

Above, from left: Modcloth Printed Pants, $47.99, available at ModCloth; Isabel Marant Silk Blouse, $470, available at Net-a-Porter.
Accessories Matter—Don't forget about your accessories, too! A printed shoe worn with a matching pair of tights are a quirky styling tip! 

Above, from left: Jukebox Tights, $34.99, available at ModCloth; Dr. Martens Polka Dot Boot, $150, available at Gravity Pope.
Unexpected Matches—One of our favorite pairings is floral and stripes. Whether it's a floral skirt and striped top, or a striped tank and a floral cardigan, this combo is usually foolproof! 

Above, from left: Rittenhouse Striped Shirt, $52, available at Rittenhouse; TV Perforated Floral Skirt, $407.02, available at Amelie Boutique.