You've seen some of your favorite fashion bloggers mix prints in their outfits and make it look effortlessly chic... But when you try to do it, it feels like you’re throwing on random items in your wardrobe and that your outfit stands out, but not in the good way!

I've definitely been there. For the longest time I had it in my head that the best way to mix prints and patterns was simply to not do it. It seemed like a trend that was too complex to implement with my own wardrobe. Where is the line between chic and clash-y? Does the look always have to be monochromatic? How can I tell when it's done right?

Mixing prints and patterns is relatively easy once you understand how to balance the focus point of the outfits and match the colors in the prints. The rest is pretty much up to your creativity!

Here are 5 simple guidelines for mixing prints and patterns like a total pro.

Wear the same pattern in inverted colors

The simplest way to get started mixing patterns is to select two items with the same pattern, but in inverted colors. Because of the monochromatic nature of the look, it will instantly appear cohesive, and there’s no risk of picking two patterns that will upstage each other or colors that compete.

Wear two patterns in the same color family

Similarly to the first point, sticking to one single color makes the look instantly pull together. In this case, wearing a different print adds a new level of interest so that the outfit looks less like it’s part of a set.

While it is very common to see this tip applied with black and white prints, don’t be afraid to use color! Selecting two two-toned prints or patterns with one of them being a neutral (like a black or white) can make for a very interesting and elegant outfit.

I wore this outfit last year for the #WearDownTheFunk challenge.

Vary the sizes of your prints

When we have two bold prints or patterns next to each other, they compete for attention and our eyes have trouble appreciating the outfit as a whole. Instead, the eye jumps back and forth from each print and essentially gets over-stimulated (this would be my definition of ‘too much’).

In order to make a cohesive outfit that works well together, balance the proportions of your patterns by selecting two in different sizes. This allows for each of them to take center stage depending on how close the viewer is to the outfit.

This is one of my favorite things about mixing prints and patterns. From far away, you can appreciate one thing about the outfit, but as you move closer, you can appreciate a contrasting print, more detail, perhaps even some textures. This can make for a very interesting outfit to look at.

Georgette’s outfit is a great example of the first three tips together! Check her out at @grownandcurvywoman.

When mixing more than two patterns, make them work by picking a common color

I wouldn't say that this is necessarily a ‘fashion rule’ (I hate those, anyway), but it can be a good rule of thumb to follow if you are a complete beginner. Unless you are very comfortable with color schemes already, selecting patterns that have a common color will make all of them pull together very nicely. Then, you can experiment with as many prints as you want!

Highlight a non-dominant color from one of your prints

This is my favorite tip to follow, and one that can give you interesting and surprising combinations that you may have not considered.

When you have a pattern that has many different colors, look closely for a color that is not immediately obvious. Then, pick a second pattern in a similar hue.

Selecting the non-dominant color is not something that people usually think of, but in reality, the designer of the pattern already took the time to select colors that they know will work well together - so you really can’t go wrong here!

Sydne’s Trina Turk’s outfit is the perfect example for this tip! @sydnesummer

The easiest two-step process to matching prints and patterns

If you’re ever not sure if two prints go well together, follow this simple two-step process to make sure your outfit always works:

Match the main colors. If they go well together, you are off to a good start!
Once you have matching colors, select two patterns in different sizes for balance.

You don’t always have to go all out with prints and patterns. Start by wearing small accessories in different prints, or pairing your patterned purse with a bolder patterned top, and work on expanding from there! The point is to start experimenting with combinations you may have not considered before. Start small, and go from there!

Do you want to want to learn more about color matching? Check out the video on color theory next!

5 Easy Tips To Mixing Prints and Patterns