Mixing prints is SO much fun, but like, how the hell do you do it? We asked 10 super-duper fly style experts to show us how it's done and give us their best mismatch advice!
1. Micaela Verrelien
Blog: Micaela Verrelien
Instagram: @micaelaverrelien
"I love to mix prints with the same color that I want to covey in my expression for the day. The key to pulling off mixed prints is to have a similar color scheme for all of the items you choose to wear. This way your outfit can blend while having the uniqueness of different prints."
2. Anthony Urbano
Blog: Oh Anthonio
Instagram: @oh_anthonio
"More is more for me! I like bold colors and patterns that make a big statement. The keys to pulling it off are confidence and swagger."
3. Kéla Walker
Blog: Kéla's Kloset
Instagram: @kelawalker
"I love to work with a theme—florals with florals, stripes with stripes—but different colors and patterns within that theme to create a cool and interesting contrast. You absolutely, positively have to be confident. For me, if I can picture Solange wearing it, then I know I nailed it!"
4. Kyrzayda Rodriguez
Blog: Kyrzayda
Instagram: @kyrzayda_
"I love mixing patterns with solids or jeans, or a pop of neutral. The key is confidence. You must love patterns as well. Mixing patterns is truly an art."
5. Chris Law
Blog: Fresher Than Chris
Instagram: @fresherthanchris
"The sweet spot is being fresh without being costumey. Imagination and taste! I love to mix prints that people wouldn't think to put together. Dare to be dapper, but know when something does NOT work. Using camouflage is always a good start. It's basically like leopard print for men."
6. Chastity Garner Valentine
Blog: Garner Style
Instagram: @garnerstyle
"I really like mixing black and white prints. I usually do a big print with a small print. Use your own judgement and eye. If it feels right then go for it, and vice versa."
7. Anita Matey
Blog: Foreign Curves
Instagram: @foreign_curves
"I love mixing bold prints, whether it's Ankara or stripes with floral. As long as both prints have complementing colors then it should go. For instance, blue and purple are cool together. Prints along those lines would coordinate very well. "
8. Kamau Hosten
Blog: The Ideal Pursuit
Instagram: @kamauhosten
"I have fun and remember balance; larger patterns with my jackets or suits, smaller stripes or checks for shirts. I try not to overthink it (but I still do). This is clothing, not science; this shouldn't be too technical.
With a two shade palate, like black and white, go balls out! Mix bold stripes and geometric patterns with animal prints. The limited colors keep everything tame amongst the abundance of pattern. Really, just fuck up people's perception of what's appropriate."
9. Chantelle Dwomoh-Piper
Fashion label: DPiperTwins
Instagram: @dpipertwins
“I like to choose a bold print and then take two colors from it to determine my next print to coordinate it with. One of my favorite combinations of prints is stripes with African print. Here, I am in this custom African day-to-night print skirt from our collection DPipertwins, paired with a striped blouse. The key is to make sure the print and color stories compliment each other. Together they must stand strong!”
10. Danielle Dwomoh-Piper
Fashion label: DPiperTwins
Instagram: @dpipertwins
"I have an obsession with prints! My key to pulling off a mixed-prints look is to identify a common connection between the prints, which could be color, texture, style, inspiration, etc. Then from there, you establish your fabulous look. Here, for instance, I did a custom top and skirt from our collection with a common color scheme."
