The Fab 40’s are Mixing Prints like Pros

Before I started writing this blog, I only admired outfits with quirky combinations of prints. I struggled with combining clashing patterns myself for such a long time, feeling somewhat like an imposter of sorts. Like who the heck was I to think I could possibly pull off these cool mergers between seemingly opposed patterns that you only saw on fashion icons and street style celebrities?

I always have had eclectic taste when it came to fashion, but print mixing was something completely new and totally foreign to me in my styling choices just a few short years ago. I remember back in September of 2016 being inspired by my dear friend Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust to combine the very unlikely patterns of floral and camouflage. I was so far outside my comfort zone, but I have to admit that from that moment on I was hooked.

The ability to mix patterns into one outfit is a learning process, for sure. The biggest lesson to learn is self confidence. When you make interesting style choices, you absolutely have to accessorize with a smile and a whole lot of self assurance. I am at the point now that if I don’t have at least two patterns in my outfit, I feel kind of boring.

For those of you who may be interested in mixing patterns like a pro but you are hesitant to try it, here are a few tips for beginners.

1. Start Small. Try combining two subtle patterns in your accessories. For example, a mini polka dotted bag with a floral scarf.
2. Don’t be too literal. Textures and graphics count as patterns. A brocade skirt with a graphic tee or a crocodile belt with a tweed blazer absolutely combine enough mixed elements to create lots of interest.
3. Stay in the same color palette. Black and white is always easy to mix especially for beginners. Polka dots and stripes, plaid and floral in neutral colors work well.
4. Certain patterns are considered neutrals. With print mixing trending strong for the past few years, certain prints are now considered neutrals like leopard, snakeskin, camouflage, stripes, and polka dots. Any of these combined together generally work.
5. Keep the patterns in different size ranges. If you are wearing a bold floral, the second print should be smaller like a pin stripe or tiny dots.

Once you have gotten comfortable mixing patterns and start to feel like a pro, then you can begin experimenting with more than two prints and more color combinations. If you have trouble with creating color mixes that work, consult a color wheel for help. And sometimes, it is just a matter of pairing two prints and/or colors together and looking at it. If it is pleasing to your eye, then go for it! If it looks like a mismatched mess, then switch out some of the pieces until you find a combination that works and looks appealing to you.

As you get bolder and more confident in your pattern mixing abilities, you can try things like multiple tartans in one outfit. Leopard and camouflage create an interesting combination. Combining various geometric patterns in the same or coordinating color schemes makes for an intriguing outfit. Florals with polka dots and stripes is an easy way to mix three prints.

When Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots chose this month’s theme for the Fab 40’s, I was super excited because, like I said, I frequently mix patterns. And then I got stumped because I had about 5 different outfits photographed that were suitable to this style challenge. I usually end up styling something of the edgier sort for this Fab 40’s collaboration. But this time I went with one of my vintage inspired dresses…in polka dots…because it’s Jennie’s favorite print. I added all sorts of leopard in my accessories which is a bit of an unlikely pairing but I found it working for me. Remember in today’s fashion world, basically anything goes. Wear what you want and wear it with confidence and you really can’t go wrong.

I had to laugh at Sheela‘s response to my outfit choice this month. We email our photographs to each other before posting so we can each share the outfits of the rest of the group. And when Sheela received my photo, she emailed me saying, “What a lady, Shelbee!!! You look like one of those ladies who lunch and brunch and snap their fingers to have a posse of hot young men come forward with various platters of delicacies!!! HahahHa. That last bit was so random, I know, but you look like a damn classy broad. You bring me back to the era of Peggy Carter of the Marvel movies.” A damn classy broad! I can assure you that I am not, Miss Sheela! However, I wouldn’t mind a posse of hot young men delivering me platters of delicacies. Dear Santa…

Now let’s check out this group of fab ladies in their 40’s showing us so many wonderful ways to mix patterns.

The Fab 40’s is a group of six fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their 40’s to join us. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With six widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

Let’s start with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, the brains behind the theme this month. An absolute magician at pattern mixing, Jennie has brilliantly combined 5 patterns…stripes, floral, plaid, polka dots, and leopard. See how she kept everything anchored in black for the perfect flow of one print into the next.

Outfit Details: Cardigan-Ann Taylor /  Top-Ember / Pants-Soho Apparel Ltd. /  Shoes-JoeyO /
Earrings-Shein

Next is our guest blogger for this month, Fonda of Savvy Southern Chic, with a brilliant mix of gingham and Buffalo plaid. I am always a fan of mixed plaids or tartans and Fonda has pulled this off in the most adorable, festive way for the holiday season. And how stinking cute is her pom pom hat?! Well done, Fonda! I am so glad that you could join us this month.

And then there is Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks staying true to her relaxed boho-librarian style with this gorgeous combination of mini floral and grid print in grays and burgundies. I am loving the cropped pants with the patent oxfords, too. So chic and cool.

Dee of Dee Sayz is showcasing exactly how stripes work as a neutral with this fun combination of striped tee shirt under a geometric printed long cardigan. And then there’s the shoes! Dee is always killing it with her choice of footwear.

Outfit Details: Multipattern Shrug-Vero Moda / Striped Tee-Old Navy / Denim-Levis / Wedge Sandals-Hype

Sheela of Sheela Writes is rocking this theme like the street style icon that she is with a magnificent pairing of Buffalo plaid (this skirt is the stuff that my dreams are made of) and a plaid and floral top all pulled together with one fantastic furry vest. And of course, the color blocked shoes add just another wonderful element to an already amazing ensemble.

Outfit Details: Top, Skirt, Sunnies, Booties & Jewelry-All Thrifted / Jacket-c/o Jagged Hanger

Suzy of Suzy Turner Books & Style is a woman after my own heart with my favorite combination of leopard and camouflage. Yes, my friend, you are a freaking style rock star! And that amazing bag just makes me swoon.

Outfit Details: Camo trousers-Bershka / Animal print top-Bershka / Leather jacket-Massimo Dutti / Handbag-Gift from mother-in-law / Boots-Calla Shoes / Earrings-Crazy old

And finally my look, bold polka dots with leopard accessories, and I was feeling like I was living in a different era.

Outfit Details: Dress, Coat, and Clutch-Thrifted / Shirt-Old Navy / Hat-Charlotte Russe / Shoes-Payless / Tights-Sock Dreams / Gloves-Walmart / Belt-TJ Maxx / Necklace and Earrings-Old

Do you enjoy pattern mixing? What are your favorite prints to combine? Or maybe it is not your thing and you just steer clear. If so, would you try mixing prints after seeing the Fab 40’s do it?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my outfit…

Outfit Details: Dress, Coat, and Clutch-Thrifted / Shirt-Old Navy (Old) / Hat-Charlotte Russe (Old) / Shoes-Payless (Old) / Tights-Sock Dreams / Gloves-Walmart (Old) / Belt-TJ Maxx (Old)/ Necklace and Earrings-Old (Shopping Links Below)