One of the most frequent styling questions I hear is how to successfully mix patterns in an outfit. For me, it's always been a visual process - I can see if two patterns are playing nicely together in terms of color and scale. But trying to explain why they work together isn't as easy. So I started to deconstruct the process and I found a few basic concepts that help when combining two prints. (Check out this post for some starter tips!)
Two of my favorite patterns are plaid and leopard - my closet boasts a crazy amount of both - and while they may be a bit more challenging to combine than other patterns, I am always up for the task! Here's five outfits that combine the two, as well as a brief explanation of what makes them work!
Old Navy Jean Jacket | Buffalo Plaid Shirt | J Crew Skirt (similar) | GGDC Sneakers
WHY IT WORKS: The buffalo plaid and leopard print are both similar scale, and while this could result in an abundance of busy pattern, the bright red of the plaid makes it the star of the show. The neutral colors in the animal print help it act as a base that compliments, rather than competes with, the plaid. The solid jean jacket also helps to marry the two patterns with it's solid color.
A New Day Sweater (similar) | H&M Plaid Pant | Frye Booties | similar necklace
WHY IT WORKS: The bold plaid pants are a larger pattern, and paired with the smaller leopard print, they become the focal point. Both prints also share a common color - the soft tan - and it helps tie them together visually.
Old Navy Sweater | Plaid Shirt | Leopard Pants (similar) | similar heels | similar necklace
WHY IT WORKS: Because leopard print is technically a neutral, it will almost always work with a pop of red. A festive red tartan shirt might be too busy top these pants, but layered under a black sweater it adds the perfect accent of color but still allows the leopard to have the spotlight.
H&M Dress | J. Crew Scarf | Dr. Martens Boots | Fishnet tights
WHY IT WORKS: Both the plaid scarf and leopard dress share a predominant color - black - and it gives the eye a "resting point" between the two patterns. The plaid is also a relatively large, loose pattern while the leopard is a tighter, more consistent print, and that contrast makes the two work well together!
J. Crew Blazer (similar) | J. Crew Plaid Shirt | A&F Jeans | H&M Heels
WHY IT WORKS: This versatile leopard blazer is a simpler print consisting of just tan + black, so it's not overly detailed. When layered over a predominately black plaid, the two patterns play nicely. They are relatively the same scale, and the common color of black helps tie them together. And once again, a pop of red in both the plaid and the statement shoe adds a festive touch to the ensemble!
So are you ready to try combining these two prints in your next outfit? While there's no hard and fast rules, these tips just might help you take the leap!
