The combination of prints in clothes characterizes you as a brave woman with excellent taste. If you want to achieve mastery in combinatorics, then you need to remember a few basic rules.

First: if you combine two identical prints in an image, then they should be of different sizes, but at the same time have the same color or have a common background.

Second: when choosing a pattern, you should take into account the characteristics of your figure (miniature girls and those with curvy figures should avoid horizontal lines and large patterns).

Third: if you rely on print, then the style of clothing should be laconic (the same applies to the choice of jewelry: it should be minimalistic).

Now let's move on to the details.

Geometry

Geometric prints - stripes, polka dots, checks, paws, diamonds and others - are combined with each other quite simply: a large pattern is combined with a small one. For example, a combination of striped prints of different directions and line thicknesses will create an asymmetry effect that is confidently at the top of the current season.

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Clothing with geometric prints is widely represented in the online store. A stylish jacket with contrasting stripes will appeal to girls who love comfort and simplicity. With this new look you can create a spectacular and bright look in a casual style.

Ethnic pattern

Ethnic patterns can be mixed with each other only under one condition: the ornament must contain a measured amount of small elements, otherwise the image will turn out to be overloaded. It is better to use different shades of the same color.

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Animal print

“Tiger”, “zebra”, “leopard” and “python” are harmoniously combined with plain clothes. Animal print is contradictory; redundancy cannot be allowed in it, that is, you can only afford one accent. If you're willing to take risks, try combining animal prints with clean lines or checkered patterns. For example, a bag, sweater or top with geometric elements will make a great pair with trousers, a skirt or jeans with leopard print.

During my student years, I once had to attend an open lecture by the editor of the fashion department of one Very Important English Publication. A crowd of students from all Parisian fashion schools and courses filled the hall, and a corpulent aunt in Armani sat on the stage and spoke in a categorical tone the immutable truths on the topic of the laws of style. That evening, many loud statements were made like “tights can only be flesh-colored”, “light-colored bags are part of the summer wardrobe” and - the crowning glory! – “leopard print can only be worn with black clothes.”

I often think about this woman today, each time wondering whether she takes Valocardine before opening her MacBook and starting to study modern trends?..

PRINTS IN THE POSTMODERN ERA

I have already said many times, and I will repeat it again: in the era we are living through, there have long been no strict laws or rules. White bags are worn all year round, tights can be of any color and texture, but with prints everything is no longer so simple. Prints are worn as accents, as the main story, they are combined with each other and with anything, and this is where the art of beautifully breaking established rules, the main sign of postmodernity, is manifested.

It should be noted that not everyone’s relationship with prints is smooth: lovers of minimalism and cleaned-up images are lukewarm towards complex patterns, perceiving them as visual confusion.

But this attitude is not entirely justified, because even in the most minimalist wardrobe there is a place for prints that will add variety and character to neutral combinations.

But let's take things in order.

HOW TO WEAR PRINTS: TYPES OF PATTERNS AND TYPES OF COMBINATIONS

Of course, if you are not a designer or a fashion editor, this knowledge may seem unnecessary to you, but the theory of the issue sometimes helps to better understand what you feel intuitively, so let me take up some space in your memory. So, there are 5 types of prints in total:

  • floral (which is divided into 2 large groups - large floral print and small floral print, calicot)
  • animal (leopard, zebra, etc.)
  • ethnic (African, Asian, etc.)
  • geometric (check, strip, polka dot)
  • abstract (this also includes military print)

Some of the prints are always relevant in one form or another (stripes, for example), while others come into fashion and are forgotten for a while. Each of the prints has its own history, its own character and its own set of partners with whom it works in classic combinations.

How to wear prints? Prints in an image can work in different ways, and professional designers and stylists have their own system for using them:

  • full-body - an image in which a print (or a combination of prints) plays the main role (for example, a dress made of fabric with a print, to which neutral accessories are selected)
  • print block - a look in which blocks of their printed fabrics are combined with solid-colored items (for example, a solid-colored skirt and a printed top)
  • accent - scarves, bags, shoes with prints that work as an accent, and not as a basis or a serious part of the image.
Full body print - the print is the main character of the entire set. Most often, there is one print that becomes the hit of the season, and it is this print that begins to be used for full body looks. Over the past few years, floral print has come to the forefront every spring. It's probably a matter of hormones, not trends... The print is based on the block principle - most often it is the top or bottom of the image; paired with the block from the print is a plain item in a neutral or full color. Photo: happilygrey.com The print is like an accent, everything is clear here. Most often these are shoes, bags or scarves in neutral looks.

And the main types of combinations:

  • print + color block/blocks (print and plain full-color items)
  • print + neutral (print and plain items in neutral colors)
  • print on print (combinations of different prints)

For example, the classic partner of a geometric print is a single-color block of a rich shade.
But prints work great with neutral blocks too...
Mastery of combinations - print on print.

FLORAL PRINT

This print can be classified as basic, since it is always present in one form or another on the catwalks and in collections. At the same time, the fashion for the type of floral print changes depending on the fashion for the era: small floral prints are the 70s and 90s, large floral prints are the 60s and 80s.

Floral print adds femininity and romance to the image, and is not entirely appropriate in a business wardrobe, but is very popular outside the office. There is an opinion that the older a woman is, the smaller the floral print should be in her wardrobe, but this is just a stereotype - Anna Wintour, for example, wears a large floral print at her advanced age without any problems, it is part of her signature look.

Classic: floral print as a layer, paired with denim and a men's blazer cut coat so that it's not too cloying.

A small floral print (calicot) works great as one of the layers in layered looks (I already wrote about this), a large floral print is self-sufficient, although there are restrictions associated with the type of figure (large flowers make miniature girls look like sofa cushions).

The classic partner of the calicot print is denim and any other plain fabrics that highlight the texture pattern well. A large floral print goes worse with denim, as it requires an absolutely neutral partner, which can be any monochromatic item that matches the shade.

The calicot print never really goes out of style, as it is quite versatile in nature. A small drawing does not oblige you to anything, but adds romance to the image. Photo: happilygrey.com

A great partner for a floral print is stripes. The multicolor and variegation of the floral block works perfectly with the contrast and geometricity of the stripe.

It would be boring with a simple plain top, but you have to admit that stripes are much more expressive.

Different types of floral prints work well with each other, the main thing is that they are combined in color basis (the combination can be monochromatic or contrasting, when two floral patterns contrast with each other in the main color).

The rule “variegated print - plain accessories” has long been out of date. You can combine several colorful prints at the same time, which will work together precisely according to the “pattern contrast” principle. For example, with a floral print, animal print can work well as an accent.

Two different small prints that match the main color.

ANIMAL PRINT

A print with a bad reputation, which it acquired in the tasteless 80s, when for some reason it became a symbol of overt sexuality, which quickly evolved into vulgarity. However, this fame is just a stereotype, and in fact, animal print can be a great accent, turning the most boring image into something much more interesting.

The line with vulgarity is quite obvious: it is enough to avoid revealing silhouettes, necklines and other obvious stories, and use this print in doses.

Bags and shoes with animal print often look cheap, since this coloring is applied to the skin, and if the execution is not of very high quality, the appearance of the item suffers (the same bag in a monotonous design can look great). The solution here could be pony leather - bags and shoes made of pony leather with leopard print do not look provocative or cheap (the color is harmoniously combined with the texture of the leather).

How to start wearing animal print?..

The English aunt's rule is to wear animal print only with black clothes - this is your insurance against overloading your look with unnecessary details.

You can also introduce this print into looks with neutral colors and textures: black, white and beige work with an animal print in brown and yellow tones (leopard or tiger), any monotonous deep colors - with a black and white print (for example, zebra, which goes well with deep red, blue, etc.)

The safest way to introduce animal print into your neutral wardrobe is pony leather bags. Perfect in terms of taste and adds texture. Well, this is for advanced minimalists - you see, not everything is so scary!

ETHNIC PRINT

This group includes all prints whose patterns are based on national motifs. African, Brazilian, Asian, Scandinavian, etc., etc. Ethnic prints work best with leather/suede and chunky yarns.

The main rule of combining is not to mix different ethnic prints with each other (that is, not to wear Asian and African prints in the same look), but combining them with other prints is very possible.

Ethnic prints are not always relevant, but every 2-3 years the fashion for them returns. So if boho style is your thing, you can safely invest in buying such things and not put them away.


Ethnic prints are best combined with rough textures - leather, chunky knit, coarse fur. Anna Wintour and African print - she generally loves bright large prints, and wears them very often. An excellent example of ethnicity in a set in the style of the 70s; this era was favorable to ethnicity. Photo: collagevintage.com

GEOMETRIC PRINT

This group of prints is rightfully considered basic, since checks, stripes and polka dots are much more versatile than other prints. Geometric print can be combined with neutral items (especially soft, non-contrasting shades, such as beige), and with full-color items, as well as with almost all other types of prints (especially calicot).

I have already written about the most basic geometric print - Breton stripe. The check is less universal, and periodically becomes a hit (like in the summer of 2017, when gingham print was everywhere), then fades into the background, and polka dots are completely specific, often disliked by many designers for their “girliness”.

Geometric prints are best introduced into your wardrobe in a block fashion, by purchasing tops and shirts worn with plain blazers and cardigans or floral prints.


Even the most minimalistic minimalist is unlikely to find arguments against stripes - this print is definitely worth having in your arsenal. Polka dot is another print that is a basic one. Will work with anything - neutral blocks, full color blocks and other prints. Geometric prints work well together, especially stripes and polka dots. It is more difficult to combine stripes and checks, although successful combinations can also be found. Two more geometric prints that work great together. I already wrote above about the friendship between floral and geometric prints, so I’ll just add another example as an argument. Gingham check, the biggest hit of summer 2017, works very well with floral prints - both prints are romantic in nature. Geometric prints of the same nature go well with each other - check with check, stripe with stripe, and so on Photo: happilygrey.com And another example of cell + cell. Photo: happilygrey.com

ABSTRACT PRINT

This group of prints most often solves the problem of adding a splash of color to an image, and is rarely used for full body looks (although, as I already said, there are no hard and fast rules for a long time). Abstract patterns are often used for scarves, shawls and other accessories, and you need to integrate them into your wardrobe based on their color base.

The color base can be:

  • soft – pastel, or “dusty” colors (dusty) – colors in a muted version;
  • neutral – a composition of objects and color spots of neutral shades;
  • full color or contrast (deep saturated colors and shades)

When choosing such a print, you need to focus on your color scheme (I talk in great detail about how to sort out your palette in the book “Fundamentals of Flawlessness”), and if it is a scarf or top, then there is something that will be worn “to your face”, then the main color should not be in contrast to your skin and eye color.

Olivia Palermo is the queen of prints and has great combinations, so if you're interested in the theme, follow her on Instagram. Pastel abstract set with neutral ballet flats and a plain block bag. The main ones in this area, of course, are Hermes scarves Classic: neutral jeans, T-shirt, trench coat and a bright scarf with an abstract print Designers love to choose abstract, bright prints for statement pieces. They should be worn with the simplest possible partners, which emphasize the uniqueness of the print. A white t-shirt or simple turtleneck works great.

AND STILL THE RULES

If we still talk about the rules for choosing and using prints, then we will not talk about the laws of combinations, but about how prints work for different types of figures. And if the question “how to wear prints” is relevant for you, then you need to start by understanding your silhouette and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your figure.

Any print attracts attention because it is more difficult for the brain to process the details, and that is why visually any print will add volume and switch from monochromatic details.

FIGURE CORRECTION

With the help of prints you can correct any imbalance. For example, if you have large hips and a fragile top, then a top with a print along with a plain skirt will visually correct this imbalance.

A thing with a print, worn on a voluminous part of the body, visually makes it even more voluminous (perhaps this is how the poor leopard earned its notoriety).

A classic set for a pear-shaped figure - a plain A-line skirt disguises heavy hips, the top focuses attention on the fragile upper body.

LARGE PRINT DOES NOT WORK WITH OVERSIZE ITEMS

The looser and larger the item, the smaller the pattern should be (or there should be none at all). A large print on a large, sweeping item will make you look like a sofa.

The smaller you are, the smaller the larger print will suit you. A large floral print looks good on tall, slender women; it makes tall girls with curves look even more voluminous.

PRINT ON PRINT: RULE OF 3

It is possible and necessary to combine different prints, and the good old rule of 3 elements will help from stylistic mistakes: something variegated, something geometric black and white, and something full-color monochromatic. In this combination, the main character will be a variegated print, a geometric stripe or check will add intrigue, and a plain item will be the “glue” that binds everything together and acts as a background for the prints.

In this case, a colorful thing should be one that emphasizes the advantages of the figure, and it is better to disguise the shortcomings with an even, deep color.


Classic: two prints and monotone And once again - two prints and a monotone (bag) Two small geometric prints, one large and monotone (bag) Two floral prints that work because they are similar in texture and both in the same color scheme.

Dare and try. And even if the image with prints that you put together seems flawed to someone, let your heart be warmed by the thought that you at least tried.

There is nothing more boring than the frozen framework of safe neutral combinations; your wardrobe deserves bright accents!

Even if important English aunts in Armani do not agree with this.

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Did you like this post and would like to learn more about how to create interesting looks using simple wardrobe items? You might be interested in my book, “The Anatomy of a Parisian Wardrobe.”

This is one of five books based on the Parisian Wardrobe training, which I have been teaching for many years, which focuses on the basic wardrobe in the classic French style - slightly casual, slightly unisex, minimalistic and very functional.

ANATOMIA OF THE PARISIAN WARDROBE: ITEMS, BRANDS, COMBINATIONS

In this book, I talk about the main constants of the Parisian wardrobe, and about the basic Parisian combinations: what to wear, what to wear with, how to wear it.

For convenience, the book is divided into 3 large blocks (“bottoms”, “tops”, “outerwear”), and in each block I talk in detail about the items that form the basis of the Parisian style.

At first glance, correctly combining prints in clothes is an entire art and not everyone can do it. But it's actually quite simple. You just need to know some rules for combining several prints in clothes.

You can never go wrong by pairing polka dots and stripes together. Get a chic, classic ensemble with prints in black and white and a bright-colored bag or shoes. Stripes generally go perfectly with any other patterns.

  • Combine prints from the same color family.
  • Combine loose prints with structured ones.
  • Combine prints that have one common color.
  • Combine large prints with smaller ones.
  • You can combine prints with a background of the same color or contrasting colors.

Limit yourself to a combination of two different prints. If you need to complement the look with a third item, then let it be a white blouse or a simple cardigan. Of course, you can mix three prints, but it will be easy to make a mistake and overload the image.

The combination of two things with the same print looks beautiful. For example, leopard+leopard or floral+floral, geometric+geometric, abstract+abstract. In this case, one thing should have a large pattern, and the other should have a small one. These ensembles are stylish, elegant and suitable for everyday wear.

Quite interesting would be a combination of two identical geometric prints, repeating the same geometric figure, but with the opposite color orientation. For example, a blouse with blue diamonds on a white background and trousers with white diamonds on a blue background.

Combining different animal prints together is a more complex mixing variation that looks incredible if you get it right. Prints should be of different sizes. We take one print as a basis, which should be in neutral colors, or black and white. You can choose a pair for it that is bolder and brighter.

When combining geometric and abstract patterns, they should have the same color combinations.

You can combine leopard print with floral. The colors should be in harmony.

For example, the following options are suitable for the office: a skirt with a large pattern, a shirt with small polka dots and a plain cardigan. Dress with large leaf motifs and jacket with vertical stripes.

For the evening, you can choose a dress with a floral pattern and ballet flats with polka dots. Or, another option: a dress with a geometric pattern and a cloak with a floral motif.

An example of a combination of prints for an everyday look:

You shouldn't combine two large or two small prints, and combining two polka dot prints is controversial.

The brighter the combination of prints, the more modest the accessories should be. The color of the bag or shoes can be black, white, brown, beige or the same color that dominates the clothing.

As you can see, the combination of several prints in clothes allows you to create interesting and vibrant images.

At first glance, it may seem that combining prints is just a matter of intuition, and it is impossible to give any practical advice on this matter, but this is not entirely true. We've put together some tips to help you mix and match prints wisely, turning your home into a striking, eclectic space rather than a mindless mix of colors.

Find something in common

In order for the prints to look harmonious and not scattered, there must be something in common between them: a repeating color, shape, or just a general national flavor (like Moroccan motifs). Make sure that they are compatible on at least one point.

Designer Maria Solovyova-Sosnovik, founder of the Bureau 17-117 design studio, gave us a comment on the topic of combining prints in the interior.


To combine prints in the interior, it is enough to follow two simple rules: color compatibility and pattern compatibility. Mismatched prints can work well together as long as at least one color used in the prints matches.The drawing is a little more complicated. Try to determine for yourself whether the drawing is dominated by rounded lines or sharp ones. Or perhaps it's a mixed bag. So, rounded and sharp ones can only be combined if it’s just geometry (polka dots with stripes). Flowers with smooth lines and a “sharp” chevron (zigzag pattern) will most likely look strange. It is better if the combination contains mixed variants of ornaments and, for example, only sharp or only soft lines.


Choose the scale

Granted, the prints do have something in common, but they should be different enough from each other to create an interesting overall look. This can be achieved by choosing different sizes of patterns. So, for example, if all the prints have a small pattern, this can tire the eye (they will create unnecessary ripples), too large prints are generally quite difficult to place side by side successfully, they do not create a feeling of unity. The ideal option is to mix small, medium and large prints together until you get the look you like.




Different textures

Prints on things with different textures look interesting if you mix them up. Add to your mix, for example, a fluffy pillow, knitted or embroidered with sequins. Such details can dilute any, even the most complex set.


One accent print

Even when mixing prints, choose one main one that will attract the main attention. An example is the carpet in the photo below. It is an accent element that immediately catches your eye when looking at the photo.



Have fun

Most of the designers we talked to about combining prints told us: “there are no specific rules, you need to be guided by your sense of beauty.” Therefore, we cancel the rules and proclaim freedom: freedom of choice, freedom of creativity, freedom to choose the interior and those print combinations that seem great to you.

We all love prints, and we've all had the experience of buying an item or fabric that has no other redeeming qualities other than a charming print that captures our imagination! Of course, choosing a pattern that not only will not emphasize the flaws of your figure, but can also highlight its advantages is a whole art, but we bring to your attention an even more complex science - mixing prints.

It's easy to make a mistake - for the most part, prints are self-sufficient, and any incorrect combination will look not so much creative as discouraging. Our tips will help you find the right balance so that your mixes always look great.

Color balance


Photo: Halliedaily, Charlotte Taylor, Anthropologie

If you are a beginner lover of mixes, then try to limit yourself to monochrome options. It is not so important how bright the color (or similar shades) is, the main thing is that you do not add another ingredient to the already complex mixing of prints - color combinations.

Related Prints


Photo: Altuzarra, Piazza Sempione, Tommy Ton

Before you start wondering whether polka dots go with floral prints, try mixing prints from the same family - for example, take stripes of different sizes and types.

Work with textures


Photo: Modcloth, J. Crew

It is a fact proven in practice that prints on fabrics of different textures can be combined easier and more advantageously. Translucent summer fabrics will play perfectly together in tandem with dense autumn-winter options: cotton and tweed, silk and leather, chiffon velvet.

Floral idyll


Photos: floral + camo by Saint Laurent, floral + stripe by J. Crew, floral + leopard by Thassia Naves

One of the most common prints, which can be found even in the most discreet wardrobe, is floral, and one of the most reliable and win-win options is a combination of a floral print with... any other! Therefore, with this pattern you won’t have to rack your brains for a long time, just complement it with any available print.

Play with contrast


Photo: Refinery29, Racked, Marc Jacobs

This technique is more suitable for “advanced” combinations, since it will require skillful work with color and, if necessary, with the color wheel. The idea is that the prints should be close to each other “in spirit”, and the colors, on the contrary, should work in contrasting combinations.