Mixed patterns and clashing fabrics has been a bold look on the runway for decades, but to the average ensemble it poses a scary risk of ruining an outfit. With careful planning, anyone can translate “off the runway looks” to something beautiful and simplistic for everyday wear.
I am wearing a shift patterned shirt dress with black trim details. You can find a dress similar to this one at Dillard’s website. I suggest reserving this look for only the spring and summer seasons but since these colors are neutral, you can pair them with warm, solid colored outerwear for the fall and winter seasons. This dress is paired with black flats and a skinny black belt. The black belt balances the shape of the dress and gives the appearance of a skinny waist. I recommend any non form-fitted dresses to be worn with a skinny belt. Buttoning dresses up all the way really gives it a clean and fresh look.
The focal piece in my outfit would certainly be the striped sun hat. This pattern on the hat works with the pattern on the dress. Any true Fashionista might question what their mother always said about the “mixing patterns taboo,” but rest assured, this one works. Opposites attract in the world of love, art and clothing! Combining a small print with a large one will allow a successful blend of the patterns in the outfit. There will be no fight for attention between the fabrics. The small scaled pattern will appear magically as a neutral! Ta-Da!
