Mixed print outfits are my whole deal right now, okay? I’m writing this from my cramped Brooklyn apartment, coffee mug precariously close to tipping over on my thrift-store desk, surrounded by piles of clothes that scream “I tried too hard.” Last weekend, I stepped out in a striped tee with a cheetah print skirt, and my bodega guy was like, “Girl, what’s going on?” I just grinned. Mixing prints is like shouting, “I don’t care about your rules!”—except I kinda do, ‘cause I’ve had some rough attempts. I’m spilling my messy, human, slightly embarrassing journey into pattern mixing, so buckle up.
Mixed Print Outfits Are My Chaos Vibe
I’m all about clashing prints ‘cause they feel like my brain: loud, scattered, and a little extra. Back in Ohio, I was a jeans-and-sweater gal—boring, right? But NYC’s got me feral for bold print combos. I remember this one flea market in Dumbo where I snagged a floral jacket and a polka dot scarf, threw ‘em together, and felt like a walking art piece. It wasn’t perfect—my roommate said I looked “like a quilt exploded”—but it was me. Pattern mixing is my rebellion, and I’m here for it, flaws and all.
My (Kinda Messy) Tips for Mixed Print Outfits
Here’s what I’ve figured out after too many fashion fails:
- Keep Colors Kinda Cohesive: I once tried neon green leopard with red plaid pants. Big yikes. Stick to prints sharing one color—like mustard florals with teal stripes—to avoid looking like a traffic cone.
- Big and Small Prints Are Besties: Pair a chunky houndstooth jacket with tiny polka dot shorts. It’s like they balance each other out, ya know?
- Solids Save the Day: A plain black belt or shoes calms the chaos. My beat-up leather belt from college is my MVP.
- Own It, Even If You’re Faking: Seriously, act like you meant to wear that wild combo, and people will buy it. I’ve bluffed my way through some questionable looks.
My 7 Favorite Mixed Print Outfits (That Actually Work)
Okay, here’s the tea: my top seven mixed print outfits, born from thrift store binges and some serious trial-and-error. I’m tossing in links to Vogue’s print mixing guide and Who What Wear’s tips for inspo, but these are my real, slightly chaotic takes.
1. Floral Dress + Striped Blazer
Wore this to a coffee date in Greenpoint, and it was a vibe. The floral dress was all flowy and soft, but the striped blazer (stolen from my roommate, oops) added some edge. Keep stripes thin and flowers bold for balance. Chunky boots keep it from looking too cutesy.
2. Polka Dots + Leopard Print
This is my go-to. Found a polka dot blouse at a thrift shop and paired it with a leopard skirt. Felt like a walking optical illusion at first, but a denim jacket chilled it out. Check Elle’s animal print tips for more.
3. Plaid Pants + Geometric Scarf
Rocked this at an art gallery in Chelsea. The plaid pants were loud AF, but the geometric scarf in matching colors kept it together. Pro tip: white tee, no extra jewelry, or it’s too much.
4. Gingham Shirt + Paisley Skirt
Wore this to a dive bar and felt like a cool art teacher (my friend’s words, not mine). Gingham’s classic, paisley’s dramatic. Tuck in the shirt or it looks sloppy—learned that the hard way.
5. Houndstooth Coat + Floral Boots
NYC winters suck, but this outfit kept me stylish. Houndstooth coat was a thrift score, floral boots were an eBay impulse buy. Black jeans let the prints pop.
6. Stripes + Cheetah Print
Tried this for a job interview (risky, I know). Striped pants with a cheetah blouse, saved by a navy blazer. It screamed “I’m professional but fun.” Didn’t get the job, but I looked fire.
7. Polka Dot Skirt + Plaid Shirt
My “I’m late for brunch” look in Williamsburg. Polka dot skirt was flirty, plaid shirt was cozy and oversized. Tie the shirt at the waist for shape, or it’s a mess.
My Mixed Print Outfits Fails (Oh, They’re Bad)
I’ve had some moments. Like when I thought neon zebra stripes and tartan pants could work—looked like a rejected 90s boy band outfit. Or the time I piled on three prints with no solid to break it up, and my coworker asked if I was “auditioning for a circus.” Cringe. Biggest takeaway? Start with two prints max if you’re new to pattern mixing. I still screw up sometimes, but it’s part of the fun, right?
Wrapping Up My Mixed Print Outfits Rant
So yeah, mixed print outfits are my jam, even if I’m a hot mess sometimes. I’m typing this with chipped nail polish and a half-eaten bagel on my desk, dreaming of my next thrift store haul. Clashing prints let me be loud, messy, and real—kinda like my life. Wanna try it? Grab a floral scarf or striped pants and just go for it. Hit me up on X with your boldest mixed print looks—I’m nosy and wanna see!
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