Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins

Mixed Up

I know the blog world is blowin’ up with posts on how to mix patterns, so I wont bore you with some long drawn out post on what to do to not look like a crazy person. I will provide one brief tip, go with your gut. So helpful, right? Honestly though, mix big with small, a contrasting color against a big colored print, or when all else fails, add an animal print (seriously, they are a neutral right?). Only you know what you feel “silly in,” so if you put it on and you feel like a straitjacket would be the perfect accessory, you probably shouldn’t wear it. Trust yourself, since we are our own biggest critics, I’m sure you wont let yourself out of the house in something that doesn’t flow, and if you do…well then tomorrow is a new day and another chance to get it right.

::Blazer Gap (similar here), Pants Gap (here), Shoes BCBG, Bee Earrings Target, Bag Michael Kors (smaller version here), Paisley Top Nordstrom, Jewelry Banana Republic Fossil Macys Tiffany and Co., Belt Forever21, Sunnies Coach:: 
I love these pants because they are so versatile and comfy, but they run BIG and even though I went down a couple of sizes, I still need to wash/dry them after wear because they stretch out- just an FYI. Also, isn’t our front door the most hideous/ugly/gross amazing shade of green? It was starting to rain, so we snapped these under the stoop.
Tomorrow Ill have a braided hair tutorial, stick around!
Mixing patterns, a do or don’t in your book? What is the best pattern mixing tip you have? I would love to hear!

Comments

  3. AvatarCourtney @ The Wags Daily says

    I love the mixing prints fad because I've never really been into matching! A few years ago when I started wearing brown with black my friends thought I was CRAZY! Things like that just don't bother me! I love the flower/striped look. Im wanting to find some cute polkadot things, but I sometimes feel like I little kid when I wear polkadots!

  5. AvatarAlissa says

    Amy you did so good! I am still terrified of mixing patterns even when they are the exact same time it's seriously like fear inducing for me.

  11. AvatarBlush says

    Love this outfit, the pants, top and pop of colour. Amazing!

    Thank you for visiting Blush and your lovely comment!

    Xoxo
    Paula
    Blush-paula.blogspot.com

  13. AvatarStyle Journey says

    Pattern mixing has always been a little intimidating, but I have learned to work it in small doses. I totally agree, leopard print is definitely a neutral. I find that the easiest to do pattern mixing with. Heather

  15. AvatarPhoebe says

    Hi Amy! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I am your newest follower! Oh my goodness, I love how you paired paisley with a striped blazer. I would have never thought of pairing the two but you make it work! 😀
    I also love your hair! How did you add volume?

    Hope you have a great day! xoxo, Phoebe

  25. AvatarKristina says

    I've never been much for mixing patterns, but I did my laundry for the first time in a month yesterday (ahem) and was thinking there are a lot more ways I can pair my existing wardrobe together. Maybe I'll give it a whirl soon.

    On a sidenote, I love your shoes. So adorable.

    Kristina

    Kristina does the Internets

  27. Avatarthreadsandbuttons says

    I think trusting yourself is definitely some of the best advice when it comes to pattern mixing. Also, I LOVE that blazer, I think I would wear it just about every day if I owned it 🙂

  30. Avatarjoyandsunshine says

    Your advice to trust yourself is spot on, IMHO, and I love this look on you! I was a little hesitant to try mixing prints/patterns at first, but now I love the interest it adds and the freedom of dressing (i.e. no real rules to follow). My style is more preppy (and I like to wear classics in different ways), so I love pairing different stripes together as well as stripes + dots. Pretty much stripes + anything is a go 🙂

    J&S
    http://www.JoyandSunshine.com

  34. AvatarStyleCrush says

    I say mixing patterns is a fun DO!!I love you laid back style advice and it's so true!
    The guidelines I follow when mixing two prints is to follow the same color scheme – I have found this makes the look more cohesive! You did this fabulously!

    All in all, just have fun! After all,isn't that what fashion is all about! 🙂

    xoxo
    Danielle A.
    http://stylecrushdiaries.blogspot.com/

  44. AvatarMaca says

    I am terrible about pattern mixing. Mostly because I'm really scared of doing it wrong. Silly, yes?
    Love your outfit!

  51. AvatarJenny Lauren says

    I LOVE this look! I'm so into cobalt right now, and love how you mixed these prints! Your hair is just gorgeous! I totally agree with you about going with your gut. It seems so simple, but I think I definitely forget this sometimes, then afterwards regret my fashion choice. I have to remind myself that if I'm hesitating to wear something, (in most cases) there is a justified reason.

    xo Jenny
    http://www.crazystylelove.com

  55. AvatarUnderstated Classics Clare says

    hey, since I've started blogging, I've been trying to get this whole pattern mixing thing down. I am so bold (sarcasm) to finally have tried the whole polka dots and stripes combo. I still am nervous to try any other prints, but I'm working on it.

    this pattern mixing is awesome though. I think its the color and the smile on your face that makes it adorable!

    Clare
    Understated Classics

  74. AvatarViLan Aram says

    Out of all the great pieces your wearing, I noticed your eyes… They are gorgeous! And I just had a post on mixing prints very similar to yours 🙂 You really rocked it! Following, hope you do the same if you like mine!

    xo

    adoreandleer.blogspot.com

  101. AvatarMary Lindsey says

    I love this pattern mixing. The striped blazer and beautiful paisley print looks great. This entire outfit is perfection! 🙂

    -Mary @ stylethatmoves.blogspot.com