Mixing Patterns: The Good, The Bad and the UGLY!

Mixing patterns can be tough to get the feel for.  Typically the best way to mix patterns is to have complimentary colors.  Also using similar sized patterns can be more tricky than a contrasting pattern (larger pattern with a smaller similar colored pattern).  I’ve used my tweed pink jacket with an animal print scarf.  The smaller pattern in the jacket works nicely with the animal print scarf because of the colors match as well as the balance of the smaller more neutral pattern against the larger animal print.   

While traveling I had the opportunity to snap a picture of a bad attempt at mixing pattern

 

While the young lady was using the Larger pattern with a smaller pattern she failed to "match" in color combination nor in Genre.  You should never mix fictional representations with patterns found in nature.  Had she used a large black tunic with a Large Batman sign on the front, this would be a do (for a comicon convention).

 

Best of luck in your pattern combos and before you leave your house ~ best to take a glance in a full length mirror :)

 

Jazzing up basic pieces in your wardrobe to create a new look, Outfit of the Day

Hello fello fashionistas! Today my outfit started out very bland.  Black wool wrap skirt and crispy white blouse.  We all have these staples in our work wardrobe and they work well as a basic outfit.

I added some statement necklaces, bracelets and suade shoes with animal print detail to jazz the outfit up. 

 

I then added an additional layer for warmth and structure in a purple wool jacket from Jones New York and a Large belt from Guess.  I added a colorful scarf in purples, pinks  and blues that don't match with my shoe pattern but it goes well.

 

How do you take your basic work staples to the next level? post and share