Paisley, criss-cross, stripes and flowers; yes, these are the elements forming just the tip of the prints-and-patterns iceberg. We were once taught to only choose one print and make it our focal point throughout the whole outfit. Today, this is considered as a blasphemous sin by fashion predators and this up-and-coming trance is considered a fun summertime kindred spirit.

Mixing and matching patterns isn’t rocket science. It’s a marvelous artistry on its own and mastering it is yet another way to foster your creative skills. At the end of the day, all you need is a bit of guidelines from here and a dab of attitude from there!

1. Pair your pattern of choice with a neutral compliment. It’s a subtle start for those of you who are still print-amateurs.
2. In the pattern world, there can only be one ruler. And it’s the stripe print. So if you want to reign on this trend, use stripes as a neutral basis for prints.
3. Use the same strong base color in different prints, so as to create a recurrent pattern. Stick to this rule and you’ll perfectly pull it off regardless of the diversity of patterns.
4. Play with scales. Same print, different size!
5. Match at least one color in all of your prints as to pull off a well put-together ensemble.
6. Pick a single tone and go with it. That’s where you can easily swoop in for the win: for instance, you could go for a whole bunch of earthy tones or cool tones! Whichever way you choose to go, you’ll be selling the crowd!
7. Graphic prints, always and forever! They blend perfectly together and they’re infinitely versatile.
8. To make the ultimate impact, you might as well thrust yourself in the pattern frenzy by adding a solid belt to create an effervescent contrast.

Cindy Menassa