How to mix prints

Left to right imagery: stylingon.com & designspiration.net

Mixing prints takes a bit of courage and an eye for colour combinations.  On the home front a combination of prints can be very chic and the overall feel can bring a plain or lifeless room to life.  On the fashion front it can give someone a real sense of personality...

Something for everyone - Image by theberry.com

My personal approach to print is one that is relatively reserved but what I love about mixing prints is that it doesn't always have to say 'hey look how many colours I can wear' - but rather, 'look what I can do with multiple prints and colour', take for instance these runway looks that are mixing prints yet in a monochromatic way.

Image from style.mtv.com

The overall look above is a look that is refined yet captivating as not only are the models mixing prints but they are mixing textures in a tonal colour palette of greys black and brown. Not once do I think this is too much print, which just goes to show that mixing prints can be refined and subtle.

Image: onekingslane.com

Even if you are someone who likes to keep your colour scheme simple inside the home, introducing several different prints into an otherwise neutral space like for instance in window dressings or cushions (as above) shows a bit of flare yet is easily replaced should your relationship with the print sadly 'come to an end'.

Left to right: youareherefw.com and cosy.pt

Sometimes too much of something can be a wonderful thing like for instance this leopard on leopard look or this over the top zebra wallpaper.  Sometimes if you have the right oomph of colour to offset the print the scheme can just work - it shouldn't but it does, like these further examples

Micro-floral meets green zebra: greathomeinterior.com

The yellow floral is offset by a striking zebra print: asiankoreanfashion.com

Mixing prints can tread a fine line between creating a beautiful mess and an amazing fashion moment.  These celebs seem to get the balance right

Whitney Port, tartan and stripes myfashavenue.com

Scarlett mixes her black and white prints: olivekelly.blogspot.com

Miranda in double floral - lamodellamafia.com

Leopard and floral - who knew?: Olivia enpaper.blogspot.com

Mixing print the right way is all about maintaining balance and having the confidence to do it in the first place.  Occasionally it can be a happy coincidence that you were wearing 3 kinds of stripes and it looked fab but for the most part this is a blend that takes some coordination - there needs to be a common thread.  Either you try bold print with bold solid colours to offset, or you blend prints with tonal accessories which compliment rather than contrast.  The best thing about mixing prints is it really does get your imaginative juices flowing and when you strike it lucky - it can be a winning combination.

Have a go, I dare you!

Monochrome - Black and White

Interior pic courtesy of http://thepursuitaesthetic.tumblr.com/
Outfit pic courtesy of http://stylelovely.com

Out of all the color combos I've blogged about, this high contrast couple is a classic. It is also very visually effective and quite safe as it is difficult to get wrong. Fashion styling wise the most flattering proportion would be white on top and black on the bottom, one word of warning however - go for edgy and well tailored pieces, you want to avoid looking like a waitress. The examples above and below are a perfect mix, and I'm loving the white blazer to complement an otherwise very basic outfit.

For interiors black and white is also difficult to get wrong, think black floors and white walls as the black jeans and white blazer equivalent, chic and classy.

Like any colour combo or theme you can take it too far, and with a monochrome coupling I recommend using some other coloured accents. For outfits - gold and silver accessories or even red lippy are great complements. For interiors - I like the minimalistic accent of wood grain, but loads of options in terms of introducing pops of colour in accesories in the form of wall art, cushions, ornaments and light fittings.

Interior image courtesty of http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.co.nz
Outfit image courtesy of theconfessionsofaproductjunkie.com

Image courtesy of http://www.antoniobarrella.com/

The above and below examples demonstrate the drama and strong power that can be achieved with such a simple set of colours. It's association with the classic and formal tuxedo make it quite masculine and strong. But as Dita Von Teese also demonstrates in her dress below it can also be very feminine. I love her style, she always looks immaculate!
 

Image courtesy of tumbler.com

Image courtesy of candy-mansion.com

Such a versatile combination can be safe, but anything but boring. See some inspiring examples below:

So flipping the combo, this model has the legs to do it! Image courtesy of blog.stylesight.com

Edgy with gold accessories and a pop of colour in the handbag = perfect! Image courtesy of calurivero.com

A bit OTT with the monochrome theme, but great gold accents and a bit eccentric, which I like. 
Image courtesy of http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com

Minimalist heaven, image courtesy of http://inredningsdesigner.blogspot.co.nz/

Some more minimalism. Very dramatic but could be a bit too cold. Image courtesy of http://www.bluesphere.be/

I'm crazy for chevron, I'm still trying to figure out how I can incorporate it into my house. Maybe I'll just buy a chevron scarf.
Image courtesy of bellemaison23.com

So opulent! Image courtesy of http://www.thedecorista.com

Introducing pops of red in wall art and light fittings works very well in a monochrome space. 
Image courtesy of tumblr.com

What a fun space! Mismatching chairs but all tied together with the black and white theme. 
Image courtesy of http://www.79ideas.org/

As an aside example, I was a bit paranoid about looking back on my wedding photos and regretting my fashion decisions, so I really wanted to go as classic as possible. I was a bit scarred by looking at some peoples 80s wedding pics and thinking, eeek! I didn't want to look back and think OMG what was I thinking. So I didn't want to be too fashionable and wanted to keep things classic. I believe nothing is more classic than black and white.

My wedding day 2008, our good looking bridal party in classic black and white

 
And like the leopard print and green combo from a previous post, this colour combo is also endorsed by nature. Just think friesian cows, zebras and my super cute kitty Bambino.

Image courtesty of http://photos-for-you.com/

Image courtesy of jukani.co.za

Image courtesy of weheartit.com

My baby boy Bambino is naturally and beautifully monochrome

So for a high contrast visual pleasure that nature endorses and can serve you very well in terms of being difficult to get wrong - go monochromatic. I bet you have loads of black and white pieces in your wardrobe right now, so go get them all out and mix and match. Have fun xxx