When my graceful, tasteful, elegant friend, Terry Gibraltar, surveyed the fans of her online shop, House of Terrance, about their style, she asked which subject would most interest them when flipping through articles in a fashion magazine.
a. The newest Korean designers
b. The coolest new sneakers
c. The prettiest bridesmaid dresses
d. How to update your workwear
e. How to mix prints
The winner was “e”, a subject near and dear to Terry since she’s been mixing prints, patterns, and colors for years. Now that it’s become a popular look, she decided to create a guide to help all of us to become mix masters.
“Women are searching for more expressive and individualistic ways of dressing,” Terry said, and access to social media is helping them. “You no longer have to be a stylist or fashion editor to make this look work for you,” she stressed. “Mixing patterns can be an instant way to update your wardrobe, especially now that we no longer have countless fashion rules!”
1.Color and silhouette are important
Keep your mix easy and classic in shape. To make things simple, stay with two or three colors at the most. More than that and you risk looking clownish.
2. Pay attention to pattern scale
Use a range of big and little patterns to make your mix more interesting and sophisticated. Start experimenting by mixing black and white prints in different sizes.
3. Add a basic solid to the mix
A solid jean jacket, leather jacket, or blazer will help create visual tranquility in your ensemble. And for a shortcut to pattern mixing, look for pieces that incorporate two or more patterns.
4. Be fearless!
Try mixing a floral with a stripe, plaid or animal prints (often considered neutrals these days). Or, you can mix the same pattern in different colors or scale. It all can work, especially if you keep tips 1 and 2 in mind.
the magnificent selection of apparel and accessories on Terry’s website, and get an exclusive 20 percent discount for one week, through Thursday, June 28, 2018. Enter code FAB20 at checkout.
oxo Geri