Mastering The Mix

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.

Terry mixes blues by combining an old Zara jacket, Uniqlo tee, and Gap scarf
J. Crew gingham jacket, Zara striped tee, scarf, and skirt. Hopp wedge sandals

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.

Marimekko for Uniqlo wide leg pants, Joe Fresh cotton cardigan, Patrick-Earl for House of Terrance tee, dot headband, Filt French net market bag
Terry mixes black and white with a    Maria Cornejo dress, vintage checked jacket, checked hat bought on the street and Everlan wedges

 

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.

Alexander McQueen black silk blazer, Zara floral top, skirt and headband, Other Stories ribbon necklace, and Felix Rey mesh clutch
Legacy (Terry’s favorite boutique) mixed print silk dress, Joe Fresh cardigan, old Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti slingbacks

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.

Terry in mixed florals. Vintage leather jacket, Joe Fresh floral tee, Tory Burch floral jeans, MSGM floral platform sneakers
Florals mix with animals. Vintage Dolce and Gabbana jacket, Alice and Olivia tee, J. Crew trousers, old Cole Haans

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

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