How to Mix Prints Without Overthinking It

A color-first approach to bold, layered outfits

Mixing prints doesn’t have to feel intimidating or chaotic. The key isn’t piling on patterns randomly. It’s building intentionally, one step at a time, using color, texture, and balance to guide the look.

I’m breaking this down using one outfit I styled as a visual example, so you can see how each layer builds on the last.

If you’ve ever felt stuck halfway through an outfit, this is for you.

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Step 1: Start With a Printed Base

Every mixed-print outfit needs a starting point. In this look, the foundation is the printed skirt.

The skirt sets the tone. It introduces color, movement, and personality right away. Instead of trying to match everything to it immediately, I let it lead.

Think of your printed base as the story starter. Everything else supports it.

Tip: Choose a print you already love wearing. Confidence starts there.

Step 2: Add a Solid Anchor

Next, I paired the printed skirt with a fitted white button-down.

This step is crucial. A solid anchor gives your eye a place to rest and keeps the look from feeling busy too fast. White works especially well because it doesn’t compete with the print, it frames it.

This is where balance comes in. One print. One solid. Clean and intentional.

Step 3: Repeat the Color, Change the Texture

Here’s where the outfit starts to feel styled instead of accidental.

I pulled a color from the skirt and echoed it with a corset in a similar tone, but in a completely different texture. Instead of repeating the same fabric or pattern, I changed the material.

This creates visual interest without adding confusion. The colors speak to each other, even though the textures are different.

This is one of my favorite styling tricks.

Same color family. New texture. Instant depth.

Step 4: Layer With a Subtle Print

Once the core outfit was set, I added a tweed plaid trench coat.

This print is quieter than the skirt, which is intentional. It adds structure and warmth while introducing another pattern that doesn’t overpower the look.

Subtle prints work best as layers. They support the outfit instead of stealing focus.

Think: background character, not main role.

Step 5: Finish With a Bold Print + Visual Echoes

To finish the look, I added cow print boots, a simple black barrel bag, and statement earrings that echo the skirt’s color.

This step ties everything together.

The boots bring in a bold, high-contrast print, but because the outfit already has balance, they feel intentional instead of loud. The bag stays simple so the prints can shine, and the earrings repeat the color story near the face.

This is what makes the outfit feel complete.

Not matching. Coordinating.

The Takeaway

Mixing prints isn’t about following rules. It’s about building thoughtfully.

Start with one printed piece.

Anchor it with a solid.

Repeat color in a new texture.

Layer with a quieter print.

Finish with one bold moment and small visual echoes.

When you approach prints this way, confidence comes naturally because the outfit makes sense.

You’re not guessing. You’re designing.

And that’s the difference.

Thanks for reading! XOXO -skyechanel