Pattern Mixing for Beginners

40+ winter style

I’m trying something new here…

I usually prefer my outfits quite simple: clean lines, 2-3 colours max, mainly solids, occasionally stripes, and if I’m being really flamboyant, maybe even prints.
So, pattern mixing is quite daring… applause, please…

winter pattern mixing

Well, wearing Breton stripes is practically the same as wearing neutrals, isn’t it? And I sometimes wear leopard print and stripes together, sort of… (HERE and HERE) if we count tortoise shell sunglasses as leopard print, that is. So, why not try mixing stripes with another type of print?

I’ve had these boots forever; I have no idea where I got them, or when…

However, to keep the outfit from getting too loud, I thought it best to keep the clashing prints within the same colour scheme: match navy and white stripes to a blue and black skirt, add a black  coat and accessories. And then top it all off with a big, colourful scarf to take the attention away from my little pattern mixing experiment…

40+ winter style
 bag: Chanel / scarf: Fraas / sunglasses: Tiffany & Co / gloves: Fancy Fanny

This should keep the overall look harmonious and streamlined enough to fit within my personal style parameters…

What about you, do you like pattern mixing? Or do you prefer solids, like me?

Tiina
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PS: Dilettante Artist has her own blog now, The Dilettante Artist’s Gallery,  where I will be posting (very infrequently) random pictures: illustration, photomanipulation, that sort of thing. And there is a pretty, new widget on the sidebar to take you there…

Linking up with Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Styled-Up

22 Comments

  1. Mrs C
    25 January 2015 / 7:57 pm

    Brave girl. I love pattern mix.. but only on others. Somehow I think I could never pull it off. So I will sit on side line and just observe, admire and dream….

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2015 / 4:35 pm

      I like pattern mixing (and clashing colours, unusual shapes etc) on other people, but usually avoid them myself. But every now and then it's nice to try something a bit out of my comfort zone.

  2. Patti
    25 January 2015 / 10:47 pm

    Applause for you, yes — this is a great pattern mix. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you look fab top to toes.

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2015 / 4:36 pm

      Thanks, Patti! It was a bit of whim, just trying something new.

  3. Jessica Jannenga
    26 January 2015 / 12:24 am

    Love the boots and the color scheme is perfect for pattern mixing, you look great in purple hues as well!from the link up, jessplease stop by, xxhttp://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2015 / 4:37 pm

      Thanks, Jess! I like to play it safe with colours…

  4. Suzanne Carillo
    26 January 2015 / 3:08 am

    I adore pattern mixing. Must say you've done a great job here. bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2015 / 4:38 pm

      Thanks, Suzanne. But I must say that this is quite an unusual combination for me; I usually prefer solids.

  5. Marea Dotz
    26 January 2015 / 4:37 pm

    I agree. Mixing prints works best within the same color scheme. However, your gorgeous hot pink scarf makes it a Tiina Special–you and your jewel tones. Fantastic!!!!!

    • Tiina L
      26 January 2015 / 4:41 pm

      Thanks, Marea. Sticking to "my colours" is sort of a security blanket, makes trying something new a bit easier…

  6. cherie at stylenudge.com
    26 January 2015 / 6:21 pm

    Loving your buckle boots Tiina! Thank you for linking up with SHOE AND TELL FASHION LINK UP on Style Nudge!!!Cheriehttp://www.stylenudge.com

    • Tiina L
      27 January 2015 / 8:34 pm

      Thanks, Cherie!

  7. Rosy
    26 January 2015 / 9:10 pm

    Love your standard mixture, dear friend … I wish I was brave too …

    • Tiina L
      27 January 2015 / 8:35 pm

      Oh, I'm not brave… I pretty much stick to what works for me…

  8. Laura McCallum
    26 January 2015 / 9:53 pm

    Hey, great post! I found you on the Style Elixir LinkUp.I love your outfit. I'm hosting a linkup over on my blog. Its based in the UK and I wondered if you wanted to come and share your post. I'd love to have you on the linkup (runs every Monday), maybe you'll find some new UK readers also. 🙂 http://www.atouchoftartan.co.uk/Laura xx

    • Tiina L
      27 January 2015 / 8:44 pm

      Thanks, Laura! I will certainly want to stop by and check out your link-up.

  9. Jill James
    27 January 2015 / 7:25 am

    Stepping out of our comfort zone, now and again is good and you have done it so well, the mix looks so good on you, specially with your signature scarf.

    • Tiina L
      27 January 2015 / 8:37 pm

      It's just tentative baby-steps outside my comfort zone. I'm very, very attached to my comfort-zone, and therefore I need my 'signature scarf' as a security blanket…

  10. Natalia Lialina
    27 January 2015 / 9:47 pm

    Yay! Well you know – I'm always for experimenting and trying something new. Love your mix and am applauding! Very wintry, adventurous, with vivid colors and bold patterns – just great!ps Tiina, do you know about the brand ModCloth? They offer a lot of adorable dresses, very Mad Man – I think you might enjoy them. xxx

    • Tiina L
      28 January 2015 / 8:38 am

      Thanks, Natalia, and thanks for the ModCloth tip, will have to check that out.

  11. bashashhazbaz
    12 March 2015 / 7:09 pm

    i love how you matched this! you look great!

    • Tiina L
      12 March 2015 / 8:26 pm

      Thank you so much!

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