_{written by: Meghan Carolan}

_{photography by: Matthew Sunthimer}

_{styling by: Chloe McAuliffe}

_{models: Kynnedi Rone & Nate Hernandez}

Mixing and matching patterns can be a daunting task, especially when you begin to take risks in your everyday style. However, in fashion, the benefits outweigh the risks. Your closet supply becomes endless by mixing and matching items that you would have never thought to put together before, opening up a door for endless opportunity and great style.

There are clear do's and don’ts to mixing patterns, but the most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun and step out of your comfort zone. When risks are taken, the best styles are created.

^{_{start simple}}

A striped pattern bracelet with a fun polka dot clutch comes before you attempt to pair a plaid dress and a cheetah blazer.

When beginning to experiment with your style, it is best to start simple. As you grow more comfortable pairing outfits at your own pace, you will find yourself taking more risks. This may just inspire another idea or provoke someone else to do the same.

^{_{look without judgement}}

When looking at your closet to pair an outfit with mixing patterns, look for similarities of aesthetic, colors and functionality.

You want the overall vibe of your outfit to be consistent. For instance, a pink and black polka dot top may not necessarily match with brown plaid shorts, but it would if the top was pink with brown polka dots.

Look for little or extreme similarities when picking out items to pair. You can look for slightly matching prints to mix, like a blue and white vertical stripe with the same colors in a horizontal stripe. Any mix and match of patterns could look amazing; however, half the battle is feeling confident in a not-so-put-together outfit.

^{_{monochromatic}}

It is best to pick out an outfit when you’re mixing patterns in this order: first, choose a color, then, choose patterns that might pair well together, and lastly construct your entire outfit around the one color. Not every pattern you use necessarily has to match perfectly, but as long as the pieces compliment each other, the outfit will look fabulous.

^{_{uncomplimentary colors}}

There is a difference between adding a pop of color to a more monotone outfit and overpowering a look with colors that clash.

For example, if wearing a black and white checkered dress with a navy polka dot blazer, the colors are not used in a complementary way.

Instead, when mixing and matching colors, it is good to pair cool tones with other cool tones and warm tones with other warm tones.

^{_{clashing patterns}}

When it comes to mixing and matching patterns, it can be somewhat difficult to find prints that do not clash.

The key to avoiding clashing prints is to make sure at least one of the prints has a similar pattern or color. The prints that you are mixing and matching should not both be extremely loud patterns. It is best to have one standout pattern and let the accessory patterns complement the main piece simply.

^{_{play it safe}}

Mixing and matching patterns without taking risks will never push your fashion limits. Intentionally taking risks and pushing your pattern mixing boundaries, your style will be viewed as fashionable and trend-worthy.