Pulling off the pattern-on-pattern look may seem like a daunting task, but trust us, it can (and should) be done! Sure, you can't go wrong with a navy blazer and striped tie, but can you settle knowing you haven't reached your full style potential?
Experimenting with patterns adds not only dimension, but personality and sophistication to your look. But how do you know which prints to mix and match and which ones to ditch? Follow these five guidelines and elevate your style status from
all mixed up to
mix-master!
Size Matters
Avoid pairing two patterns of the same size. The contrast in size allows one print to stand out over the other, rather than getting swallowed up. For example, a tie with thicker stripes is the perfect accent for a dress shirt with smaller checks.
Focal Point
Give people something to look at! One print should be noticeably bolder than the others, in order to create interest. Whether this be an intricate print, bright accent color, or significantly larger pattern, allow one piece to steal the spotlight.
Keep it in the Family
If you consider yourself a fashion first-timer, keeping your shirt and tie in the same color family is a great place to start. Working with different shades of the same color will allow contrasting colors to work together in a cohesive manner. Plus, it's pretty hard to screw up. Just imagine: a navy polka dot tie and a light blue plaid shirt. Now that's a good look!
Opposites Attract
If you’re feeling a little more confident in your pattern-pairing abilities, try stepping outside of the box and introduce a complementary color. Think blue and yellow, purple and orange, red and green, etc. A little refresher on the color wheel couldn’t hurt either!
Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad
As a general rule of thumb, when pairing a shirt, suit, and tie, one of the three pieces should remain solid. Steer clear of the prints and pick a neutral color to anchor the outfit and keep the look from getting too busy.
Popular Pairings
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 |
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| Checkered shirt & patterned tie |
Plaid shirt & polka dot tie |
Checkered shirt and striped tie |
Image Sources:
thisandthatstyle.tumblr.com
stylishandtrendy.com
menshealth.com
