How to Mix and Match Patterns Like a Pro

Pairing several different patterns in one outfit was once considered a fashion faux pas, but these days, it’s one of the trendiest ways to show off your personality. Bold, “clashing prints” are not only runway-approved but also totally wearable for everyday outfits – when styled with a little strategy and a lot of confidence.

Whether you're playing with florals and stripes or getting wild with animal print and plaid, pattern-mixing is the secret sauce to taking your wardrobe from basic to breathtaking in 2025. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to mixing patterns like a fashion icon.

1. Start with the Basics

If you’re new to the pattern game, don’t feel like you have to jump right into bold, out-there prints. Start with neutral ones like stripes, polka dots, gingham, and plaid. These classic patterns play well with others and come in a wide variety, making them the perfect canvas to dip your toe into new looks.

Try a black-and-white striped top with polka dot pants in the same color family for a coordinated but dynamic outfit.

Or mix a checkered blazer over a polka dot blouse or jumpsuit for a playful yet polished office look.

2. Stick to One Color Family

Color can make or break your look when mixing prints. When you're just getting started, keep all your patterns in the same color family to make it easy to unify the outfit.

Having a throughline color makes even the wildest combos look surprisingly cohesive.

For example, try a blue checked blouse with a blue floral skirt. Even though the prints are totally different, the shared color ties the look together.

3. Mix Large Prints with Small Prints

One of the easiest ways to make mixed prints look intentional is by balancing the scale of your patterns. The secret? Pair one large, eye-catching print with a smaller, more delicate one. This contrast gives your outfit dynamic dimension while staying balanced.

For example, you could pair small polka dots with larger ones…

Or petite checks with bold ones.

4. Layer, Layer, Layer

The easiest way to mix and match prints is by layering. Layering gives you the freedom to experiment with patterns in a way that feels comfortable for you.

The key is to break up the prints with solids, like this white blouse, so your eye gets a breather between patterns. This keeps the look stylish rather than noisy.

A beginner-friendly way to pull this off is to curate an outfit as you usually would but then layer in one unexpected pattern.

5. Let One Pattern Be the Star

Every great outfit has a leading lady, and in the case of mixing prints, one pattern should take center stage while the others play supporting roles. This keeps your outfit from looking too loud or disjointed.

Let’s say you’re obsessed with a vibrant, artsy printed maxi skirt. Pair it with a more subdued pinstripe top or subtle striped sweater.

This unique blouse is the statement of the outfit, and while the pants have their own pattern, they function more like a neutral to support the top.

6. Dabble with Accessories

Not ready for a full patterned outfit? Start small. Printed accessories like scarves, shoes, bags, and headbands are a low-commitment way to practice layering different prints. 

A floral scarf with a striped tee gives a classy quiet luxury vibe.

Using patterned accessories is subtle, stylish, and easy to throw together.

7. Use Animal Prints as Neutrals

This may be a hot take but we swear by it at Current Boutique: animal prints are neutrals. True animal prints come in earthy, natural tones like beige, brown, and black, making them perfect as a “base” pattern you can pair with other colors and patterns.

Even though this blouse is leopard print, it’s functioning as a neutral to let the blue do all the talking.

I will never get over a cheetah coat paired with a floral dress. You’ll look expensive, intentional, and totally on trend.

8. Confidence is Your Best Print

The truth is, no outfit works unless you feel good in it. Mixing patterns is about owning your personal style and having fun.

If you’re feeling bold, try unexpected pairings like camo and florals or snakeskin and polka dots.

Oftentimes, the best combinations come from breaking all the rules and wearing what makes you happy.

Let Your Wardrobe Work Harder

One of the best parts of mixing and matching prints? It stretches your wardrobe. You don’t need new clothes – just new combinations. That floral skirt you wore once to a wedding? Try it with a striped turtleneck and boots. That paisley blouse at the back of your closet? Toss it under a checked blazer. Suddenly, those worn-once pieces become versatile icons.

Pro Tip: Consignment shopping is perfect for collecting one-of-a-kind prints you won’t see on everyone else. Current Boutique is full of designer patterns waiting to be paired, layered, and worn with flair. Check out our most recent finds here. 

Break the Rules in Style

Forget what you used to think about clashing prints. Today’s fashion scene is all about bending the rules to show off your personal style. So, go ahead – mix polka dots with paisley or florals with flannel. If you feel good in the outfit, you’ll look good in it too!

Check out some of our hottest trends here to find your wardrobe’s perfect pattern.

Photo Sources

Basics 1, Basics 2, Basics 3, Color 1, Color 2, Color 3, Size 1, Size 2, Size 3, Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, Key Pattern 1, Key Pattern 2, Key Pattern 3, Accessories 1, Accessories 2, Accessories 3, Animal 1, Animal 2, Animal 3, Confidence 1, Confidence 2, Confidence 3