Print Mixing Stripes and Florals on Final Friday!

In April, I joined Michelle, of My Bijou Life, for Final Friday Print Mixing where we showcase our adventures in print mixing on the last Friday of the month. There’s also a link party so please make sure you link up your favorite posts and check out other blogs! You can see my initial post here and last month’s here.

Not an expert on print mixing…

If you google “how to mix prints”, you will literally find millions of posts. I am not an expert, and I’m not going to drop any “rules” or tips here. This is what I do when I want to mix prints, match patterns, mix patterns, or match prints (whatever you want to call it)! I put together two different prints and/or patterns, look in the mirror, and decide if I like it. If I don’t, I try again. If I do, bingo, bango, boingo, I’ve got a winner!

How I decide…

When I’m creating a print mixed look, I start with the main piece, in this case a dress. Then, I look at the colors and go scrounging around my closet to see what I have that might contain one or more of the colors. Next, I hold them against each other to see if they maybe “go” just a little. In the back of my mind, Clinton and Stacey are saying, “It doesn’t have to match. It just has to go.” If I’m happy with the colors, I’ll try them on. The last step is looking in the mirror even though mine has been known to lie on occasion! Seriously, that’s all I do!

There has to be more…

OK, there is just a little more to picking two or more pieces. Sometimes, I consider the scale of the print. Some people think you should vary the scale. I don’t really care about that as much as how I like the look. Other times, I might just go with the tried and true…a stripe! I know it seems like that’s what I did here, but I actually went with that little bit of grey in the print of the dress. I had tried a different cardigan (but didn’t think to snap a photo). It was a strong black/ivory graphic daisy print. I thought it might work. In my eyes, it didn’t. In someone else’s, they may totally love it.

And more…

I have also picked out prints that are similar…like houndstooth in different proportions or plaids with the same colors. You could also use florals with the same colors. When you’re mixing prints, the important thing is that you like what you’ve created. If you do, wear it with a big smile because that’s what’s going to get you noticed! The smile, I mean!!! Oh, that sounds so preachy and like I’m an expert or something. I just mean if you feel good in the outfit, it will be reflected in how you wear it. I’m speaking from experience…and not as a blogger though you can see it in my face if I’m not loving a look…if you don’t feel good in something, your face gives it all away! You’re not comfortable; you’re not confident; you’re probably not smiling. Your clothes should make you happy, and the combinations you create should do the same. Off the soap box now, Marsha!

The magic…

I think print mixing is magical. You put two different prints or patterns together and see how they play together. Sometimes, you see a dress, a skirt, pants, or a shirt in a completely different way when you mix them with something of a completely different print. Sometimes, you shudder, and think, “Oh, not now and not ever!” But here’s the best thing: you also create so many more options for dressing yourself! And, here’s the second best thing: YOU GET TO DECIDE! So, if you absolutely hate print mixing…don’t do it! I can’t emphasize that enough. I have been caught up in the “I need to do this because all the cool kids are doing it” moments. And, I almost always feel so disingenuous, so not me at all. If print mixing is not for you, don’t do it! If you’re curious, try it!

What I did…

I have had this yellow linen maxi from J Jill for a couple of years. I love the color, but I’m not 100% sure it’s the best color for me. When I decided to use this dress, I thought I’d pull out a scarf with similar colors and a print I liked. Why a scarf? Well, when you’re not sure if a color suits you, it’s a good idea to separate the color from your face (which is the main area people are considering when it comes to colors). I couldn’t find a scarf that worked with the color or the print. A denim jacket was honestly my next thought! Then, I remembered this was a print mixing challenge! As I said earlier, I first pulled out a black/ivory cardigan. That print was too bold and harsh against the muted colors of this dress. From the beginning, I had this old grey/ivory cardi from Banana Republic in the back of my mind. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was the one! I need to listen to myself more!

What Michelle did…

Michelle used stripes, too! I’m not sure, but it looks like Michelle’s stripes may also be textural. Ah, I forgot about texture. There are some, including me, who believe a texture, like eyelet, ribbing, or even seersucker, create pattern. Notice the only color that appears to be in both pieces of Michelle’s outfit is black (or a dark navy blue). That predominance of black grounds both prints and makes a cohesive outfit. Now, this is just my opinion, but I also think the vibe of both pieces work to create a fun print mixed look. Michelle loves a good boho print…the tie dye as well as the rainbow stripe top definitely give off that boho feeling. Notice how Michelle has bookended her look with the black. And, that necklace? I know, for a fact, Michelle made it! I bet if you jump over to her blog, she’ll talk about it! I believe it’s been beaded and crocheted!

The Lewk!

I really hadn’t intended to add in another print with my shoes. I couldn’t decide which sandals to wear so I just grabbed these! Do they go with this outfit? I don’t know, but that’s the glory of dressing ourselves! We get to choose! The earrings are from J Jill (this past winter). The ring is from Pandora, I think. Notice I’m not wearing a necklace! When it’s hot, I often skip necklaces!

Affiliate links and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I recently became a Brand Ambassador for Sarah Flint shoes. You can use SARAHFLINT-BAMARSHA for $50 off your first pair. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Wrap it up, Marsha!

Does this post sound like I’m a graduate of the Tim Gunn School of Fashion? I hope not. My second biggest goal in starting this blog was to showcase clothing for my shape. My first goal was learning something new, and, boy, I’m learning! So, can we talk? Do you like print mixing? Or, are you leery of putting a floral and a check together? Do you consider stripes a neutral as many do? Please leave me a comment or two. We can talk and have a wonderful conversation!

Thank you!

I want to thank all of you who have subscribed to my blog. It means so much to me! I hope you enjoy the posts and photos! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can do so here.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, Being a Wordsmith, and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I’m also a co-host on the Weekend Traffic Jam (here). And, of course, you can now find me here on the last Friday of the month! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also co-host Final Friday Print Mixing with Michelle on the last Friday of the month. I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

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