How to Pair Stripes with Other Prints

One un-dying trend that keeps on repeating every season, yet especially in spring, is mix-print pairing. We´ve tried clashing bold prints with bold, or mono prints with monos, and there´s one thing we´ve learned from these experiments, that playing up with prints and mixing them in a single ensemble requires a bit of science.

Today, this post on how to mix stripes with other eye-catching prints is inspired by a look from Alice + Olivia´s SS15 fashion show. The model is wearing blue/white striped culottes, a lavender crop top, a printed crop jacket, and white sandals.

See: 3 Fashion-Forward Trends to Try This Spring

There are three tested rules in print clashing that´s proven to work—work with tonal prints, team up big prints with small fine prints, mix black print with colored print, or partner small print with other small prints. For all of these, one thing is always true, there´s at least one same color from the prints.

Table of Contents

1. Striped Sleeveless Dress with Floral Cardigan Tonal

Dress, Cardigan, Sandals, Bag

As you can see, this outfit features two prints—the stripe dress and the floral cardigan—but has a tonal look. The theme color is wine tempered with nude in the background. Although playful and intriguing, the result is not heavy to the eye.

2. Floral Short Jacket with Striped Print Organza Dress

Jacket, Dress, Pumps, Clutch

This midi length organza dress has a subtle stripe pattern so it´s easy to accent it with a striking floral jacket. The good thing is that, both pieces have the same pink motif.

3. Floral Print Coat with Zig Zag Print Dress

Coat, Dress, Sandals

I could almost say that this white and floral dress coat and the white and yellow zigzag print dress are made for each other. The combination is perfect to wear in early spring when you can bare your arms indoor but not outdoor. Nude accessories are best to polish the look.

See: Dolce and Gabbana Inspired Looks – Bright Stripes

4. Wall Paper Print Jacket and Stripe Floral Full Skirt

Skirt

At first look you´d think that the jacket and skirt are one set. But in fact, the jacket has a wall paper print and the skirt has a tiny floral print designed for an illusion of stripe pattern, both in the same shade of blue with black edging feature. Wearing them with a simple white tee and black accessories, the result is fabulous.

5. Mixed Print Fit and Flare Dress

Dress

If identifying which prints and colors work well together isn´t your forte, don´t be dismay. There are lots of dresses out there that already feature lovely mix prints. I like the beauty of this sleeveless fit and flare dress with black stripe top and dark floral skirt. Wearing black pumps to match the top, carrying a wine clutch to accent the skirt, + some fab black sunglasses, is my favorite way of styling it.

See: How to Style Stripes for Spring and Summer

Now over to you, girls, which way of wearing stripes suits your style?