Pattern mixing is on-trend, as they come in all sorts of variations: as flowers, dots, stripes, and checks, they are not meant to be worn in isolation. How do you style and combine patterns without looking like a clown?

This summer, anyone who isn't a fan of solid-colored clothing will rejoice, because patterns are back. The charm of the 70s is in, from the hippie look and folklore to disco and rock.

Eternal classics like polka dots are casually combined, and minimalistic plaid is particularly trendy. Zebra and animal prints are here to stay, and psychedelic patterns are new.

Stripes never really go out of style. They are perfect for mixing and matching patterns. By the way, I have 9 different striped shirts: ). They are perfect classics.

Which patterns are suitable for pattern mixing?

When it comes to mixing patterns, it can be overwhelming, as there are so many to choose from. But over time, some classics have emerged. You probably already have them in your closet, so you can create sustainable outfits from your existing wardrobe. Here's a quick overview:

• Stripes
• Polka Dots
• Checks
• Floral Patterns
• Animal Print
• Herringbone/Tweed Patterns

How do I avoid the pattern mix becoming too colorful?

Select patterned pieces in a way that you don't end up with more than three colors in your outfit. That's a safe bet.

A pattern mix in black and white looks especially elegant. Almost every woman has black and white clothing in her closet, so there's definitely an option for you to mix and match. Stripes, dots, stripes, houndstooth, it all works together.

Mix only two patterns for your stylish outfit:

You can mix and match all patterns, but stripes, dots, and flowers together are often too much and can look busy. So, as a simple rule of thumb, always mix only two different patterns.

The following patterns pair especially well:

• Dots and Stripes
• Stripes and Flowers The easiest way to do this is with striped shirts and floral-patterned skirts and pants. Dotted clothing also blends nicely, as the examples show.

Styling Trick for Pattern Mixing: Stick to a Color Family

Your outfit will look harmonious if you ensure that the individual pieces belong to the same color family. For example, red-blue-white or blue-white. You can mix flowers, dots, and stripes, but try to stick to the color family. That's how you make it look skillful.

The Important Proportions in Pattern Mixing

Balance is crucial in pattern mixing, but the ratio of your clothing should not be 50/50 but rather 1/3 to 2/3.

This means that one pattern should be the dominant one in terms of surface area. For example, a long, wide-striped pants with a polka-dotted top tucked into the pants. The pictures show how proportions work. A large pattern is more striking, adds more volume, while a small pattern is subtler and takes a step back.

Pattern Mixing for Plus Sizes:

Patterns don't make you look bigger, but certain body parts may be emphasized by bold patterns and draw more attention than a solid-colored garment. So, the question with plus sizes is more about what the pattern emphasizes on which body part.

Highlight your advantages correctly: Bright, colorful patterns emphasize, while darker and more subtle patterns recede. A woman with a curvy hip, buttocks, and thighs will emphasize her curves more in wide-patterned pants than conceal them. So, if she wears a more subtle pattern on the bottom, she can experiment more with the top, which might be better for her figure.

These patterns work for plus sizes:

• Stripes (they don't make you look bigger)
• Polka Dots are great
• Flowers are feminine
• Checks give a sporty look
• Houndstooth is classic
• Black and white patterned outfits work easiest and best for plus sizes. Mix in a pop of color like red, yellow, or green - for example, through a handbag, shoes, or lipstick. That adds some color to your outfit.

Patterns in the same color family with similar pattern sizes always look good together. For example, blue and white stripes in different widths complement each other. Also good: small and slightly larger polka dot patterns. When you mix patterns AND colors, it can quickly become wild and visually confusing. However, practically anything goes with black and white.

Conclusion:

If you're aware of your strengths and showcase them skillfully, patterns will not only flatter your figure but also enhance your personal charisma. You can only win with whatever outfit you choose!