How To Play With Textures And Patterns

By Alexia Gonzalez on November 19, 2014

Mixing patterns and textures is one of the simplest ways to step up the luxe factor within any ensemble.

This style technique is practiced by the leading designers and trendsetters of the fashion world but is often overlooked by the average gal who forgets to consider the effect that it can have on an outfit.

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Mixing varying textures and patterns helps to create more variety in your outfits, giving your looks added depth. When paired carefully, fall prints (think plaid, dark florals, or animal prints) and fabrics such as velvet, wool and silk come together to create stellar combinations that surprise and excite at the same time. Stay warm without bulking up, streamline by staying in the same color family, and dazzle your audience friends with your creativity.

The best part about mixing textures is that it creates variety within your already existing wardrobe without having to spend more money. The idea of texture play simply involves utilizing items that you already own and styling them in a totally different manner.

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So eschew your typical go-to skinny jean and cotton blouse ensemble and attempt an open mind towards unexpected combinations. Don’t be afraid of some good old trial and error by pairing some of your favorite pieces together in order to see what works best for your personal style.

Creativity With Textures and Patterns

Texture play can add dimension and edge to an ensemble when you try mixing and matching different patterns and fabrics. The best way to play with texture is to pair contrasting fabrics in an unexpected yet polished way.

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Try combining an oversized knit sweater with a sleek leather pencil skirt, or pair flowery shorts with a polka-dot sweatshirt that has one or two of the colors on the bottom layer.

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Balance Pattern Sizes 

A rule of thumb when it comes to pattern mixing should be to always create a polished balance between the size, colors and themes of the elected patterns.

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When mixing patterns, make sure that they are not competing with one another so that you are able to establish a cohesive connection through the element of color, shape, theme, or silhouette.

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For instance, we typically choose patterns that serve to enhance or minimize certain physical assets. Avoid wearing large prints on the parts that you want to minimize as well as combining several large patterns. Stick to a maximum of two prints and style your outfit with solid accessories, such as shoes, a belt, or a purse in order to break up the patterns.

Not Too Matchy-Matchy

It is certainly okay to go for an outfit with one overall theme, but if you choose this sartorial route be sure to only include one of those matching elements.

Too much of one element from head to toe makes it look like you’re overly confined to fashion rules and as if your outfit is too predictable; it just isn’t exciting to look at. Add in a few surprises by wearing different types of mixed prints, colors, or textures.

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If you choose to go with the same pattern for your top and bottom layers that is certainly acceptable, but in this case you want to break up the matchiness with varying fabrics or silhouettes.

For example, if you opt for floral skinny jeans with a flower printed blouse go for a silky fabric to contrast the denim pants. If you decide to go monochromatic, balance out the sameness of the color scheme with a fitted silhouette on the bottom and a billowy blouse on top (or vice versa).

Mixing With Accessories

Pattern and texture mixing rules don’t only pertain to clothing combinations. Accessorizing is a great alternative to garments when it comes to mixing in a different type of element.

Create some dimension and add character to your garb by throwing in textured or patterned accessorizes such as bags, shoes, tights, or hats.

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Utilize accessories to pick up the highlighting colors within your look, like if your pieces are busy with vibrant colors or heavy patterns wear some solid accessories that have one or more of the colors within the prints.

Printed accessories can be a funky way to add in some doses of patterns when paired with a neutral get up. Spice up a monochromatic outfit with colored lace tights or step up your favorite jeans and graphic tee with some fierce animal print ankle booties.

On the other hand, basic accessories can also be a way to break up a vibrant multi-printed ensemble with some subtle colors.

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As always, the golden rule is to make sure that you don’t go overboard and combine too many prints or different fabrics within one outfit to create a well balanced and harmonized fall friendly look.

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