The first step to building a more sustainable wardrobe is to decrease consumption and to make the most of what you already own. Sustainable fashion has really helped me gain an appreciation for shopping my own closet and the joy that creative styling can bring.

Recently, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in exploring different color, print, and pattern combinations. Rather than going for the usual pop of color with a neutral base, I’ve fully embraced the idea of creating bold looks that stand out.

The blog post builds on the first part of the series and will cover some tips and tricks that I’ve discovered while experimenting with mismatched outfits.

Here are 5 tips to help you creatively pair colors, prints, and patterns so that you can make the most of your existing wardrobe.

Mismatch Tip 1: Stick with monochrome black and white

A surefire way to streamline an outfit is to stick with classic black and white. It’s simple and minimalistic, yet still gives you the versatility to explore different patterns and textures. 

Just make sure that the blacks and whites are of the same saturation, tint, tone, or shade to ensure maximum contrast. (Otherwise, utilizing different shades of grey can also create an easy mixing situation--it just won't be as contrasted of an outfit).⁣

Black and white grid shirt, Upcycled from an old shirt from my sister's closet⁣
Black and white striped skirt, Old Fast Fashion 2016

Mismatch Tip 2: Mix prints with multiple commonalities.⁣

If you’re looking to combine two different prints, make sure that there are at least two or three similarities between them before pairing them together. These commonalities can take form in color, print size and shape, or textile weight.

On their own, these two prints have very different energies: the black floral dress is bold and intense whereas the purple floral skirt is gentle and casual.

However, upon closer observation, these two garments work together because there are several similarities:

1. Both garments are free-flowing, slim-fitting, and light in texture⁣

2. Both prints fall within the floral category and are of relatively similar sizes⁣

3. Both garments have common threads of color running through (reds, pinks, light greens)⁣

If you’re not 100% sure if two prints go together, take a moment to pause and note the similarities. 

Black floral dress, Old Fast Fashion 2016
Purple floral skirt, #RaidedMomsCloset

Mismatch Tip 3: Wear monochrome clothes for a low-effort yet bold look.

Monochromatic outfits have gained a lot of popularity these past few years for a good reason. Choosing one color to wear from head-to-toe is one of the easiest ways to look like you put some thought into your outfit. 

Sequined crop top, Old fast fashion 2014
Teal a-line dress, Old fast fashion 2016

Mismatch Tip 4: Pull an accent color from one garment and utilize it as a dominant color in a second garment

If you tend to go for the same shades of a certain color, this is the tip for you! In this outfit, burgundy red can be seen in the floral details of the yellow dress. I used that color as a guide for the second piece in this mismatched outfit.⁣

⁣Yellow floral dress, Old fast fashion 2018⁣
Red blouse, #RaidedMomsCloset

Mismatch Tip 5: Stick with all dark colors or all light colors.⁣

This is a pretty straightforward one, but keeping an entire outfit dark or light automatically adds cohesion. Although these two garments are fairly different in print,the fact that they’re both darker in color makes the difference less apparent. ⁣

Black turtleneck crop, Old fast fashion 2014⁣
Grey printed pants, Old fast fashion 2017⁣
Plaid blazer, #BasementFind

I said this in the first part, but again, all fashion rules exist to be broken. If these tips don’t resonate with you, please feel free to skip them. What are some of your go-to strategies for pairing mismatched colors, prints, or patterns?

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