Yet another item in my How to Mix Prints series (AKA How to Wear Mixed Prints) is mixing Polka Dots with Stripes. Learning How to wear contrasting prints isn’t hard. It’s about proportion and color. Or going all out crazy!
{ Architecture of an Outfit } Wearing Polka Dots and Stripes
Don’t mind The Weird. We’ve already established that that’s sort of my thing.
See how the Polka Dots here are the main focal point of the ensemble? The white on the dark blue shirt draws the eye, while the contrast print of the purple stripes on my side ruffle/bustle skirt are very micro, so as not to compete with the dots on top. How do the two harmonize? The white elements. The white backdrop of the skirt echoes the white of the dots, and so there is a type of unifying element despite the two contrary prints. I further drew the two together with a vintage white leather belt with a huge gold coral buckle. The thing was heavy, but it was a nice grounding facet.
Outfit Architecture:
Ruched sleeve navy polka dot top, H&M. [SIMILAR: Splendid Polka Dot Top.]
Purple & White striped ruffle skirt, Anthropologie. [SIMILAR 1: Rachel Roy Micro Stripe Maxi Skirt
SIMILAR 2: ASOS Striped Ruffle Skirt,
SIMILAR in CIRCLE STYLE: ModCloth Beacon on the Bay Stripe Circle Skirt.]
Vintage white leather waist belt with gold coral buckle. [SIMILAR: Sonia Rykiel Crystal Embellished Leather Waist Belt.]
Jean Paul Gaultier x Melissa clear stilettos. [EXACT: endless.com (Clear Available)]
Tortoise Shell Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses (clear Rx lenses). [EXACT: Ray-Ban Wayfarer in Tortoise Shell].
Keep it fresh with accessories!
Accessories Architecture:
JewelMint Birdcage Bangle. [SIMILAR: Endless.com Rose Gold Textured Square Bangle.]
House of Harlow 1960 Antique Gold Key Ring. [EXACT: Gold Key Ring.]
J. Crew Acrylic cocktail ring. [SIMILAR: CC Skye Vintage Inspired Cocktail Ring.]
H&M Capiz Shell Earrings. [SIMILAR: Me&RO Silver Shell Earrings.]
I felt like wearing clear heels instead of nude, just to change it up. PETITES, Pay attention! I say time and time again, the best way to elongate your line is to wear high waisted (as I did here), and to wear nude heels to lengthen the leg. The same goes with clear shoes. Look taller with high heels with clear straps. You can still have all the straps you want, but none will cut off your line. Brilliant. The only danger to clear heels is that it’s hard to find chic ones–most of the clear, acrylic or PVC shoes out there are nasty hookerette gear. So please search for clear heels with care. Otherwise, just find a pair of chic, polished nude pumps.
What do you think of clear heels and mixing prints?
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Pingback: Architecture of an Outfit / How to Mix Prints: Stripes on Zebra « thereafterish.
heyyyyy when did you get your top?
Hey, Adele, babe… I got the top a LONG time ago at H&M. Probably like 2 or 3 years ago? But they often have shirts like that there every season.
Pingback: How to Mix Prints: Bold Edition – Structured Stripes and Leopard « thereafterish.
I remember Teen Vogue ran a little tutorial on this. Patterns should not compete, so one of them needs to ‘take the back seat’ and almost look close to a solid colour. I think it works the same way with textures. One can be exaggerated, but the other needs to be ‘quiet’. Good stuff!
That skirt is GORGEOUS, Mae! And of course, you are so good at the mixing. I don’t think I’ve tried that yet, and don’t think I can until I get more clothes (I went a little to purge happy before I left the states).
Totes agreed about the clear shoes. I was thinking that when I saw the photos- before reading the post – “where did she find those?! they look so much better than most clear plastic heels!”
xoxox,
Lar
Hello my super sweet friend,
That skirt, the touches of gold, the pattern mixing, that BELT… you look amazing! This has hands down got to be my favourite outfit of yours that you’ve posted. And I already told you on instagram, but that jewelmint bangle is so lovely.
Anyway, I just wanted to also say thank you (x1000) for being so supportive and leaving such sweet comments on my little blog all the time. I know I kind of suck at replying sometimes but I REALLY appreciate your continual comments which never fail to make me smile.
Hope your week has been great lovely.
xox
Jen
lovely look! Your shoes are amazing
ROWE
wow you did a great job with the patterns. Who would have thought? Love the belt!! I need to get myself some nude shoes, pronto! How petite are you by the way Mae?
Petite? I’m pretty small by normal “American Standards”. I’m 5 feet 2 inches (157.5cm) tall, with a 30-24-32 measurements. I normally wear a 2/3P US (UK 4/6). By definition, “Petite” is any woman size under 5’4″ (162.5cm), so I guess I’m on the “taller” end of the Petite spectrum. But my husband is still a good 6 inches taller than I am (he’s 172.5cm). Why do you ask?
Love the polka dot and stripes combo! Great belt too! I also have that J.Crew ring…don’t you love it?!
xo,Cortnie
http://stylelustpages.com
Cute jewelry! ;P
Great explanation of print mixing! Awesome accessories, too … they really make the look distinctive.
Thanks, Carrie! I sure try!! I think mixing prints is such a tricky thing, but if done well, it’s so refreshing and different than just being conventional!
LOVE your outfit, Mae! The belt and accessories are the perfect punch! {And check out your heels!}
Clear!!!! HOOOOOOOOO-HOO-HOOCHIE MAMA!