It's Never Been Easier to Mix and Match Prints

Power clashing just may well be the one trend we're all sleeping on this spring. We already covered how style setters are actually wearing the color clashing trend with spring's freshest pastel palette, and today we're exhibiting how to mix prints to create the ultimate power look. Though the thought of mixing wildly clashing patterns may stress you out, the following outfits will more than prove that pulling off the look is totally doable. Follow these simple rules so you can pull it off seamlessly.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Play with proportion. Pair bolder, more graphic prints together for a combination that's as unlikely as it is stylish.

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Pro tip: Mixed prints in the same tonal range look more put-together than not. Even though her polka-dot top isn't exactly the same as her skirt, the darker multicolor plaid complements it well.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Try out prints that are similar in design yet occupy opposing style camps. A boldly checkered sweater gives this gray checkered suit a cool street style–approved feel.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Florals are some of the toughest patterns to mix and match with, as each floral print we come across is so different than the next. One tip that always works for doubling up on the florals is to opt for one monochrome print (her red top here) and one multicolor print that picks up the first color (this would be her printed pants).

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

There's less of a science to this combination, but lately, we've been loving leopard print and red together. Her skirt here has a very delicate floral pattern to it, which wears nicely against the louder bag.

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(Image credit: Style du Monde)

This is another excellent example of mixing two of the same style prints. Checkers imagined in different colorways and sizes create a compelling contrast.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

When in doubt, go completely monochrome. This look proves that when you stick to classics like black and white, you take on just about any mixed prints.

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Have we expressed how important attention to color is here? Inverted color schemes are the perfect way to wear matching prints.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Create a winning look when you combine two totally opposing prints like bohemian-inflected tie dye and business-ready checkers.

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Smaller, fine stripes are met with bolder graphic stripes for a fresh look that screams spring.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Our number one piece of advice for pulling off the look? Marry delicate patterns with bolder ones.

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Clashing patterns based on the same color scheme actually go together, against all odds.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Double up on the gingham when one is smaller and multicolored and the other is larger and plainly colored.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Pair loud and colorful stripes with their thin, minimal counterparts.

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Lastly, start with the bolder of the prints you wish to mix and pick out one color from its pattern. As for the second print, opt for a more delicate design that utilizes just that one shade.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.