Fashion Week Trend: Mixed prints still going strong...

I am glad to see that fashionweek actually mostly reiterated trends that started a couple years ago. One needs to build a wardrobe over the course of years, rather than start afresh every season. One of my absolute favorite on-going trends is mixing prints. There is such freedom and joy in the act! Such expression!

Spring is almost here, and I want to see some color people. Of course, mixing prints is a fine art. People will give you rules and guidelines to avoid hurting the eyes of fellow passers by. But personally, I think there can be great mixes outside of these guidelines, if you have a good eye for it.

Personally, I try to mix up the shapes. Generally I do not put two florals together, but rather pair my florals with a more graphic shape such as a stripe or a plaid. It is also quite nice when there is one color in common in two patterns (but say, one is dominant in that color, while the other only has the color as an accent). I find that generally black and white patterns can be mixed with any colored pattern. You can avoid trouble if your patterns are either graphically simple, or tonally uniform. And also, don't forget that you can mix in textures as well, such as lace. This usually works quite well because such textured fabrics tend to be mono-tone, thus simplifying at least one variable.

But really, at the end of the day, you will have to trust your eye to be a mix-master. Treat it like accessories, you have to take two off before leaving the house. Mix your prints, and then find a way to simplify the elements involved: color, shape, size, tone. Patterns should be harmonious and complimentary, even in their difference.

Pictured above, from left to right: Karen Walker, Peter Som, Chris Benz, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler (all pulled from Style.com)