Helpful Guidelines for Mixing Prints Successfully

This is a very, very subtle print with added texture. Combine it with the skirt for a nice way to ease into print mixing.

This top has all the same colors as the skirt to the right only the colors are reversed. A fun combination.

The teal band on the skirt helps to keep the prints from bleeding into one another.

This mixed print is already done for you. Same pattern and colors but the scale is different.

I love that this top has the same colors in it as the striped skirt to the right. Add a pretty black belt or simple allow the waistband of the skirt to pull it all together.

A fun combination with the polka dots and you will see more about the versatility of stripes below.

This sweater takes the teal and white from the skirt and mixes it up with different size patterns.

This is a pretty busy print. When we add the cardigan to the left in a larger scale with just two of the colors it feels like a pretty blend.

If you are feeling super dynamic, try this skirt with the black and white striped top -- definitely add a belt to separate the prints and keep your shoes simple. Maybe even add a black cardigan or a vest to subdue the striped top a bit.

Using a belt to separate the top and bottom helps make the patterns balance even better because they are not touching.

A fun version of stripes that combines well with the black and white striped top and a pair of jeans.

I have added this top up here and below so you can easily see all the combinations.

A great combination with the striped top (I'd add a belt to separate the prints -- maybe even add a colored belt for a pop of color).

This is kind of a quirky combination with the striped top -- definitely add a belt. It's for someone who wants to push the envelope a bit.

I love the boldness of this skirt (with a built-in belt) with the black and white striped top. Definitely a dynamic combination.

Another great belt to use to separate the two prints.

A vibrant print with black, white and pink in combination with the black and white stripe. There's nothing subtle about this, but it's fun!

Black and white floral looks great with black and white stripes.

This scarf would be a fun juxtaposition with the striped top. Love the inclusion of a third color. Keep the rest of the outfit very simple.

Black and white checks also look great with the stripes.

Try the plaid with the stripes -- plaid has stripes built in so it's a fun placement together.

This scarf combines the solid black running into the houndstooth and provides fun contrast when worn with the striped top.

Try this jacket with a hint of the stripes showing underneath. A bold but understated combination.

Same with this jacket. You won't see much of the stripes and actually I'd prefer the jacket to be worn open and the striped top to have a lower neckline, but you get the idea.

Very bold and fun to add stripes to the polka dots -- definitely separate with a beautiful belt.

The striped top below is slightly too heavy with these paisley -- a thinner stripe would be better, but I wanted to include it since it's a fun combination when you work out all the details.

The pretty curvy lines with the straight lines of the top make an interesting combination. This one could also be a good option for adding a black cardigan over the top so you only see a small amount of the stripes. It will feel more moderate then.

This will be a very dynamic combination so it's not for the faint of heart or someone with delicate coloring.

A very simple dress that could use some perking up. A scarf is a great way to do it.

This one is a bit wild and almost patchwork-like with the red, zebra stripes, other animal print and solids. It's a lot, but for the right personality and dynamic personal coloring it could work.

This has more black in it than it looks like here and a hint of animal print that could make it an interesting combination with the striped dress.

While this is not my first choice to pair with the dress if someone needed to soften the stripes this could work.

Love the combination of triangles with stripes -- mixing geometrics looks great.

This one adds a touch of a feminine or bohemian feel.

Horizontal stripes paired with vertical stripes is a winning combination.

I would add a belt to break up the print and texture.

This top would need to be tucked in with a belt over the waistband of the skirt. If left untucked it will appear messy and boxy.

All of the tops below could work with this with the black with the little sparkles on it being the most subtle. All the tops need to be tucked in to work -- otherwise it will be overwhelming and boxy looking. The waistband of the skirt can act as a belt, but adding another pretty one over it always an option.

The leaf pattern is picked up from the skirt and inverted -- with the leaves being white instead of teal. A fun combination.

This combination will feel a bit busy, but it could be fun for someone quirky or edgy.

The stripes in the top are repeated in the skirt.

This skirt with the top that has black with white lines (adding a belt) could be fun.

This dress has a built in reverse print. Very fun! It does need a wider belt.

This top could work with either of the pants above. Adding a solid belt would be nice to break up the prints.

This skirt with the white top with black lines (and black tie) would be a subtle combination. The top should be tucked in or the look will feel messy. Again a belt would be helpful.

These shoes could be fun with the colorful skirt but only if you wear a black top -- otherwise there will be too much going on.

A little animal print top (like the one to the left) could be fun with this, but keep everything else simple and black. And to keep the prints from feeling like too much, add the black cardigan so you only see a touch of the animal print.

This could look fun with the colorful skirt to the right. The black line down the front (I wish the v-neckline were slightly lower) relates to the black waistband as well. Be sure to tuck it in!

A fun combination -- the top is separated by your legs so they don't compete.

I love this top with a tribal feel -- very fun with a pair of warm colored animal print shoes.

For someone whose natural coloring is soft and/or their personal essence (inner beauty) is gentle, these pants are awesome. I found so many great options for tops that I finally had to stop myself!

This top brings in stripes (in the natural color of the pants) as well as a soft pinky peachy tone. Very feminine and pretty.

Very understated stripes combined with this gorgeous color will look beautiful with the print of the pants.

One way to add a bit more intensity -- maintaining the natural color in the stripe and adding a soft black.

Love the detail at the top which will look lovely with the print of the pants.

Keeping it all natural and a subtle stripe with texture.

Love this -- combines both colors from the pants with a bit of soft aqua. Add a pretty necklace and you're all set.

Again, soft stripes with repeated soft neutral colors.

This add a bit more bohemian or feminine quality to the outfit. Love the polka dots in similar coloring to the pants and some of the taupe in a deeper shade down the band in the front with the added pink tone. Pretty combination.

Soft pink stripes are fun with it.

The natural bands repeat the colors from the pants and the peachy skin tone is lovely. Some women won't like the horizontal natural band at the hips because it will accentuate that part of the body.

Beautiful variation of the print of the pants in this duster. Elegant, long lines.

Keeps the taupe going but also brings in a soft blush tone.

Adding texture.

Focusing on the taupe and bringing in a baroque type print that relates to the paisley style print of the pants is a fun, understated combination.

Simple elegance -- and love that the prints are separated by the lighter print at the bottom of the top.

Love the paisley with the paisley.

No colors are repeated here and the muted blue makes no sense with the deep cranberry.

The bold top in striking colors mixed with the subdued sweatery design of the skirt looks like she got dressed in the dark.

This print isn't horrible, but who is shooting for not horrible in their outfit choices! This top could relate a bit more to a texture like the lace skirt above or the houndstooth print pants with the camel and black. But, in general, I think this top is best left with a solid.

Two very jarring prints with no color relation except a touch of black. The whole thing (and that necklace!) is overpowering together. Not to mention the big wide horizontal band at the tummy/hip line.