Kunal Anil Tanna
Mixing different textures and patterns is a fabulous way to create an individual expression in the world of fashion. Designers have created stellar combinations — polka against stripes, broacade mixed with velvet, metallic playing around with lace — and have helped you create more variety to your wardrobe by giving it interesting depths and individualistic and personal approaches to modern day dressing. The key is to balance the rhythm of the look to establish your own tactile masterpieces.
Same colour family
Your patterns should share the same colour scheme. Using hues from one main colour when mixing patterns is a good way to start your fashion experiementation. Using the same colour will ensure that you stand out and yet carry a subtle style. If your paisley top is blue, teal and black, your plaid skirt should have some blue, teal and/ black to it or anything similar to those colours. Or a print that has at least one of the colours of the other print.
Size matters
Varying the scale of the patterns — wearing medium/large with small patterns will ensure harmony and balance. Combining two or more small prints will also make your overall appearance look different. Also the last thing you want to do is to look like you got dressed in the dark. One way to make sure that doesn’t happen is to choose patterns that complement each other. Stripes and floral always mesh well so as does leopard and stripes or polka dots. But if you wish on wearing two super-bold patterns, then combine a large floral skirt with a versatile two-tone striped top. Or black lace tights with a plaid shirt.
No matchy-matchy
Mixing patterns is supposed to be fun. Although it can look cool, don’t go out head-to-toe in one pattern. That’s too matchy-matchy.
Think of patterns/textures as solids
If you have a houndstooth skirt, think of that as a solid. Same can go for small polka dots, thin stripes or checks. They’re small enough and understated that the eye can view them as a solid, even though they’re really not.
Include neutrals
They are classic and understated. When you add a solid with two or more patterns, you allow the visual space of the outfit to be broken up. Apply this formula to your stockings, shoes, accents, etc.
Smart accents
Accessories are like your best friends; choose them wisely. They can overwhelm or balance an outfit. Using a coloured belt to break up two different patterned pieces can work really well so can coloured shoes or a neutral purse. Just be careful not to overdo it, because the focus of the outfit is the pattern, not the accessories.
The writer is a fashion designer
