Pattern mix - How do you combine patterns correctly?

What different types of patterns are there?

To mix different patterns, you need to be clear about the different types of patterns, what they look like, and what characteristics they have. Only then can you create a cohesive outfit by combining different patterns. The most common pattern types are explained in more detail below.

The striped pattern

Striped patterns are predominantly worn on clothing tops; for example, a vertical stripe pattern is very popular on shirts, sweaters and shirts, but horizontal stripe patterns are also popular on dress shirts.

The striped pattern originally came from suits, but stripes now appear as a pattern on many different items of clothing.

Stripes can be combined excellently with other stripes, for example when the top and trousers are combined with the same vertical stripe style.

You can also combine differently shaped stripes on the trousers and top to create a more exciting overall look than the first variant.

Another alternative is the combination of horizontal and vertical stripes on both the trousers and top, so that two opposites are combined in one outfit and create a great look.

The check pattern

The check pattern has the great advantage of being easily integrated into any style without having to think too much about how it will fit in the end. This characteristic makes the check pattern very desirable. The classic check shirt is a very good example of the popularity of this pattern.

Check patterns are further divided into the following types:

herringbone

Tartan Plaid

window panes

Madras

Tip: Tan, cream, and blue are recommended. For men, checks should primarily be worn as tops, as this is where they can best express themselves.

The great thing about it is that the variety of check patterns makes it very easy to mix and match, which means that two different check patterns in one outfit always work, as long as they are not exactly the same size.

The second factor is color, which is similar to the different check patterns. This allows all kinds of colors to be combined – and with check patterns, this is very easy!

The houndstooth pattern

The houndstooth or rooster check is a rather rare pattern, also known as a micro-check. Houndstooth is a two-tone pattern made up of square blocks of color that resemble tiny pinwheels or the marks of a rooster's claws.

The houndstooth pattern can be combined very well with polka dots or pinstripes to create a harmonious outfit that has its best effect in a single color.

It should therefore not be mixed with colors that are too different. These properties make the houndstooth pattern the ideal companion for suits and similar items. The pattern usually appears in black and white, but it is also advisable to use a single color when combining it with other garments.

GOOD TO KNOW: THE LOOK THIS CREATES CAN APPEAR VERY FORMAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED WITH MEN'S SHIRTS.

The paisley pattern

The paisley pattern, like the previously described houndstooth pattern, is a very eye-catching and rather rare pattern that, due to these characteristics alone, should be carefully integrated into your own look.

This pattern originates from Persia and has been known for a very long time, but is not often seen in the masses.

It's also recommended to keep the paisley pattern in one color, as this can, for example, make another item of clothing stand out. Paisley is a very intense pattern that can only be worn if you have a certain degree of confidence in it, which means it has to be a perfect fit.

For example, the paisley pattern can be worn in combination with a pinstripe suit.

But expensive and high-quality garments can also be combined very well with paisley, although it should always be remembered that a combination with this pattern always catches the eye.

If that's what you want, then this pattern is very suitable for your pattern mix.

TIP: It's important not to dare too much and to use the pattern discreetly. Ultimately, no one can tell you how to style!

The polka dot pattern

The polka dot pattern is a very popular pattern these days for smaller accessories such as ties, bow ties or scarves.

The round shape can be combined very well with monotonous, straight patterns to create a well-rounded outfit.

Polka dots used to be a pattern used exclusively for women's clothing, but as the fashion industry evolved, it was discovered and adopted for men's clothing as well.

Due to the striking shapes of the pattern, only straight shapes should be integrated into an outfit with polka dots, such as check patterns or pinstripe suits.

Which patterns fit together?

Now that we've clarified what the various patterns mean and what they look like, we'll now explain the pattern mix. This is about which patterns can be combined in which way and will look good in an outfit.

Now that we've clarified what the various patterns mean and what they look like, we'll now explain the pattern mix. This is about which patterns can be combined in which way and will look good in an outfit.

A combination of different patterns

When three, four, or even more patterns are to be integrated into a single outfit, this presents the greatest challenge. If the patterns are well coordinated and the end result is appropriate, then a convincing look can be created.

The most important thing is that all patterns used must be of different sizes, creating a varied mix. This type of pattern combination, if done well, creates an overall outfit in which the patterns complement each other rather than overlap, and each one stands out in its own right, exuding a certain casualness.

A combination of two patterns of the same type

Similar to mixing multiple patterns, when combining two of the same pattern, it's important to maintain separation between the two. This is most easily achieved by having the two garments each have different sized patterns of the same type.

This allows you to create a gradation with the same pattern, for example, a tie with a very large pattern combined with a shirt featuring small forms of the pattern. This creates a balanced top style.

Additionally, only one color family should be used for both pieces, otherwise the outfit might look a bit off-kilter. A certain degree of variation should be achieved by using patterns of different sizes, but it shouldn't be too extreme, although choosing similar colors can help in this regard.

A pattern mix of two different pattern types

Combining two different patterns can result in a very stylish pattern combination. It's important to choose only from a single color scheme to avoid creating an overly colorful mix.

As mentioned above, it's worth combining patterns of different sizes, as this ensures a certain cohesion throughout the outfit. A small pattern paired with a larger one can look very elegant if they're in the same color scheme.

Or how about a chunky checked coat paired with thin-striped pants? Two patterns can also be combined with a shirt; for example, a floral pattern on a shirt and a checked shirt over it can create a beautiful outfit if they're in the same color scheme.

Which patterns flatter which figure?

There are many fashion trends, but they don't always suit every type. Not every outfit that's currently considered trendy suits every figure. Therefore, it's important to make sure you choose patterns that flatter your figure.

In terms of color, it's long been known that a solid black wardrobe generally makes the body appear slimmer. However, other dark colors are also suitable in this regard, but in any case, simplicity should be avoided.

When it comes to patterns, it's definitely best to opt for smaller, more detailed patterns, as larger shapes and patterns tend to focus the look on one area of ​​the body. It's better to choose minimalist patterns like small checks. Vertical stripes are also a good choice, as these make the body appear slimmer and more elegant than large, round shapes would.

Vertically striped pants should be paired with a solid, dark, patternless shirt. Graphic details are also a good choice, as long as they don't appear too bulky or clunky. Vertical stripes elongate the torso, thus distributing the body's mass.