Pattern mix - How do you combine patterns correctly?

What different types of patterns are there?

To mix different patterns together, you should be clear about what types of patterns there are, what they look like and what characteristics they have. This is the only way to create a matching outfit by combining different patterns. The common pattern types are explained in more detail below.

The stripe pattern

Striped patterns are mainly worn on tops, for example vertical stripes are very popular on shirts, sweaters and shirts, but horizontal stripes are also popular on shirts. The stripe pattern originally came from suits, but stripes can now be found as a pattern on many different items of clothing.

Stripes can be perfectly combined with other stripes, for example when tops and trousers are combined with the same vertical stripe style. Stripes of different shapes can also be combined on the trousers and top to create a more exciting overall look than the first option.

Another alternative is to combine horizontal and vertical stripes on the trousers and top, combining two opposites in one outfit and creating a great look.

The check pattern

The check pattern has the great advantage that it can be 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 popular. The classic checked shirt is a very good example of the popularity of this pattern.

Check patterns are further subdivided into the following types:

Herringbone

Tartan plaid

Windowpane

Madras

Tip: The colors tan, cream and blue are recommended. For men, the plaid should mainly serve as a top, then it can be best expressed.

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

The second factor is the colors, which are also similar to the different check patterns. In this way, all possible colors can be combined with each other - this works very easily with check patterns!

The houndstooth pattern

The houndstooth pattern is a rather rare pattern, which is also described as a micro check pattern. Houndstooth is a two-tone pattern formed from square blocks of color that looks like very small pinwheels or the traces 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 too many different colors. These characteristics make the houndstooth pattern the ideal companion for suits and the like. The pattern is usually found in black and white, but it is also advisable to opt for a single color when combining it with other items of clothing.

GOOD TO KNOW: THE LOOK IT CREATES CAN BE VERY FORMAL, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMBINED WITH SHIRTS FOR MEN.

The paisley pattern

Similar to the houndstooth pattern described above, the paisley pattern is a very eye-catching and rather rare pattern that should be integrated into your own look in a very planned way due to these characteristics alone. This pattern originated in Persia and has been around for a very long time, but is not often seen in the masses.

It is also advisable to keep the paisley pattern in one color, as this allows it to highlight another item of clothing, for example. Paisley is a very intense pattern that can really only be worn if there is a certain confidence in it, which means that it must fit perfectly.

For example, the paisley pattern can be worn in conjunction with a pinstripe suit. But expensive and high-quality garments can also be combined very well with paisley, although it should always be borne in mind that a combination with this pattern always catches the eye.

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

TIP: IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO BE TOO DARING AND TO USE THE PATTERN RATHER DISCREETLY. ULTIMATELY, HOWEVER, NO ONE CAN DICTATE YOUR 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 that was exclusively used for women's clothing, but as the fashion industry developed, it was also discovered and implemented for menswear.

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

Which patterns go together?

Now that we have clarified what the various pattern terms mean and what they look like, we will now explain the pattern mix. In other words, it's about which patterns can be combined and how they look good in an outfit.

Now that we have clarified what the various pattern terms mean and what they look like, we will now explain the pattern mix. It's all about which patterns can be combined and how they look good in an outfit.

A combination of different patterns

When three or four or even more patterns are to be integrated into a single outfit, this is the biggest challenge. If the patterns are well coordinated and the end result matches, this can create a convincing look.

The most important thing is that all the patterns used must be of different sizes so that a varied mix is created. If done well, this type of combination of patterns creates an overall outfit in which the patterns complement each other rather than overlap and each one wants to stand out on its own, which radiates a certain nonchalance.

A combination of two patterns of the same type

Similar to mixing several patterns, it is also important when combining two of the same pattern that there is a separation between the two. The easiest way to achieve this is for the two garments to have different sized patterns of the same type.

In this way, a gradation can be achieved with one and the same pattern, for example a tie with a very large pattern in combination with a shirt on which small forms of the pattern appear. This creates a balanced styling of the top.

In addition, only one color family should be used for both pieces, as otherwise the outfit may look a little off. A certain gradation should be achieved through patterns of different sizes, but it should not be too extreme either, whereby the colors can help there by choosing similar colors.

A pattern mix of two different pattern types

Combining two different patterns can result in a very chic pattern combination. It is important that you only choose from one color world so that you don't end up with a mix that is too colorful.

As mentioned above, it is worth combining patterns of different sizes, as this ensures that there is a certain harmony throughout the outfit. A small pattern paired with a larger one can look very elegant if they are in the same color scheme, or how about a chunky checked coat combined with trousers that have thin stripes? Two patterns can also be combined with a shirt, for example with a floral pattern on a shirt and a checked shirt on top can create a beautiful outfit if they are 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 is described as trendy fashion suits every figure either. It is therefore important for you to look for patterns that flatter your figure.

In terms of color, it has long been known that a monochrome wardrobe in black generally makes the body appear slimmer. However, other dark colors are also suitable in this respect; in any case, you should not go for the flashy shades, but keep it simple.

When it comes to patterns, smaller, detailed pattern shapes should always be used, as large shapes and patterns center the look on one area of the body. Instead, it is advisable to choose minimal patterns such as small checks. Vertical striped patterns are also a good choice, as these make the body appear slimmer and more elegant than large round shapes would.

Vertical striped trousers should be paired with a plain, dark shirt without a pattern. Graphic details are also useful if they don't appear too big and lumpy. The vertical stripes ensure that the upper body is lengthened, so to speak, and the mass of the body is distributed in this way.