combining prints Archives - Suzanne Carillo

Am I the only one that likes to challenge themselves when getting dressed?

Ah yeah. Don’t answer that. I already know I’m weird.

Just for the thrill of it (I know my definition of “thrill” may need to be reevaluated) I decided to combine bold florals, plaid and paisley prints together.

Wear Three Different Prints Together

I didn’t do the easy peezy “cheater’s method” of combing three different prints by choosing small accessories or shoes for the prints…these are all large pieces.

how to wear florals plaid and paisley together

My Top Tips To Combine Three Prints Together

#1 Matching Colours

Ensure one colour from each print matches one of the other pieces. I matched the blue rose from the jacket with the plaid shirt and then some of the burgundy roses from the blazer with burgundy in the skirt.

#2 Different Sized Prints

Often people will tell you combine different sizes of prints, one large and the others small thereby creating one focal point. The eyes will automatically gravitate towards the larger print. It is an easier method but one I didn’t use here as both the jacket and skirt have similar size prints.

#3 Combine Colour Tones

Another tip is to combine similar colour tones. Everything is a bit muted in my outfit.

#4 Use Tone On Tone Prints

Using tone on tone prints aren’t as distracting to the eye. They read more like texture. The tone on tone paisley pattern on the maxi skirt looks like texture and makes it easier to combine with the other two prints.

What do you think?

how to wear three different prints together suzanne carillo style over 40

Personally I gave myself an A but I’ve been known to be a bit of a pushover when it comes to grading myself or my pug.

Combing pieces that wouldn’t normally go together is a great way of extending your wardrobe.

wear three different prints together suzanne carillo

If you enjoy secondhand shopping like I do it is a perfect opportunity to hone your print matching skills without breaking the bank.

You can see me combining the same maxi skirt with another print here.

I’m wearing the blazer in another outfit here.

wear three different prints together suzanne carillo style

Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl

Are you a fan of combining prints to create visual interest in an outfit?

What was the highest number of prints you managed to combine in one outfit?

I like to know what I’m up against. My competitive streak is fierce.

I’ve been a longtime fan of stealing some ideas from the guys to pump up my style.

Vintage Menswear Style For Women

In the photo below I’m wearing my own tie I bought some twenty odd years ago.

How to dress in masculine clothing and still look like a woman

The red tie below was stolen from my husband’s tie drawer. He has quite a collection, many of them purchased secondhand.

style a gingham dress masculine suzanne carillo style over 40 — Gingham dress from “Style A Gingham Dress 13 Ways“

menswear inspired outfit suzanne carillo how to wear floral jeans — Men’s hat and vest with moto boots.

layered tulle skirt with button up dress suzanne carillo — I’m wearing the same black tie again here.

boyfriend jeans mens hat — Men’s hat and brogues.

black white old navy gingham shirt red tie — One of my all time favourite hats.

This is a DIY appliqué tie sweatshirt I made.

Buying items in the same colour palette ensures everything you own will automatically work together.

vintage menswear style for women style over 40 suzanne carillo — All items thrifted except boots. Skirt and tie vintage.

I had all of these items in my closet just waiting for a chance to shine together. Taking the time to create with the clothes we already own stretches our imaginations and helps save the environment. Shop your closet first.

As A Taste Of France so eloquently put it,

“Creativity without consumption is great.”

You’ve seen this vintage suede skirt loads of times on the blog. It is one of my favourites as it matches my hair colour perfectly.

People often assume that it is their skin tone which decides which colours they can or cannot wear.

I disagree. The colour of your hair plays a much larger role than the colour of your skin. Try on a wig and notice how it changes your skin tone.

What do you think of the print mix? The blouse has small polka dots creating a quirky medley of dots, diagonal stripes and horizontal stripes.

I’m really happy how this came together. It hits the five descriptive words of my personal style statement dead on; artistic, unique, relevant, fun and strong. I know it’s not for everyone but I think that is exactly why I like it so much.