Pattern mixing can feel like a fashion risk — the kind of thing that looks effortless on someone else but impossible to pull off yourself. Too busy. Too matchy. So much room for error. I get it. But here’s what I’ve learned after years of experimenting: pattern mixing isn’t about being bold or fearless. It’s about knowing a few simple rules that make it almost impossible to get wrong.
Once you understand the basics — like pulling a shared color from both prints or varying the scale — you’ll start seeing opportunities everywhere in your closet. That striped tee you wear with jeans? It pairs beautifully with a plaid blazer. Your favorite floral skirt? A simple stripe is its perfect match. And if you’re not ready to go print-on-print just yet, starting with a graphic sweater under a patterned coat is an easy way to dip your toe in.
Today I’m breaking down exactly how to mix patterns in an outfit — with real examples from my own closet and simple tips you can use right away.
What You’ll Find in Today’s Post
✨ Beth’s Pattern Mixing Tips
1. Pull a Shared Color This is the easiest way to make two prints look intentional. Find one color that appears in both pieces — even if it’s a small accent — and you’ve got an instant connection. A blue and white striped top under a plaid blazer with a blue windowpane? That’s the magic.
2. Vary the Scale Pair a smaller print with a larger one. A thin stripe with a bold floral. A delicate dot with an oversized plaid. When the prints are different sizes, they complement rather than compete.
3. Use a Neutral Buffer Not ready to go print-on-print head to toe? Add a solid piece in between — a white denim jacket, a navy blazer, or even just a solid-colored belt. It gives the eye a place to rest and makes the whole look feel more polished.
4. Treat Stripes Like a Neutral Stripes — especially classic navy, black, or Breton styles — are incredibly versatile. They pair well with florals, plaids, animal prints, and even other stripes. When in doubt, reach for a striped tee as your starting point.
5. Start with a Graphic Tee or Sweater If mixing two “real” prints feels like too much, try pairing a patterned jacket or coat with a graphic sweater or tee. It creates visual interest without feeling overwhelming — and it’s a great gateway to bolder mixing.
6. Accessorize Your Way In A printed scarf over a printed blouse. A leopard belt with a striped dress. Accessories are a low-commitment way to experiment with print-on-print before going all in.
Inspirational Looks
Stripes + Plaid
This is the combination I reach for most often — and the one I recommend if you’re just getting started. Stripes and plaid are both classic patterns, and when they share a color (here, it’s the blue), they look like they were made for each other. The key is scale: the thin stripes on the tee play nicely against the larger windowpane plaid of the blazer.
Recreate Beth’s Outfit
A Graphic Sweater + Patterned Jacket
If mixing two traditional prints feels intimidating, this is your gateway. A graphic sweater or logo tee paired with a patterned coat gives you that layered, styled look without the stress of matching prints. The trick here is keeping the color palette cohesive — the warm browns and creams in the Polo Bear sweater tie right into the plaid coat.
Shop Beth’s Outfit
Stripes on Stripes
Yes, you can wear stripes with stripes — and it looks incredibly chic when done right. The secret? Vary the scale and direction. Here, a chunky navy and red striped sweater layers over a classic button-down with thinner stripes. The navy runs through both, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional, not accidental.
Recreate Beth’s Outfit
Stripes + Florals
Stripes and florals are a match made in pattern-mixing heaven. The linear simplicity of stripes balances the organic shapes of a floral — and as long as you pull a color from one into the other, it works every time. In both of these looks, a white denim jacket acts as a neutral buffer, keeping things polished and easy to wear.
More Pattern Mixing Inspiration
Ready to try it yourself? Here are a few combinations to get you started — all based on the same simple principles: shared colors, varied scale, and stripes as your secret weapon.
Shop the Pattern Mixing Inspiration:
- Modern Ribbed Striped Long Sleeve Tee | High Rise Print Barrel Jeans
- Essential Tee in Stripe | Midnight Moonflower Twill Pants
- Micro Ribbed Floral Tee | High Rise Straight Jeans Navy Stripe
- Crewneck Ribbed Tee | Floral Elastic Waist Skirt
FAQs – How to Mix Patterns
Start with two patterns that share at least one color. A navy striped top with a navy and white floral scarf is a low-risk combo that looks intentional.
Absolutely. Pattern mixing isn’t about age — it’s about balance. Anchor bolder prints with neutral pieces and let one pattern be the star.
Classic pairings include stripes + florals, plaid + stripes, and polka dots + stripes. The key is mixing different scales — a larger print with a smaller one creates visual harmony.
Stick to a cohesive color palette and vary the scale of your prints. Adding a solid piece between patterns also helps break things up.
Yes — maximalism and print clashing are major trends for 2026. It’s the perfect time to experiment with mixing patterns in your outfits.
Accessorize Your Way In
Not ready to commit to a full print-on-print outfit? Start with accessories. A patterned scarf, bag, or belt is a low-risk way to dip your toe into pattern mixing without overthinking it. Layer a leopard print scarf over a striped tee. Add a floral silk scarf to a plaid blazer. Try a printed belt with a polka dot dress. These small touches add visual interest and help you build confidence before going bolder.
Patterned Accessories to Try:
- Leopard Print Scarf
- Striped Silk Scarf
- Floral Bandana or Neckerchief
- Plaid Blanket Scarf
- Animal Print Belt
- Printed Canvas Tote
- Geometric Print Handbag
- Polka Dot Hair Scarf
- Paisley Pocket Square (tucked into a blazer breast pocket)
- Patterned Statement Earrings
More Fun Prints From Amazon:
- Animal Print Crew Socks Set
- Floral Cardigan Sweater
- Leopard Print Baseball Cap
- Cherry Print Skinny Scarf
- Palm Print Palazzo Lounge Pants
Video – Winter Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Put your patterns to work! I’m sharing my complete 15-piece capsule wardrobe built on light layers, a cohesive color story (navy, cream, oatmeal, olive), and real-life shoes. You’ll get 5 foolproof outfit formulas and see how these pieces mix to create at least 12 complete looks. This is timeless, tailored style that works for real life.
Closing Thoughts
How to Mix Patterns in an Outfit Over 50
Pattern mixing doesn’t have to be complicated — and it definitely doesn’t require a degree in fashion. Start with stripes (they really do go with everything), look for a shared color between your pieces, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more you play with it, the more natural it becomes. And remember: if it feels fun to wear, you’re doing it right. Now go raid your closet and see what unexpected combinations are already waiting for you.
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