Ladies, can we talk about mixing prints?
Because somewhere along the way, someone decided that stripes and florals couldn't be friends.
And leopard print? Apparently, that was supposed to stay in its own little corner of the closet.
Well, I'm here to tell you… those rules are OUT!
Mixing prints is one of my favorite ways to add personality to an outfit. It can make even the simplest pieces look interesting, stylish, and completely YOU.
But I get it. There's a fine line between a fabulous mixed-print outfit and looking like you got dressed with your eyes closed. 😂
The good news? You don't need a fashion degree to pull it off.
You just need a few simple tricks.
1. Start With One Color in Common
This is probably the easiest way to make two different prints look like they belong together.
Let's say you have a navy-and-white striped top.
Pair it with a floral skirt that also has navy or white in the pattern.
Suddenly, the two prints feel coordinated instead of competing.
My styling tip: When you're unsure whether two prints work together, look for at least one color they share.
It doesn't have to be an exact match, but a common color can help bring the outfit together.
2. Mix a Bold Print With a Smaller One
Here's a trick that makes mixing prints so much easier.
Let one print be the star of the outfit and the other play a supporting role.
For example, try a blouse with large, colorful florals and a skirt with a tiny, subtle stripe.
Or pair a bold leopard print with a delicate pinstripe.
When both prints are equally large and busy, they can compete for attention.
My styling tip: Think of your prints like accessories. You usually want one main statement piece, not five things fighting for attention.
3. Treat Stripes Like a Neutral
Ladies, this one might change the way you get dressed!
A simple striped piece is one of the easiest patterns to mix with other prints.
Think about it.
A navy-and-white striped tee looks adorable with a floral skirt.
A striped blouse can look fabulous with leopard accessories.
And a subtle striped pant can work beautifully with a patterned top.
Stripes are classic, versatile, and surprisingly easy to mix.
My styling tip: Start with narrow stripes in neutral colors like navy, cream, black, or white. They're much easier to work with when you're first experimenting.
4. Yes, Leopard Print Can Be a Neutral!
You knew I was going to bring up leopard print, didn't you? 😂
Personally, I think a little leopard can make almost any outfit more interesting.
And the beauty of leopard is that its natural brown, black, and tan tones work with so many colors.
Try leopard flats with a striped top.
A leopard belt with a floral dress.
Or a leopard handbag with a simple outfit that needs a little personality.
My styling tip: If wearing two printed clothing pieces feels intimidating, start by adding your second print through shoes, a belt, or a handbag.
It's an easy way to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Give Your Prints a Little Breathing Room
Not every part of your outfit needs to make a statement.
Sometimes the secret to a beautiful mixed-print look is adding something simple between the patterns.
For example, if you're wearing a striped top and leopard shoes, try pairing them with solid-color jeans.
Or if you're wearing a floral blouse and a patterned handbag, keep your pants and shoes understated.
That little bit of simplicity can help everything feel balanced.
My styling tip: Denim is one of the easiest ways to bring a mixed-print outfit together. A great pair of jeans can anchor almost any combination.
6. Don't Forget About Accessories
Accessories are your secret weapon when it comes to mixing prints!
A patterned scarf, fun shoes, a printed handbag, or even a bold belt can completely transform an outfit.
And the best part?
You don't have to buy an entirely new wardrobe to experiment.
Try taking an outfit you already love and swapping one accessory for something unexpected.
A striped dress with leopard flats?
YES, PLEASE!
A floral top with a patterned handbag?
Absolutely!
7. The Most Important Rule? Make Sure YOU Love It!
Here's where I'm going to break my own rules.
All these tips are great starting points, but fashion is supposed to be fun.
If you love two prints together, wear them!
You don't need permission from a fashion magazine, an influencer, or that one person who still thinks you can't wear white after Labor Day.
Style is personal.
And sometimes the most fabulous outfits are the ones that break a few rules.
Three Easy Print Combinations to Try
If you're ready to give mixed prints a chance, start with these combinations:
Stripes + Florals
A classic combination that's feminine, fresh, and easy to style. Look for a shared color to tie everything together.
Leopard + Stripes
One of my favorites! Try a striped tee, great jeans, and leopard flats for a casual outfit with personality.
Florals + Polka Dots
This combination can feel playful and polished. Keep one pattern smaller and use coordinating colors to create balance.
The Bottom Line
Mixing prints doesn't have to be complicated, and it definitely doesn't have to be intimidating.
Start small. Play with color. Experiment with scale. And most importantly, have FUN!
At Cruz By Design, we're all about helping women step outside their comfort zones and discover new ways to wear pieces they already love.
So the next time someone tells you that stripes and florals don't go together?
Smile, put on your fabulous outfit, and prove them wrong. 😉
Because fashion rules are meant to be broken!
💙 Style Without Rules. Confidence Without Limits.
