How to Mix and Match Prints Like a Fashion Pro

Prints are decidedly fun to wear for the holidays, but they can also be tricky to style. Can plaids be worn with polka dots? Can you do stripes with even more stripes? To help you navigate the charming — albeit, confusing — realm of patterns, we found five street style photos that will walk you through it all. 


1. Checkered coat with bright separates


A mustard skirt or cropped trouser needs burnt orange and other bright colors as friends. Here, a green-and-navy striped top is tucked into the yellow skirt and finished off with a knee-length coat.
2Polka dots with contrasting patterns


A bright geo-patterned sweater or jacket worn over a polka-dot skirt is a new twist on a feminine ensemble.

3Stripes with animal print

Tuck a vertical striped or colorblock sweater into the waistband of an animal-print swing skirt and you've got yourself a match. Add another element of surprise by cinching a jewel-toned belt at the waist.

4Black and white

Houndstooth or grid patterns on top and vertical stripes on the bottom — this is an ideal mixture. Try a plaid coat with another black-and-white print for a fun minimalist look.

5Layer on the print

Take a popular Fall print like plaid and start your first layer with a dress. Throw on a solid t-shirt or cropped sweater, then finish the look with a festive jacket.

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