By Chloe Halpin
A guide on how to style and mix patterns with the help of Fashion graduate, Molly Kelly.
From the loud, psychedelic prints of the ’60s and ’70s to camo pants and leopard print tops of the 2000s, patterned clothing has been a way to express yourself.
Mixing patterns is a lot like mixing silver and gold jewellery. As a Graduate Fashion Student, Molly Kelly explains, experimenting with prints is about confidence, not perfection. “When stepping into a new realm of fashion, go with what you want,” she says. “Start off small and work your way into it.”
Polka dots, stripes, or swirls can absolutely exist in the same outfit. When you treat patterns like building blocks instead of rules, you open up endless ways to express yourself. Mixing prints can feel intimidating, but with a little help from Molly Kelly herself, here is a guide on how to style and mix patterns.
Tip 1: The Sandwich Method
When I am getting dressed, I use “the sandwich method”. For example, if I’m wearing a striped shirt and a polka dot skirt, I will throw on a solid coloured belt and jacket. The discreet matching of colour makes a big difference. Using a solid piece of clothing or accessory breaks up the patterns.
The next time you are debating mixing patterns, keep this method in mind. It creates harmony and makes the mix feel cohesive. Molly urges people not to doubt their ability to style themselves, “like yes that cheetah print top will go with those pinstriped trousers”.
Tip 2: Find the Neutral tones
If you are debating wearing bold patterns, ease into it with prints such as leopard print and pinstripes. These patterns often include neutral tones such as brown, white and black. These tones make it easier to mix and match patterns without them feeling like they clash. For example, Molly told me how when she started experimenting with fashion, she styled polka dots and cheetah print, and that it worked really well, “I surprised myself with the outcome”
Don’t be scared to style bright colours also, Molly said she wished more people styled plaid and pinstriped more as it gives a “strong statement” and it’s “very Vivienne Westwood”.
Tip 3: Take advantage of accessories
See that old plaid scarf in your closet or those stripey socks hidden in your drawer, give them a day out. Accessories are a great way to play with patterns. It is also a fun way to incorporate more patterns into your outfit. Accessories are reliable and always add personality to your outfit, whether it’s through a floral handbag, a stripey scarf or a polka dot headband. These small touches can elevate any outfit.
As Molly told me “load up on accessories, layers and colour. It all adds dimension to the outfit”
Tip 4: Pick a pattern that will dominate your outfit
This approach will help give your outfit more structure, instead of several patterns fighting for your attention. Pick one pattern, like cheetah print, then find others that will enhance it. Think of it like music, the dominant pattern being the lead singer, the guitarist, and the drummer, then they come together to make the whole thing work. For example, take a cheetah print fur coat, pair it with a black and white stripey turtleneck, mini skirt and boots. If you own striped tights, then even better!
Tip 5: Own the boldness
Sometimes the outfits that seem like they don’t make sense are the best ones. Mixing patterns doesn’t have to be subtle; it can be loud and in your face. Honestly, I think the coolest people are the ones who wear whatever they want and look good simply because they own it. Fashion is personal. It’s not always about following a guide. If you love it, then that’s a win enough. The best outfits often come when you don’t even think about it.
Growing up, I loved how characters like Junie B. Jones wore clashing prints and wild outfits with zero hesitation. As Molly says, there is no such thing as “too much” when it comes to fashion. That kind of carefree, confident styling that we could all use a bit more of. Style isn’t about following rigid rules or striving for perfection; it’s an art form, a way to let your personality take centre stage.
So next time you’re getting dressed, whether you’re wearing gingham with animal print, polka dots and stripes or tie dye and zigzags, forget the rules. Just wear what feels good and wear it proudly.
And always remember, as Molly puts it, “fashion has no limits, unless you limit yourself.