Mixing Patterns & Textures (With 4 Outfit Ideas)

“Don’t mix stripes and checks.” It’s one of those early, cliché pieces of fashion “advice” that sticks with many of us.

But these days, it’s an outdated saying. When it comes to mixing patterns, fashion as a whole has changed its opinion. Mixed pattern outfits are in—as long as you know how to style them.

From the subtlety of two different textures to the intentional chaos of “power clashing,” we’re here to show you how to take advantage of the different patterns and textures in your wardrobe to build your personal style.

7 Typical Patterns & Textures

Before you start mixing prints and matching different patterns, it helps to know what you’re up against.

There are countless different types of patterns and textures in clothing. Some of the ones you’re most likely to work with include:

• Stripes – These alternating bars of two or more colors can be thick or thin and vertical or horizontal.

• Plaid – Also called tartan, plaid is most common on a flannel shirt, but you’ll also find it on pants and outerwear.

• Paisley – Popularized in rock and hippie circles, this teardrop-shaped design is now a fashion favorite.

• Florals – If it has flowers, leaves, or trees on it, it’s a floral print.

You also have all kinds of textures to play with. Here are some of the options you’re bound to run into:

• Denim – Whether you prefer classic blue jeans or the shredded, distressed look, everyone loves denim.

• Leather – The glossy sheen of leather (or pleather) can be a welcome contrast to the matte look of cotton or denim.

• Corduroy – With a ridged texture, corduroy pants and jackets add an extra dimension to any fit.

Basic Rules for Mixing Patterns & Textures

Once you understand your options, you can start piecing together mixed-pattern outfits that won’t feel like a fashion faux pas.

With that said, we’re not exactly fans of fashion rules. If you want to learn how to dress better, the key is to develop your fashion tastes. You can wear just about anything with a keen eye and enough confidence—after all, rules are made to be broken.

Still, “rules” can be helpful guidelines when you’re first starting to experiment with your personal style. Plus, you can’t push the limits if you don’t know them.

These tips for pattern, texture, and print mixing will give you a place to start. From there, you can decide if you want to follow the rules or go your own way.

Balancing Scale and Size

One of the easiest ways to start mix-and-matching is to pay attention to scale. That means looking for two patterns with similar sizes.

For example, small polka dots look cleanest with narrow stripes or tightly packed animal prints. On the other hand, wider checks and stripes pair nicely with in-your-face florals.

Mixing Similar Patterns & Textures

With pattern mixing, like attracts like. It’s easier to work with similar choices—such as the straight edges of stripes, plaid, and geometric patterns—than florals with zebra print. The same goes for texture.

Color Rules in Pattern Mixing 

In general, colors should guide your decisions. Each piece should ideally have at least one color in common.

The more matching colors you have, the more “put together” your patterned look will feel.

4 Mixed Pattern Outfit Ideas

Looking for examples of pattern mixing in action? Try these outfit ideas on for size.

#1 The Almost Neutral Pairing

For an introduction to mixed patterns, look for a nearly neutral fabric to pair with a bolder print.

Try pairing some large-square plaid baggy trousers with a minimalist paisley shirt or a narrow pinstripe top to stay on the subtle side of pattern mixing.

#2 The Layered Look

In some cases, putting one pattern on top of the other—rather than pairing a patterned top with a bottom—works to your advantage.

If that’s the route you want to take, keep the similar color “rules” of pattern mixing in mind. This is a fundamental aspect of learning how to layer clothes for men, where pattern play can make a significant impact. For example, this black-and-white floral shirt could easily sit under this big-checkered cardigan. Throw some darker every day denim on the bottom, and you’re good to go.

#3 The Textural Tango

Mixing two or more textures is like a delicate dance, but when it’s done right, the results are worth the effort.

Sometimes the most unexpected pairings work perfectly, like putting a jeweled sherpa jacket against the matte backdrop of camo pants, hunter shorts, or leather cargo pants.

#4 The Power Clash

Power clashing is all about making patterns that shouldn’t work together but make perfect sense.

To pull off this kind of statement look, consider mixing an eye-catching striped cardigan with a brown paisley sweatpant. It may not seem like clashing patterns doesn’t work, but it can be pulled off.

Find Your Perfect Patterned Pieces

If you were ever told to avoid mixing patterns, erase that advice from your memory. When executed well, outfits with varied patterns and textures show a maturity of style and thoughtfulness that a closet full of neutrals can’t compete with.

For us, those outfits come together easier when you have the right high-quality garments to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for those first few standout pieces or the latest addition to your wardrobe, check out mnml. Our curated selection will inspire you to play with pattern and texture like never before.