Pattern Clashing Gives Me a Rush I Can't Resist—5 Ways I'm Wearing Them
The outfits I've been finding the most enviable lately are those that incorporate different patterns to create a one-of-a-kind perspective that reflects the wearer's personality and/or mood. With each clash comes a unique feeling, which is a rush I will forever seek when it comes to fashion. After all, what is fashion other than a tool to outwardly express your inner self in all its emotional, intuitive, and sometimes contradictory glory? After a couple of months sitting idly, I decided to dig deeper and figure out exactly how to reliably pull off this trend.
I started by throwing all my patterned clothing on my bed to see what I had to work with, and the pieces with similar energy almost immediately became apparent. In my attempt to fashion emotion from clothes, I came up with the below five outfits that will set the stage for all the pattern combinations your heart desires.
Whether it's color strategy, tried-and-tested silhouettes, or patterns that seem to go with everything, keep scrolling to get all my tips for creating your own unique pattern-clashing looks, because you *are* the moment.
Scarf Top + Shorts
Nothing says summer to me more than this outfit combo. It's definitely a key element of my summer uniform. I mean, who doesn't love a scarf top? I think part of the fun of this outfit is that almost all patterns can work together in this silhouette. The trick here is to balance a loud element with one that is more chill, which also happens to be a life lesson.
Shop my look:
The thick elastic waistband provides the shape you need for these light and flowy shorts. This pattern will go with everything!
Shop more scarf tops and shorts:
Second-Skin Top + Slip Dress
I always end up wearing slip dresses with something underneath, partially due to not loving strapless bras and partially due to feeling a little exposed. Regardless, I continue to lean into these dresses for their easy, timeless appeal. For these reasons, I am a pro at the second-skin-top-and-slip-dress combination in particular. When it comes to finding synergetic second-skin tops, in my research, I've found that geometric patterns work best.
Shop my look:
Shop more second-skin tops and slip dresses:
I would turn this into my own Yayoi Kusama–inspired masterpiece and wear it with a colorful polka-dot mesh top.
Mock-Neck Top + Printed Denim
Okay, this is where we start to get more experimental. We're now in the pattern-clashing test kitchen, so to speak. I chose to combine classic baggy pants and a mock-neck top as the entrée simply because these are some of my favorite shapes at the moment, but we could have easily played this game with skirts, shorts, long sleeves, halter tops, etc.
A major hack when pattern clashing is to wear color-block patterns, which earns you more freedom when pairing the patterns themselves. Here, I paired an orangey-red top with green pants—a combination no one may have seen coming. This is definitely a trial-and-error approach that is sure to uncover new outfits you may not have otherwise thought of.
Shop my look:
Rihanna was recently spotted in green tie-dye pants, so we are basically friends.
Shop more mock neck tops & printed denim:
Nineties-inspired popcorn tops are everything! They are so dynamic. Plus, the layering possibilities are endless.
These look like clouds at sunset. Heart eyes.
Button-Down Shirt + Biker Shorts
In New York, the work-to-drinks outfit reigns supreme. In L.A., it's all about the exercise-to-brunch outfit. To keep things interesting, I always look for patterned biker shorts that can potentially (maybe?) be taken for non-workout attire. Throw on a clashing button-down shirt and some jewelry, and you can't tell me this ain't a full look.
Shop my look:
A cheetah-print shirt is the gift that keeps on giving. I've been wearing mine with just about everything for five-plus years.
You can get away with wearing these with so many things because, at the end of the day, they are black-and-white shorts.
This bag is the perfect size for a day of errands and then fun.
Shop more button-down shirts and biker shorts:
The sweet flower embellishments make this top fancy enough to wear to formal events, especially layered over more prints.
I mean, the complimentary belt makes these perfect. I'd wear them with a vintage tee and kitten heels.
Shirred Top + Printed Pant
When all else fails, stick to the same color palette when pairing patterns in your closet. This strategy works just like it would if you were going for a monochromatic look, just with more dimension and spice. Shirred tops are a new favorite of mine for their ability to add additional texture to your outfit and for their figure-hugging capabilities. Choose a color and go crazy. Trust me. It will all come together in the end.
Shop my look:
Dimension is the key word here. Gingham comes through in 2D, while shirring adds a 3D pattern to the mix.
Understated prints like this one can easily be thrown on without feeling over-the-top.
Shop more shirred tops and printed pants:
If you're going to do it, you might as well go for it. This is a piece of art.
This pair of buttery snakeskin pants is an automatic purchase. For this price, it doesn't get any better.
Next up, BTW, Baggy Is Back—I Tried On the 5 Key Styles to Get the Look
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
The Dated Pant Trend That's Making a Roaring Comeback
It's wild.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
Jenna Ortega Just Wore the '90s Print Trend That Radiates Wealth
It's not just leopard print that's making a comeback.
By Allyson Payer
-
Condolences to Minimalists: These 7 Prints Will Define Fall
Nothing boring here.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell