Mixing prints and patterns can feel like a big “no-no” and seem a little too risky for a lot of us. When I was growing up I always loved picking out my outfits and my mom would always tell me that I should try actually matching my clothes instead of mixing such wild prints together. And while, yeah, I see her point to an extent (maybe my Spirit t-shirt and galaxy leggings didn’t match that well) I think that we all should be encouraged to experiment with our fashion choices a little more freely.
My cute mom obviously had good intentions (and also has fabulous style) but I’ve always been someone who likes to try new things when it comes to how I express myself through clothing. So now at 24, I still keep a playful element in my style and love to have fun with pattern play.
I wore this fall ready jumpsuit to brunch with a girlfriend on a Sunday morning and I fell in love with the color palette. It’s perfect for autumn and also great for concealing a big meal and a few extra mimosas. Vertical stripes are obviously so flattering, plus because this is a jumpsuit I looked way taller than I actually am which is always a win in my tiny book.
I wore my tweed jacket that’s a part of my September Capsule Wardrobe (check out that post here!) over my jacket to add some contrasting print and texture to the look. The thing about mixing patterns is that you don’t necessarily have to mix colors. You can keep the colors cohesive but have fun with the print so your outfit will still feel pulled together.
Then I went really crazy and added a THIRD print and a super on-trend one at that. Animal print is huge this season, especially in footwear so I am loving my favorite leopard print booties. They give me a little (needed) height and also pulled in the different shades of brown in this outfit.
To accessorize I added a cute brown studded bow belt (it’s an oldie but will link similar options) and my Henri Bendel color-blocked mini satchel which is also included in this month’s capsule wardrobe.
I had so much fun catching up with my friend, gossiping and eating delish food! We went to Beretta, a tasty Italian spot in the mission and we definitely indulged.
Afterwards, we had a couple of glasses of wine at Mission Cheese and obviously had to get the prosciutto grilled cheese (duh). We eventually made our way down the street to Smitten, one of my favorite ice cream shops in the city when I stopped dead in my tracks because I saw my favorite blogger (I mean it) Kathleen Barnes of Carrie Bradshaw Lied taking pictures with her husband on the street!
I was admittedly a little tipsy but I believe it was that liquid courage that gave me the confidence to walk up and introduce myself and blabber on and on in a star-struck daze. It is so bizarre meeting someone you watch on social media every day (#creepy) but you guys she is LOVELY.
So friendly and sweet and funny and while I’m sure I was very weird and probably talked way too much it was so fun meeting her. She’s exactly how she is online, in person and it was so nice to see someone who has inspired me for years be just as fabulous in real life.
Kathleen has a beautiful fashion & lifestyle blog with awesome style hacks and she also has a hilarious sense of humor. You can check out her blog here!
Do you ever mix patterns? Why or why not? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, She
