Mix Master

One of my new favorite trends is mixing patterns and prints. I've loved patterns on their own for years. From florals to stripes (a girl can never have too many striped shirts) to polka dots, I have a spot in my heart for all of them. But recently, I've seen some of my favorite fashion bloggers doubling the fun by—gasp!—mixing patterns together! Need convincing? See here, here, and here.

When I first noticed this trend, I was a little apprehensive. One print by itself can be a little overwhelming. But add another and that can give a girl fashion nightmares. But, the key to staying off the worst dressed lists (and preventing yourself from looking like a hot mess) is keeping it all in the family. The same color family that is.

I challenged myself to remix this polka dot skirt I got from Target the other week—bonus, it's under $25!—with four other prints. Because the base of the skirt is navy, I chose tops that incorporate that base color or play nicely with navy. Read: stay away from tops with black in them. It will look like you got dressed without the lights on when you step outside. P.S. I pulled this fashion faux pas on Sunday while hastily getting dressed, don't fall victim!

1. Polka dots // Don't be afraid to mix dots on dots. The trick to keep from looking like an extra from 101 Dalmatians is to use different base colors—see the red and navy here. Also, the dots are different sizes so it's clear that this mixing and matching was intentional. I love the peplum to draw you in at the waist and the three-quarter length sleeves are perfect, because you don't have to wear a blazer or cardi on top to keep it work appropriate. // Madewell 

2. Stripes // Myth: horizontal stripes make you look wider. This is not true, people! Just make sure you pick the right width for your body type. I find thinner stripes, like this top here, to be more flattering than a thicker stripe. Tuck the blouse in or leave it hanging loose as shown, and you will be styling on casual Friday in this knit number. // Old Navy (hurry, it's on sale for $6!!)

3. Floral // Confession: I bought this top to go with the polka dot skirt originally but I also own a pair of ankle pants in the same print (I blogged about them here)! Don't worry, I won't actually wear them together. I just adore all the colors in this floral print. From the mint to orange to pink to cobalt, this blouse has it all! But, because it has a navy base, it won't be too overwhelming with the navy pencil skirt. Wear it untucked to showcase the tunnel waist. Pair with a gray cardi, like this one, and you will be the envy of the office. // Target

4. Paisley // What I love about this paisley is how it's pretty transparent and is a larger print than most paisleys. Being a tall girl, I can pretty much pull off any print without being swallowed up by it, so this option might not be the best for someone on the petite side. This buttoned up blouse is perfect for a more conservative office to keep it professional while not calling too much attention to yourself with the print mixing. For a more casual vibe, tuck it in in the front and leave the back untucked, as shown here. // J.Crew (and it's on SALE!)

How do you mix prints while staying work appropriate?