Q&A: How to Mix and Match Patterns
May 1st, 2007
Q: What can I wear with these bermuda shorts from the Gap? The pattern is very hard to match!
A: Yes, this tiny striped pattern is difficult to match exactly. Luckily, you don’t have to match it to create a stylish outfit. But, for the sake of completeness, the rules about matching patterns are as follows:
(1) If you’re matching different types of pattterns (e.g. plaids and paisley), keep the scale of the pattern the same. If you have a small paisley pattern, for instance, look for a small plaid print to match.
(2) If you’re matching the same type of pattern (e.g. stripes and stripes), vary the size of the pattern. While a small stripe and a big stripe work well, two types of small stripes will look too matchy-matchy.
For this particular pair of striped denim bermuda shorts, we have three suggestions for you:
Knit Striped Deep V-neck Camisole | $39.50 at Gap
For a nautical-inspired look, match the small stripes with a top with larger stripes.
(Pictured) Emmeline Blouse | $78 at J Crew
For a delicate, pretty look, try this slightly ruched button-front blouse with fabric belt.
Proenza Schouler Canary Tissue Tank | $9.09 at Target
For a casual look, pair the striped shorts with a brightly colored plain tank.
Pictured: Striped Denim Bermuda Shorts | $34.99 (sale) at the Gap.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
4 Comments
1. nicole | May 22nd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
How can i keep the long tank tops and camilsoles from riding up over my hips and rolling up at the bottom?
2. Omiru.com: Style for All&hellip | May 30th, 2007 at 2:45 am
[…] May 30th, 2007 Q: How do you match a tie to a shirt?Omiru is pleased to bring you the answer to this style question from Ryan Sovereign, one half of the design duo behind the quietly provocative neckwear line Sovereign Beck.A: Generally, a tie should either totally match the shirt, like when you buy those tie/shirt combo’s at Kmart, or it shouldn’t match at all. I most often go with light pink, light blue or white…the safe route. My design partner, Will, is a bit more risqué with his tie/shirt combos. Truthfully, though, I really can’t lay down any hard and fast rules, since it all depends on what the wearer is capable of pulling off. And if you can match a patterned shirt with a patterned tie, you’re doing something right!Want to learn how to match a patterned shirt with a patterned tie? Omiru shows you how to mix and match patterns.Pictured: Beetles Tie | $90 at Sovereign Beck.Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question. […]
3. Hoopla - Entertainment Bl&hellip | June 1st, 2007 at 8:04 am
[…] And if you want to get really crazy, try matching a patterned shirt and tie. For tips on how to accomplish this Herculean task, check out these tips from style blog omiru. […]
4. FASHIONISTAOUTLET | April 7th, 2011 at 3:08 am
Sometimes its easier to get someone to do it for you. Do you know of any sites that will style things for you?