MAKE IT LOOK EASY

The formula for print clashing has three tiers, and the first is by far the easiest place to start.
 

Tier One: Find the Common Thread
 

The simplest way to mix two prints is to choose prints that share the same print formation, for example, stripes with stripes.


 

The secret is scale.
 

Make one print large in scale, and the other medium or small. This creates enough difference between the two prints for them to work together, rather than compete for attention.
 

Think: same language, different volume.
 

That’s what makes the clash feel intentional rather than chaotic.


Tier 2: Find the Colour Connection
 

The second tier is a little more adventurous.

Here, the prints have one or two colours in common, but the actual print formations are completely different. They are in friction with each other.

Think stripes with florals, sharp angles with soft curves, or checks with organic shapes.



 

Tier 3: Let Colour Theory Do the Work
 

Hold up, what does Nat mean when she talks about something being mascara (a slight visual highlight) rather than being a full dominant print that shouldn't be matched, only enhanced by a colour or used as a fabulous print clash?
 

Let's begin looking at the example below. These ivory pants have a double black line (dominant) and a middle white stripe (mascara).

How can you tell the difference? 

The black T-shirt looks as though you are trying to match the dominant stripe with your tee = old-fashioned. 

And it falls flat.

Whereas the white T-shirt looks fresh and appears to be non-repeating to the white mascara middle stripe, like you aren't trying to match = so stylish.

The outfit feels fresher, lighter, and much more modern.

 

          


Then there are the no-shadow-of-a-doubt strong print items that want a direct print clash in black-and-white print as well, but at a different scale.

The first image below has the jacket and pants in a small scale print with the long sleev...