Prints on Prints

How to mix (and not match) patterns.

Written, modeled and styled by Ashley Hargrove, Photos by Andrew Chan, Makeup by Lauren Lumsden

Two prints? No problem! Ready to invigorate your wardrobe for spring? Mix, don’t match is the latest fashion trend hitting the runways this season.

Those days of making sure everything mixes and matches perfectly are done. You can now combine playful patterns and colors to make a look totally yours. The trick is knowing how to balance larger prints with smaller prints, and finding a similar color scheme that will connect your pieces together. Knowing which prints and pieces act as neutrals is the real struggle.

Here is a quick how-to for achieving stylishly mixed prints without looking like a hot mess.

1. You can wear different textures and patterns, but make sure you stick within the same color palette.

2. Mix your prints according to textures. If you are wearing similar fabric textures, you can have a little more fun mixing prints.

3. I have found that stripes and dots are some of the easiest prints to mix. The key is to find the correct pattern size. Keep in mind that smaller dots will work with a larger floral print. Stripes will always act as a neutral with any print. Stripes are your best friend.

4. Florals: This is definitely one of the most popular prints for Spring 2015. Floral prints are getting paired with more floral, stripes, black and white and more.

5. Animal prints, such as leopard and snakeskin, will also act as neutrals. The main goal is to pair animal print with a large floral pattern or even layer the animal prints together. Don’t forget: you don’t have to do this with just your clothing; accessories come in handy too.

I know many may still be hesitant to try this trend, but my personal advice is this: Just go for it and have fun! It’s all about making a bold statement but still looking put together.

Versace multicolored-print pencil skirt, $575; Versace multicolored-print silk blouse, $1,295; Prada Saffiano mini lux handbag, $1,050; Alexis Bittar gold choker necklace, $375; Christian Louboutin Pensamoi satin heels, $1,395, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200.

Alice & Olivia Lola Lady maxi skirt, $440; Theory Godelana white and black tank top, $215; Oscar de la Renta floral necklace, $795; Rebecca Minkoff mint zipper clutch, $95; Reg & Bone Hat, $195, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm Way, 512.719.1200; Science Girls Co. spaceship gold statement ring, $90; Yves Saint Laurent white and black pumps, stylist’s own.

Diane von Furstenberg striped walda skirt, $348; Nicole Miller multicolored crop top, $258; Lunch Bag swag, $1,000; Marcia Moran Blu pave statement ring, $170; Julie Vos elephant bracelet, $155; Julie Vos elephant necklace, $145, available at Found, 501 Oakland Ave., 512.322.9494; Celine muticolored stripe espadrilles, $445, available at By George, 524 n. Lamar Blvd., 512.472.5951.

Balenciaga yellow printed cropped jacket, $1,875; Preen Issy crepe dress, $1,125; Chie Mihara print peep-toe heel, $425, available at By George, 524 N. Lamar Blvd., 512.472.5951; Ashley Pittman multistrand light horn necklace, $885; Link electric-blue crocodile handbag, $1,195; wood stretch bracelet, $110, available at Julian Gold, 1214 W. Sixth St., 512.473.2493.

Alice & Olivia aqua multidetail sweater, $298; Alice & Oliva white and gold studded leather shorts, $898; Tory Burch poppy-red multistrap sandals, $295; Oscar de la Renta gold statement earrings, $198; Chloe Drew small chain shoulder bag, $1,950, available at Neiman Marcus, 3400 Palm way, 512.719.1200.

DTK Styling owner Ashley Hargrove specializes in commercial and print advertising and editorial, as well as styling for musicians and individuals. Follow her for more style tips at dtkaustinstyling.com and on Instagram @dtkaustin.