I've been trying to shake things up and get creative with this skirt because I can't seem to see it outside of the grunge inspired look that I did here. I don't enjoy the idea of an article of clothing only playing one role in my closet and this one was starting to fall into that category. I was putting this skirt in a corner like a certain yuppie teenager named Baby. I definitely could have paired it with some of my graphic tees or my big grey sweater, and while those outfits are definitely in my rotation, they all fall into the grunge style that I wanted to move away from.
My big, brilliant brainstorm was to achieve a quirky style by print mixing. Mixing prints can be a little touch and go as most of it comes from the gut but, there are few guidelines that can help to aid the mixing. And while there are many ways to pair up prints, I did the deed with the following techniques for this look.
1. Using a bold print with a subtle print
The black and white stripes have a high contrast while the plaid incorporates low contrast with dark colors. Putting these together provides visual interest and balance rather than creating an image that is too busy.
2. Go for Stripes.
Stripes are such an easy go-to for print mixing. They can fill the role of a neutral and add interest to pretty much anything. Anything. So, yeah. grab for those stripes and don't let go.
3. Keep things in the family.
The plaid pattern in the skirt is created with varying shades of gray that build to black and that relates to the black stripe in the shirt. I used all black accessories to strengthen and highlight the common thread.
Do you have any go-to print mixing techniques or any items of clothing you just can seem to get out of their style box? I would love to hear about it in the comments!
Shirt: JCPenney in S-L, similar in XL-3X | Skirt: Old Navy similar in S-XL, similar in 12-14 (on sale with code) | Tights: We Love Colors | Boots: Modcloth similar | Hat: Boohoo | Belt: Torrid similar in straight size, similar in plus size | Lips: Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina
