Color and Patterns – How to Combine Them Fashionably

Combining colors is a skill and so is combining the right color and patterns. In this case, we do not only need to think about shades but also shapes – for them to blend in together nicely.

In this article I will teach you how to do this so you look fashionable.

The truth is, that some patterns simply look better in different colors, and the others just do not look good… at all.

The monochromatic option seems safe, but hey, we are colorful fashionistas, and we do not want to play safe 😉

How Many Colors to Pick…?

It is not good for a pattern to have too many disharmonious shades. On the art of creating a cohesive color palette, I wrote here, but when it comes to patterns we can put as many colors as we want as long as the shades work together.

Of course, the safest option is to take all the similar colors, for example, create a pattern with pastel colors only. It works especially well if you also pick colors from the color palette that is best for your beauty type.

The best patterns combine from 2 to 4 colors – such a range gives a big probability that these colors will work well together, whether they are based on contrast or similarity.

Sure, the more the merrier -you can pick the most rainbow and unicornish pattern ever, but then it is good to keep the rest of the outfit in the colors appearing in the pattern. You know, for the sake of cohesivity.

Color and Patterns – Flowers

The most popular spring pattern is flowers. They can look amazing, especially in dresses or skirts, but there are few rules that apply here.

For example, do not aim at too tiny flowers – for more fresh and spring look pick the bigger ones. Also, combining cool, dark colors with bright, warm ones can look disharmonious in such a pattern.

Aim at one type of color, preferably the one that is best for your beauty type. I mean, let me show you what a huge difference it makes:

When it comes to flower patterns, I would suggest to stick to spring shades. Dark or weird colors that do not appear in nature will not create this floral aura. The best colors for flower patterns are pink, red, purple, yellow, and green.

Grey, black, and brown – well, to be honest, such type of color and patterns with flowers will not look the best.

You can find a cute floral dress here.

Color and Patterns – Stripes

Oh, stripes do not have a good reputation – it is said that they make people look fat. Well, yes and no. It all depends on your figure. They can look amazing on skinny people, visually adding up some proportion.

So, if you like wearing stripes, do not be scared of them. You can always pick the safer option – vertical ones.

The most classic ones are black and white stripes, but nowadays they either look boring or make you look like a pantomime.

Too vivid stripes will look a little bit clownish, but a more toned-down color can have a nice effect.

Remember – stick to 2, or 3 colors. Unless you are heading to the children’s party. 🙂

It looks very effective to stick to similar shades, but colors that are opposite to each other – try pink or red with green, purple with yellow, or blue with orange.

Stripes are timeless, but they require you to get a little bit creative. But hey, who if not you?

Color and Pattern – Dots

Ah, I love dots, especially polka dots. They are cute, elegant, and feminine at once! Let’s admit it, there is no other pattern that is vintage but still trendy nowadays.

The classic red/black and white combo is still a great option. Yet, you can pair basically any color you want with our polka dots.

But I would rather recommend you stick to more vibrant colors. It will help you expose the true vintage beauty of this pattern.

Just like with flowers, too small dots will blend in too much and it will be hard on the eyes. Too big ones on the contrary will look… well, funny.

The middle, classic size is the safe bet.

Up for a vintage polka dots dress? Grab one here.

Color and Patterns – Geometric

Well, I’m not a fan of such patterns, but to each their own. On some people, they will look amazing!

The most important thing is not to choose a few shapes in one that just looks weird next to each other. So the rectangle and circle dress should stay in the kindergarten.

See, it is easy to look childish in such a pattern, so you want to aim at more elegant colors – navy, beige, camel.

Too vivid color and patterns inspired by geometric figures will not flatter you.

More means less in such a case – a simple pattern and up to three elegant colors.

And see, here you have it – we just conquered a very hard pattern.

Animal Patterns

From leopard to snake, the choice is wide. You need to be very careful with these patterns – it is easy to start looking cringy.

And experimenting with colors in which these patterns simply do not appear in nature is risky. It might look great and revolutionary or… simply awful.

So if you like animal prints, it is safest to pick natural colors for them. I mean, the picture speaks for itself:

When it comes to natural color and patterns resembling animals, you should always pay attention to the fabric. Some textures will not combine well with them… I mean, just picture sharp leopard print on a silky fabric.

Or cow’s print on the velour. Hm, that one seems interesting haha

Can I Combine Patterns?

Yes, Ma’am! It was a crime in fashion for so many years, but we are way past that era.

There are a few rules that apply to combining patterns. As long as you stick to them, your outfit will look stunning!

First of all, you want to keep the harmony of colors. You should have at least one color that is the same in both patterns to have the element that will match them together.

You can also create the same pattern in different colors – polka dots dress and a bag in the same pattern but different shades. Wouldn’t that look amazing?

Connecting two opposite patterns is risky – for example, stripes and dots look like from the circus. But, again, to each their own – I dress like a clown myself sometimes too 🙂

So mix any color and patterns bravely, experiment, and simply have fun! Because that’s all that fashion is about.