Sir Mix-a-Lot

I like to mix, patterns and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny.....Sorry. Please forgive me. Let's try this again. I rather enjoy the act of mixing patterns. Those who indulge in this undertaking dare not argue. However, its one of those things that many are afraid to try. Heck, there are some who even outright speak against it. But I think if you're ever going to create an interesting wardrobe then obtaining this skill is essential.

Once you understand the concept, its fairly simple. Rule #1, make sure you're combining complimentary colors. We all learned about the color wheel back in day care so understanding what goes with what should almost be instinctive. Rule #2, many who are adventurous enough to try typically screw up this part. When mixing patterns you must make sure that they are of the same scale for example, you can't wear small stripes with large dots. It must be relatively the same size. Now as you all know, some rules can be broken. Ultimately your just going to have to use your own judgment. In a few of the following shots you will see that I indeed broke that rule.

There are two ways to go about mixing. The first and easiest way is to mix patterns that have the same color like this.

Bengal Striped Shirt~Hollister, Tie~Tommy Hilfiger, Tie Bar~Roundtree & Yorke, Watch~Nautica

The second and slightly more challenging way is to mix using contrasting colors like the rest below. Its kind of obvious which style I prefer. I think this way has more character. It provides an emphatic BOOM!!! And the majority of the time, that's just how I like it.

Bengal Striped Shirt~Hollister, Tie~Austin Manor(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Madras Plaid Shirt~Polo Ralp Lauren, Tie~Gap(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Gingham Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Tie~Trevira(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Plaid Shirt~Old Navy(Thrifted), Tie~Vintage(Thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street

Bengal Striped Shirt~Polo Ralph Lauren, Club Tie~Vintage(thrifted), Tie Bar~Meeting Street, Watch~Timex

Bengal Striped Shirt~American Eagle(Thrifted), Madras Tie~Andhurst(Thrifted), Watch~Timex

Gingham Shirt~Express, Club Tie~JCrew, Tie Bar~Meeting Street