Pattern Clashing Gives Me a Rush I Can't Resist—5 Ways I'm Wearing Them
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@banniakabread; STYLING: Tough Headwear Large Bandana ($5); Reclaimed Vintage Bandana Print Short ($32)Nothing says summer to me more than this outfit combo. It's definitely a key element of my summer uniform. I mean, who doesn't love a scarf top? I think part of the fun of this outfit is that almost all patterns can work together in this silhouette. The trick here is to balance a loud element with one that is more chill, which also happens to be a life lesson.
The thick elastic waistband provides the shape you need for these light and flowy shorts. This pattern will go with everything!
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@banniakabread; STYLING: ASOS Design Mesh Top; Zara Cheetah Slip Dress; Urban Outfitters Grommet Belt ($29)I always end up wearing slip dresses with something underneath, partially due to not loving strapless bras and partially due to feeling a little exposed. Regardless, I continue to lean into these dresses for their easy, timeless appeal. For these reasons, I am a pro at the second-skin-top-and-slip-dress combination in particular. When it comes to finding synergetic second-skin tops, in my research, I've found that geometric patterns work best.
This brown gingham print against brown skin would look so cool.
I would turn this into my own Yayoi Kusama–inspired masterpiece and wear it with a colorful polka-dot mesh top.
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@banniakabread; STYLING: vintage top; Urban Outfitters Tie Dye Jeans ($79); Vans Checkerboard Slip-On ($55)Okay, this is where we start to get more experimental. We're now in the pattern-clashing test kitchen, so to speak. I chose to combine classic baggy pants and a mock-neck top as the entrée simply because these are some of my favorite shapes at the moment, but we could have easily played this game with skirts, shorts, long sleeves, halter tops, etc.
A major hack when pattern clashing is to wear color-block patterns, which earns you more freedom when pairing the patterns themselves. Here, I paired an orangey-red top with green pants—a combination no one may have seen coming. This is definitely a trial-and-error approach that is sure to uncover new outfits you may not have otherwise thought of.
Rihanna was recently spotted in green tie-dye pants, so we are basically friends.
Nineties-inspired popcorn tops are everything! They are so dynamic. Plus, the layering possibilities are endless.
I would style these with other subdued colors to match their energy.
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@banniakabread; STYLING: Nike Sports Bra ($23); Meilidress Biker Shorts ($15); ASOS Design Gingham Shopping Bag ($13)In New York, the work-to-drinks outfit reigns supreme. In L.A., it's all about the exercise-to-brunch outfit. To keep things interesting, I always look for patterned biker shorts that can potentially (maybe?) be taken for non-workout attire. Throw on a clashing button-down shirt and some jewelry, and you can't tell me this ain't a full look.
A cheetah-print shirt is the gift that keeps on giving. I've been wearing mine with just about everything for five-plus years.
You can get away with wearing these with so many things because, at the end of the day, they are black-and-white shorts.
This bag is the perfect size for a day of errands and then fun.
The sweet flower embellishments make this top fancy enough to wear to formal events, especially layered over more prints.
I mean, the complimentary belt makes these perfect. I'd wear them with a vintage tee and kitten heels.
I'm still not over mini bags, and this one is the cutest companion.
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@banniakabread; STYLING: Native Youth Shirred Gingham Top ($32); Zara Floral Cardigan ($46)When all else fails, stick to the same color palette when pairing patterns in your closet. This strategy works just like it would if you were going for a monochromatic look, just with more dimension and spice. Shirred tops are a new favorite of mine for their ability to add additional texture to your outfit and for their figure-hugging capabilities. Choose a color and go crazy. Trust me. It will all come together in the end.
Dimension is the key word here. Gingham comes through in 2D, while shirring adds a 3D pattern to the mix.
Understated prints like this one can easily be thrown on without feeling over-the-top.
The corset bust and shirred waist make this a super-flattering top.
If you're going to do it, you might as well go for it. This is a piece of art.
This pair of buttery snakeskin pants is an automatic purchase. For this price, it doesn't get any better.
