How to Wear Colorful Patterns

We’ve all been there. We see a bright and pretty item- dress, blouse, pants- that we love. But then we think, “I can’t pull that off. I have nothing to wear it with. I wouldn’t know how to put together the entire outfit.” And sadly, Bright and Pretty goes back on the rack only to go home with someone else.

It’s old news that I am a lover of all things colorful, so more often than not, those Bright and Pretties come home with me, and I’m challenged to figure out how to wear them. Yeah, sure some people may look at me and wonder what I was thinking, but more often than not I’m complimented on the way I’ve styled my outfits.

The number one lesson I’ve learned is this: It’s okay (and fun!) to mix colors and patterns. Let me repeat, IT’S OKAY TO MIX COLORS AND PATTERNS. Again and again people tell me that while I can easily pull off a certain look, they could never. And I say that’s rubbish.

Here I’ve styled two of my favorite colorful dresses so that you can see exactly what I mean. The first is a teal green LuLaRoe Amelia dress with hot pink and yellow accents. I’ve added a small necklace that brings out the accent colors of the dress. When paired with it, my leopard booties and rattan bag appear to be neutrals. This helps ground the bright color of the clothing and jewelry. It’s a look that you think shouldn’t work- but does when it’s all put together!

The second look is more about coordinating color than about pattern. While the dress has a very colorful print, I’ve paired it with accessories that are more toned down in color. This allows the dress to shine.

With this look I’ve pulled a contrasting color as my accent. The bright aqua really pops against the red. I’ve also introduced another pattern with the snakeskin clutch, but like with the other look the monochromatic colors of the bag make it more of a neutral against the bright backdrop of the dress.

I admit, the first few times you take this style risk, it might feel a little awkward. But the more you continue to try new looks and take new risks, the easier it will get! It’s fun to play around with fashion and honing your personal style!