As a brand whose hero is The Stripe, we love to play with print and pattern. We love to mix. A stripe with leopard, with check, or, with our newest pattern: camouflage. There is a bit of a formula to pattern mixing, but it’s not complicated. Like a beginner chef, you can still create a delicious multi-course meal with a bit of guidance.
Below, we’ve created a KULE cheat sheet to pattern mixing for fun-filled dressing this season.
Picking a Standout
When pattern mixing, you simply have to let one pattern be the standout and the other the “neutral.” At KULE, we treat stripes as a neutral and therefore they are the most perfect base layer to an outfit even if you’re including additional pattern. This outfit: A striped tee + camo cardigan + well tailored trousers is great for a casual office Friday.
Getting the Balance
This outfit is about — you guessed it — getting the balance right in combining patterns. You can wear a striped sweater with checkered pants and not look too bold if both pieces in neutral, coordinating colors or hues.
Committing to a Theme
If you want to really lean in, think of your pattern as a suit: bottoms + a jacket (in this case, a statement sweater). You can easily mix in different patterns with a striped tee peeking out or with accessories like a patterned scarf around your neck or in your hair.
Same, but Different
You can also do two types of the same type of pattern. For example, a checker cardigan with plaid pants (the same as in look 2!) involves two types of square-shaped pattern but when you focus on coordinating the colors and having the patterns vary in size (one large, one small), you create a pretty good masterpiece.
Photographed by Mei Tao
Modeled by Yoly Dee
Styled by Shelley Young
Set Design by Tracy Morgan assisted by Thomas Tomzack
Hair and makeup by Summer Tran assisted by Iris Kim