ed. note: Trends come and go (seemingly at warp speed these days) and I think there are very few things that always feel chic every season, year after year. What belongs on that list for you? A white button-down, of course, and a cropped leather jacket and nude ballet flats are pretty much always cool. But if I had to choose one style statement that truly defines “timeless,” stripes would always take the number one spot for me. I’ve loved them since I was a little girl wearing my favorite striped sailor dress, and today stripes make up pretty much the only pattern that you’ll find throughout my closet. For the latest installment of our Pulling It Off series, stylist Taylor Jarrett shows me how to mix stripes on stripes in one outfit, so click through the slides for his genius tips on incorporating the pattern-mixing trend into our wardrobes this season.
*photos by kristen kilpatrick, shot on location at south congress hotel in austin
Mixing prints takes a little skill, but with the right knowledge, you can successfully pull it off in a way that adds so much style to any outfit. Layering patterns connotes a level of sophistication, communicating that you put thought into creating an outfit with character. For Camille’s look, I took a simple approach with her favorite pattern (stripes)… then doubled it!
Tip #1: Connect the dots.
For a pattern-mixing first timer, start with a looping pattern or color palette that connects the entire look together (like the doubled-up stripes here.) As you gain more confidence, feel free to dive further with more technical ideas, like a floral blazer with a striped turtleneck and striped trousers.
Tip #2: Take a layered approach.
I often choose to include three layers in an outfit; it’s a magic number that adds both depth and functionality. With this outfit I wanted Camille to have options for the changing weather with layers she could add or take away from the look. The breakdown: striped A.P.C dress as base layer, striped sweater tied cooly around her waist and that could be pulled over the dress if she gets cold. This ACNE Studios moto jacket adds a subtle color block that ties the mismatched stripes together in such a chic way.
Tip #3: Fit is everything (as usual.)
When mixing prints, it’s doubly important to nail the the fit; otherwise you could end up looking like a hodgepodge mess. Try a fitted base and second layer, like tailored striped trousers paired with a navy slim-fitting tee. Then add a something oversized, like a slouchy floral blazer, for a punch of color and perfect proportions.
shopping sources:
- A.P.C. dress available in store at ByGeorge Austin
- A.P.C. sweater available online at Farfetch
- Acne Studios moto jacket available in store or online at ByGeorge Austin
- Robert Clergerie shoes available in store or online at Kickpleat
Check out the Shop The Post at the bottom of the page for more of our favorites in a range of price points!
styling: taylor jarrett
photography: kristen kilpatrick
stylist assistant: dagny piasecki
production assistant: carmen collins
location: south congress hotel
Checkout more of Taylor’s work on his Instagram!
