Fashion Pattern Mixing - Teacher Outfit Ideas

Start with a Neutral Base: Consider your neutral backdrop. Depending on your color season, black or white, grey, or navy could be good choices. Red and blue could even be considered modern neutrals. Keep all your foundation layers in this color: shoes, camisoles, etc.

Choose a Dominant Pattern: Select one pattern to be the dominant element. 

Choose a Secondary, More Neutral Pattern: stripes and polka dots are examples of neutral patterns. Some animal prints also "read" as neutrals.

Mix Scale: Mix different scales to create visual interest. If your dominant pattern is large-scale, select a smaller polka dot as a secondary, and so on.

Stick to a Color Palette: To maintain cohesion, choose patterns that share a common color palette. This creates a unified and harmonious appearance, even if the patterns themselves are diverse.

Use Solids as Connectors: Incorporate solid colors strategically to bridge between different patterns. Solid elements help to break up the visual intensity and provide a sense of continuity.

Consider Texture: Patterns aren't just about color and design – texture matters too. Mix textures alongside patterns to add depth and tactile appeal. Try a wool sweater with a silk skirt for example. 

Maintain Balance: Finally, step back and assess the overall balance. If one area feels too busy, consider scaling back or introducing more neutral elements. Achieving a well-balanced mix of patterns ensures that the final result is visually pleasing rather than overwhelming.

Primary Pattern	Neutral	Secondary Pattern	Texture Notes	Accessory Notes
	Ivory or Tan		Top is silky, pants are a drapey, cotton blend--could use a heavier texture somewhere	A rougher texture, but still in our neutral Bag echoes our stripes but gives new texture in our colorway.
Primary Pattern	Neutral	Secondary Pattern	Texture Notes	Accessory Notes
	Black		There's already some texture variety, but something nobby or shiny would add even more.	A rougher texture in the neutral Shiny. Dainty shape mirrors primary pattern.