Paint it Plaid

Turtleneck: Banana Republic; Skirt: Unknown via Goodwill (Similar Splurge or Save); Booties: Express; Belt: Lands End via Goodwill (Similar Splurge or Save); Hat: Nordstrom; Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Similar); Watch: Tory Burch; Earrings: Banana Republic

Plaids and midi skirts are two items on my fall Goodwill wish list. I’ve had great success finding both plaid skirts and midi skirts but had not yet found the perfect combination until I spotted this gem. This skirt mixes both of those fall trends perfectly (bonus points for the festive colors!)

Speaking of mixing, have you always wondered how to mix prints without looking like Miley Cyrus, a.k.a a hot mess? Mixing prints is a fashion trend I have admired from afar and envied other fashionistas that can pull off mixing prints with such ease. I am forcing myself to “think outside the bun” and try my hand at mixing prints more often. Here are a few tried and true tips I am using:

1. Match prints with similar colors. Patterns in the same color family look the most cohesive when paired together. Black and white prints are the easiest to mix together and an easy pallet to build upon.
2. Accent your prints with solids. I stick with 2 patterned pieces then pull it all together with solids. Here, I used the braided belt to break up the eye line from the stripped top to the plaid skirt while bringing the entire look together with black accessories.
3. Stripes are safe. Treat stripes as a neutral. Large, small, love them all. Stripes are one of the easiest patterns to pair.
4. Start small. If wearing a pattern on both top and bottom makes your head spin, start with a patterned accessory (a stripped blouse with leopard print pumps or a polka-dot skirt with a floral clutch).

Have you mastered mixing prints? What are your favorite prints to mix? Leave your tips below!