WIW 11.19 [dark print mixing]

As most of you know, I generally dislike wearing a lot of dark clothing at once. Wearing head-to-toe dark patterned clothing, on the other hand, perks me right up! Especially if there is a lot of lightness in the prints, as is the case with this marled black-and-white sweater and slouchy floral pants. I thought about cream booties for contrast but decided to let the pattern play shine so opted for charcoal peep-toe booties since it's (miraculously) still dry out; doesn't show well in the photo, but I've got on navy socks which peek out at the toes and from the cutouts on the sides.

Accessorized with candy pink lipstick for an extra girly touch, and for some glam chose giant crystal studs, double-coated mascara, and hair up. I don't know that I'd feel very happy in this sweater with my hair down; it's an overall darker lower-contrast look than shows in the photos so I'll likely be reserving it for hair up days. For outerwear I added to the print mix with my charcoal plaid coat and graphic striped clutch. Maybe it's a bit much but I'm highly amused to see all four prints at once ^^

I could easily don variations of this simply by swapping the pants out for another printed pair, and plan to do just that. Should work well with both of my windowpane pants, navy/black/white checked pants, red plaid pants, blackwatch plaid pants.... (I have a lot of checked pants, and these are just the dark ones!)

  Newer: sweater, coat, earrings
  Older: pants, booties, clutch

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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26 Comments

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Where is Angie? This is K squared!!! 

    Absolutely masterful pattern mix. You're amazing! 

  • Kristin L replied 9 years ago

    It's a bit darker than you normally seem to wear (like you said), but I think it still looks wonderful. I love all of the pattern mixing and how you've already figured out a few other ways to wear everything. 

  • Jjsloane replied 9 years ago

    It should be crazy but I really like it. I'm a sucker for space dye and plaid so the top half is a no brainer. I think based on your comments I was overlooking at the entire outfit and yes the multi patterns pop, but they also blend because of the unified pallette. Nicely done, the pink lip and crystals add just the right touch.

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    This is fearless. I love all the patterns. You should always use that clutch when wearing this plaid coat.

  • DonnaF replied 9 years ago

    LOVE IT!!!!!

  • Lucy replied 9 years ago

    Super cute! Love the clutch - takes it over the top but in a good good way!

  • Tania replied 9 years ago

    Wow! Amazing mixing.

    I particularly admire your analytical approach to the combination, and, echoing what Joy said, the coat/clutch combination really jumps out at me. 

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    Top notch pattern mixing skills! Those pants are fab.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    The patterns of the sweater and pants mix so well! Somehow the effect is not overwhelming and actually soft and beautiful. 

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    I think the tonal mix here works extremely well.  Very pleasing to the eye Aida.  You look lovely.

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    Fearless is the right word! Aida, your outfits are often a lot of fun but this one hit oi out of ballpark for sure. It is not a minimal outfit by any stretch but very cohesive and harmonious.

  • Aubergine replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous! This really works so well together.

    I can see what you mean about that sweater working better with hair up than down. As I know well, thick, dark hair worn down with a dark, high-necked sweater can be a little overwhelming.

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    Great look!  I could never wear this (I'm not good at pattern mixing) but I love looking at it on you.  I think all the patterns look good together because of the similar colors.

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    Skillful pro level pattern mixing ^_^ Interesting observation about the hair down with dark tops ... Hmm .. I wouldn't have been able to point out why sometimes I prefer my hair up with some outfits, but you are really good at analyzing and nailing the details on why something works :). Super! I also really love the pop of pink lips with this outfit, anything darker may have killed it!

  • Lantana replied 9 years ago

    I love this a lot!
    I am mad for the pattern mixed top and pants and the added stimulus of coat and clutch is sheer crazy delight. I love to see your hair up. Is that a forties pompadour you are sporting? It looks fabulous.

  • Laurie replied 9 years ago

    Oh, Aida!  Is there no end to your creativity and ability to wear everything?!  Love.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Advanced class dressing right here. It's crazy all right, but absolutely beautiful. I don't know of too many people who can do this well, but you sure do. You have a knack for knowing what to do with more than just the clothes : how to style your hair, your makeup, your accessories - I bow down to your mastery :)

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    So fun!  I think the clutch is just the perfect finishing touch.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Wow, thanks so much everyone! I'm tickled that so many of you are feeling this mix with me. Very much enjoyed reading all the responses, and what were the draws. As Angie put it a little while back, polished minimally maximal ^^

    Aubergine, I do find that this in-between hair length really amplifies the effect. When my hair is short (like, above the jawline short) or long (like, past my chest long) wearing a darker high necked top works alright because there's no muddling along the neckline. Anywhere near shoulder length is where it gets tricky. It's definitely something I keep in mind for winter styling!

    Lantana, yes ^^ A little 40s (and rockabilly) tribute, a decade that's among my most influential fashion periods but I don't act heavily upon.

  • catgirl replied 9 years ago

    This is exactly what I was talking about with how your dark outfits have a lighter diffuse quality to them because of pattern. You could just as easily wear light shoes with this look. Fabtastic!

    And you should get this shirt.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Hah Una, that comment is what made me realize this! You're totally right, the pattern in the darks is how I get them to work for me. I have also been wondering if, perhaps, the all dark solids don't feel dramatic enough for me like mixing all these prints does. Love the shirt, will have to look into that. I DID want to get a white/black plaid shirt this season! Since, you know, I surely don't have enough plaid in my closet...

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    Oh wow! So busy but somehow it all flows together anyway.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    Now, that's an amazing take on black and white pairings!  Fun and cozy, and a winner.

    I'm also liking those big studs -- they'd be great for my holiday capsule!

  • replied 9 years ago

    This look is awesome! Love the pattern mixing.

  • Aida replied 9 years ago

    Thank you Astrid, Beth Ann, and Diane!

    Beth Ann, the big crystal studs are Kate Spade purchased at Nordstrom Rack earlier this year. Our Rack always seems to carry some variation of this type of earring, perhaps if there's one near you they would too.

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    This is a great illustration of Una's theory on "diffused color and light colored booties!" Fun pattern mixing, Aida! Unexpected and fresh!

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