You would be surprised at how often I get asked the question, “What is the rule for mixing patterns?”. My answer is that I have no effing clue. I just mix and then if it looks good I keep it on and if it doesn’t then I change it up. I realize this is not a scientific or very satisfying answer but that’s the truth.

Lately I’ve been drawn to mixing patterns in one color palette for whatever reason and here I go again, looking half like a crazy person and half stylish. That juxtaposition seems to be quite a theme for me lately. This silk striped shirt has been on repeat over the last month or two (also worn here) and for some reason I always want to pair it with another pattern.

Does anyone else out there have a good rule for pattern-mixing?

Photos by Rebecca Dale Photography.