Maximizing the pieces in your wardrobe means wearing everything with everything else. But eventually, you will come to a point where you can’t possibly pair two things — a print blouse, say, and a different print skirt. Or CAN you?

Blouse available at Talbots

I love the idea of mixing prints; it gives depth and visual interest to an outfit. But you can’t mix things willy-nilly; you need to have a strategy, otherwise you will look like your kindergartener. Or MY kindergartener (he’s not the snappiest dresser).

When you think about mixing prints, think about three things: color, scale and style.

Color
One approach to mixing prints is to choose two prints in similar or complimentary colors; two patterns with a lot of blue, for example, or a pink pattern and an orange pattern. If color is the uniting force, keep the prints small and subtle and let the colors carry your outfit.

Scale
Steer clear of two large prints together; instead, opt for two small prints (a small floral and a tiny polka dot) or one large and one small (a bold plaid and a wee floral). Avoid large floral prints on clothing as a rule — you will wind up looking like a sofa. If you want to do a really big bold floral print, put it on a bag or scarf.

Style
Funky Moroccan and tribal prints are big this summer; pair them with other similar prints for a fun exotic look. But don’t mix them with dainty florals or classic plaids — keep prints similar in style for a unified look.

Animal prints can be mixed with everything, but in moderation, please; ONE animal print piece is plenty, and I prefer it to be a shoe or bag, rather than a skirt or top — something that could actually be made FROM the animal, rather than just an imitation of the skin (even though of course none of us is REALLY wearing leopard skin shoes).

Finally, remember that some patterns — tweed or pinstripe — can be treated as textures, not patterns, and can be mixed with nearly anything.