Why Black and White Patterns Are the Easiest to Mix #iwillwearwhatilike

Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb

It’s properly summer at last in the UK, so light layers are all that’s required in these warm evenings.

I finally had a chance to wear the lovely dandelion print blouse from a couple of years ago (this one is a pretty alternative), and naturally thought another pattern was the best choice for the bottom half. (As someone who is known for her pattern explosions, I thought it high time that this ultimate rule breaker featured as this week’s optional  #iwillwearwhatilike theme!)

If you’ve ever wanted to mix patterns but don’t know how, black and white patterns are a great place to start. The key to pattern mixing is to ensure you have one or more colours in both prints, so black and white are the easiest to mix. (See my pattern mixing masterclass post from last year.)

The classics are combinations of polka dots, stripes and florals. Move onto something less obvious – like the dandelion print and paisley I’ve paired here – and you’ll be a pattern mixing connoisseur in no time.

Putting this outfit together I of course had to add a splash of colour somewhere… All that black and white (especially in the summer!) brings me out in hives πŸ˜‰

Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb

My still-lustworthy SS15 Marks & Spencer sandals added a dash of tomato red (see these coral sandals for something similar), and I stayed with neutrals for accessories. The black diamante wrap bracelet is yet another stunning piece from Lizzy O’s wrap bracelet collection, and the Yosa tassel pendant follows the v-neck of the blouse perfectly. Both are online shops by two of my favourite bloggers (Liz and Rachel), and shopping at either is a great way to support small businesses that guarantee covetable collections. Who can offer a better collection of jewellery and accessories than fashion bloggers…?!

As always do add your outfits to this week’s link up – you may be featured next week if you’ve linked up an outfit of mixed patterns!

WHAT’S THE BOLDEST PATTERN MIX YOU’VE EVER WORN? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!

Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb
Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb
Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb
Black and white pattern mixing for summer: Dandelion flower print and paisley, red strappy sandals, fringed bag | Not Dressed As Lamb
Lulus blouse c/o (this black/white floral blouse is very similar) | George at Asda trousers c/o (similar paisley joggers) | Topshop vest top | Marks & Spencer SS15 sandals (similar coral strappy sandals) | New Look bag (love this studded fringe bag) | Yosa tassel pendant necklace c/o | New Look studded cuff (I love the Tory Burch logo wrap bracelet) | Lizzy O black diamante wrap bracelet c/o | Ring bought on holiday (almost identical olive leaves ring) | Nails: Nails Inc ‘Porchester Square’ | Toenails: DIY colour using the Palette London kit | Avon Perfectly Matte lipstick ‘Pure Pink’ c/o

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#iwillwearwhatilike | Not Dressed As Lamb
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

RELATED  Ad | Two Fabulously Loose Outfits for Stylish Summer Dressing

The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

An InLinkz Link-up


 

Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button)

 

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers in gingham #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite GINGHAM outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Carin (CatoInAmsterdam) | Shoestring Chic | No Fear of Fashion | Creating in the Gap

To get yourself featured next week, link up something following this week’s theme and make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!

26 Comments

  1. 19 July 2016 / 6:32 pm

    Added a link!! Black and white is one of my fav color combo prints to mix!!!!

  2. 19 July 2016 / 2:11 pm

    I don't know about the UK, dearest Catherine…but here in Canada?? Black and white is a HUGE trend for the summer, so your floral and paisley combo couldn't be any more inspirational!! And I love the surprise of the red sandals, too; I have a very similar pair in fuchsia that really need some time out of my closet…if only OUR weather would finally play along!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  3. 19 July 2016 / 6:28 am

    I tried pattern mixing a few weeks ago , also in black &white, but its not for me. I love it….on you….or anybody else but not on me! I hardly ever wore patterns for a few years ago. Now I wear it more and more, but on one piece!

  4. 19 July 2016 / 6:28 am

    I tried pattern mixing a few weeks ago , also in black &white, but its not for me. I love it….on you….or anybody else but not on me! I hardly ever wore patterns for a few years ago. Now I wear it more and more, but on one piece!

  5. 18 July 2016 / 11:21 pm

    I always admire those you pattern mix well and yours is always spot on. Must agree that black and white always works. Love your pop of red. Maany thanks for hosting.
    Jill, GrownupGlamour.

  6. 18 July 2016 / 10:11 pm

    You are a great mixologist of patterns and colors! Fabulous look once again! Thanks for hosting and have a great week!

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

  7. 18 July 2016 / 8:12 pm

    I'm a big fan of pattern mixing and agree with you that black and white is the best and easiest way to start. The problem is, once you start you won't stop! I love the pop of colour you've added with these summer sandals – just right to give the b/w a lift. Have a great week!
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  8. 18 July 2016 / 6:30 pm

    The shoes make the outfit really interesting. A very good choice!! But you know that yourself haha. I am going to upload my boldest pattern mixing in blue and green.
    Greetje

  9. 18 July 2016 / 5:56 pm

    A perfect example of how easy it is to mix patterns (when you know how).
    Black and white with white and black.
    Bold and beautiful…. especially with that touch of colour from your toes.
    XXX
    Samantha
    FakeFabulous.com

  10. 18 July 2016 / 3:56 pm

    I'm a HUGE fan of pattern mixing. I look at it as my personal challenge on how many I can get into one outfit.

    Love this look, especially the shoes.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  11. 18 July 2016 / 2:42 pm

    Great mixing and lovely shoes.
    Happy to join you once more, dear Catherine
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  12. 18 July 2016 / 2:34 pm

    I'm still not that comfortable with pattern mixing. I usually do something very subtle like tiny little polka dots with a floral.

  13. 18 July 2016 / 2:29 pm

    I <3 print mixing and my steady go to is black & white πŸ™‚
    -InMyBoi.blogspot.com

  14. 18 July 2016 / 2:29 pm

    Love your pattern mixing here! And the purse is gorgeous! πŸ™‚

  15. 18 July 2016 / 2:23 pm

    oh swoon swoon and swoon! That blouse had be on the opening shot! Absolutely gorgeous. And i am still coveting those red beautiful shoes, i remember when you first wore them and i gasped.. they still make me want them, they complete any outfit so, so well.
    And yay to me making it to your wonderful linkup! I've been out and about busy with kids, school etc for so many monday's i keep missing your lovely linkup. So happy to be here today! And thanks so much for the Yosa mention, that is so so kind of you, as always, thinking of others.

    Wishing you a lovely week in the sun Catherine.
    Rxx

  16. 18 July 2016 / 2:20 pm

    I'm still quite a newbie when it comes to mixing patterns, but I will admit black & white make it easier to feel comfortable with the idea!
    I even wonder if others notice when I mix my prints…but since it's still a challenge, I like to keep trying it!
    Love the pop of red definitely—as a color girl, it's hard to stick with neutrals!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  17. 18 July 2016 / 2:10 pm

    I love the dandelion print sooo much Catherine and it looks amazing with the paisley. Beautiful photos as always and thank you so much for featuring my black wrap bracelet! Thank you foe hosting. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon πŸ˜‰ Love Liz xxxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxxxx

  18. 18 July 2016 / 2:10 pm

    I love the dandelion print sooo much Catherine and it looks amazing with the paisley. Beautiful photos as always and thank you so much for featuring my black wrap bracelet! Thank you foe hosting. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon πŸ˜‰ Love Liz xxxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxxxx

  19. 18 July 2016 / 2:03 pm

    Love love your pattern mixing!!
    Jaymie

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