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

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 😉

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!

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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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!

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

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!