How You Mix Gingham, Plaid and Leather without Looking Like a Punk

Can you mix gingham with plaid and even add leather? Mixing pattern is a big thing right now. However, it can easily look like you dressed in the dark. Especially, when it comes to pieces that scream summer and romantic style like gingham, vs. pieces that have a punk vibe like leather and plaid. See how to match gingham, plaid, and leather to create an interesting, effortlessly stylish look.

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Mixing Patterns – How Far Can You Go?

We mixed floral and leopard, leopard and stripes, stripes and plaids, stripes with floral prints, gingham with floral, leather with floral, leather with stripes, and even leopard and plaid, you name it. A new big trend right now is mixing similar pattern like plaid and gingham.

Mixing gingham with plaid is like summer meets winter because we  associate these patterns with the warm and  cold season, respectively. 😉

How to Mix Gingham with Plaid

Mixing prints and pattern can look so stylish. I love this trend. What about you?

To mix gingham with plaid, the two pieces need to have the same colors in common. The more, the better. Because of the common colors, you can try to wear them together as a fall outfit, and even  for work. Here examples how to style a gingham shirt with a plaid skirt quite differently in three variations. You may also like to look at how to create a great fall style with this plaid skirt.

You can find an ultimate guide how to look your best in plaid at the link.

Layering Is Key When Styling a Gingham Shirt for Fall

To wear a gingham blouse as a great summer-to-fall transition look – temperature and style wise, go  for a layering look. A blue long sleeve halftee underneath the gingham button-down, and then a leather jacket on top for the commute to work. Keep the look in the color theme – in this outfit inspiration red-white and blue. More on stylish layering for thermal comfort.

How to Accessorize a Mixed Pattern Outfit

In general, when wearing gingham and plaid together pick accessories in the color of these weaves.

When you are a petite, you should accentuate your waist using a belt. Which belt is best for you depends on your vertical body shape. The heels help to look tall and elongate the legs.

In this gingham plaid outfit idea, I picked a red tote and not a red shoulder bag because I wanted to be able to swap shoes after work. Therefore, I had my red pumps in the tote for swapping to a date night outfit. But when you have to work late, just swapping shoes and accessories is a Do. Pointy toe red pumps are so sexy. Don’t you think so?

The nude pumps  with red block heels (shown in the photo) are great for a work appropriate look. The nude color makes the legs look long.

Don’t let a great outfit be a random thing. Wear the right look in every situation by looking up what to wear when in How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy my book now.

Photos of me: G. Kramm

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