If you’ve ever wondered whether you can mix stripes and polka dots, the answer is a resounding yes.
In fact, combining prints is one of the easiest ways to create a look that feels creative and full of personality. Yet so many women avoid it because they’re worried they’ll get it “wrong” or it’s “too much.”
Quote of the day: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
So when Marsha suggested this prompt for our Ageless Style Group, I knew there would be a couple of eye rolls with my crew. But you’d never know it looking at their amazing outfits.
And it’s the perfect example of how one prompt can create so many different outfits among different women. Stripes and polka dots for the win.
One reason this print pairing is so successful is that both patterns are timeless. Stripes have a structured, linear quality while polka dots are softer and more playful. Together, they play well.
A simple trick is to repeat at least one color throughout the outfit. You can see how both Valerie and Lesley chose a navy-and-white print, and both even accented their outfits with red.
Another helpful tip? Vary the scale of the patterns. Large dots paired with smaller stripes, or vice versa, can make the mix of prints seem cohesive.
Styling stripes is fun, as I’ve shown on the blog in the past.
–Stripes and other prints
–Styling stripes with print mixing
–Different clothing items with stripes
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Valerie paired a navy striped tank top with a flowing navy polka dot skirt and added red accessories for her extra punch. The red hat, bag, and scarf create a cohesive color story, and the white sneakers keep the outfit easy and breezy.
Details:
-I know I talked about Valerie and her polka dot skirt, but in reality, it’s a dress. She just wore a tank top over the top portion to make it look like a skirt. You saw her wear a sweater over it in the winter. This is a great example of how one item can be a workhorse in your closet.
-That white circle hanging from the purse strap is a magnetized hat holder. I have one and absolutely Love it.
I didn’t realize everyone would be in dark stripes and polka dots, so I’m glad my outfit leaned toward a lighter color.
Considering it is summer, I feel like my outfit has a fresh summer feel. But as I talk about all the time, colors are NOT seasonal. So if you like darker colors in the summer, wear them.
Sometimes people think print mixing has to be bold and dramatic, but it can be subtle too. Using lighter colors is an easy way to ease into the trend if you’re hesitant.
Details:
–This necklace was a PR gift, and the color white is more minimal. I like the thicker chain. They gave me a discount code, Jodie20, if you’re interested.
-These cropped pants have been worn with a variety of shoes in the past, and I recently added the polka dots to them. No, I haven’t washed them yet, so we will see how that turns out.
-I thrifted the top years ago because it’s cute and lightweight. When I looked at the label recently, I noticed the brand says “sleepwear” next to it. But who would know?
Lesley took a creative approach by wearing her polka dot skirt as a dress.
Then she layered a red-and-white striped cardigan over it, creating a fun combination that still feels coordinated because of the repeated red accents. Her red belt and shoes help connect all of the elements.
This outfit is a wonderful reminder that styling isn’t only about what you wear, it’s also about how you wear it. Feeling free to origami your clothing can create wonderful results.
Details:
-Lesley has worn this skirt as a skirt with red and black for a birthday celebration.
-Notice her fabulous Mary Janes. It’s a trend that works because they are great if you don’t love heels.
-Even without her cardigan, she’s carrying a striped purse, which falls into the prompt of stripes and polka dots perfectly.
As I’ve been saying, scarves are front and center in the fashion world, so why not play with them for easy print mixing ideas?
This idea was an early blog post back when we lived in Denver, if you want to see throwback photos with my stepmom.
If you are a print mixing newbie, I would consider this outfit an ideal way to start, as the white pants provide visual breathing room. It doesn’t seem as “busy” as top to bottom prints items.
Details:
-I get my love of DIY from my mom’s genes. She added the flowers (and stem) to her orange straw purse.
-I love the orange accents with the navy and white.
-Wearing a scarf doesn’t have to be complicated. You can easily wrap it around and have the ends hang down, as my mom did.
One of the biggest style lessons we’ve learned over the years is that fashion doesn’t have to follow rigid rules.
Print mixing is simply another tool in your styling toolbox. Whether you start with striped accessories or jump right in with multiple patterned pieces, the goal is to have fun experimenting.
The more you play with combinations like stripes and polka dots, the more you’ll discover what feels like you. But if you never try it out, you’ll never know.
After all, style isn’t about matching perfectly. It’s about expressing your personality and creating outfits that make you smile when you put them on.
Welcome to the Ageless Style group. We all have very different styles, so I hope you check out the other women for their ideas on styling scarves.
We don’t all post at the same time, so make sure to check back if their post isn’t up yet.
Next month, we will be if anyone wants to join in.
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog Not joining this month
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Blog
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because we love to showcase all ages, body shapes, and women who love different styles.
The post How to Wear Stripes and Polka Dots appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
