9 ways to layer patterns like a pro — and we mean real tips and picks from a stylist

This season, patterns like plaid and animal prints are definitely trending, especially when styled in bold, multi-piece or head-to-toe looks. For an even more adventurous take on the trend, why not consider layering and mixing two or more patterns in unexpected, or even slightly mismatched, combinations?

Even if you're not quite ready to rock one of the oversized, mixed-pattern runway coats from Balenciaga's fall/winter 2018 collection, the best street style looks from fashion month show how easy, and fun, it can be to take a "more is more" approach to prints this season.  

Go monochrome

Blogger and style influencer Susanna Lau, aka @susiebubble, is wearing no less than four different prints in this outfit. But while it's definitely a busy, statement-making look, the overall effect is purposeful and stylish in large part because the palette is fairly monochromatic and neutral.   

Print Coat 2495, $208, oakandfort.com

Pick a highlight colour

Mixing wovens like checks and plaids with other prints — in this case, an abstract text-based pattern — can be tricky, even if you're Zendaya. To pull off this look, try to keep your featured colour to a single highlight shade, and the rest of the outfit can consist of complementary neutrals.

Plaid Belted Pencil Skirt, $79.90, zara.com

Play with scale

Of all patterns, florals are probably one of the easier ones to layer successfully. Here, we love how Aimee Song draped a large scale floral coat on top of the miniature blooms on her pyjama-inspired matching set.  The palette of the flowers match, and the patterns are similar but not identical.

H&M Blouse with Smocking, $29.99, hm.com

Rock multiple colourways

Instead of mixing multiple types of animal prints, in this look photographer Tamu McPherson pairs two different snake print fabrics in different colourways. It's a more interesting take than wearing the same pattern head-to-toe, but the combination still reads as a "set" because the patterns are similar.

Snake Print Silk Knot Neck Top, $360, rebeccataylor.com

Mix polka dots and checks

Layering with differently scaled, monochrome polka dots in is a surefire win, if you dare. This season, consider adding a graphic, bright check pattern into the mix, too. The effect? Unexpected, whimsical and definitely anything but boring.

Mixed Dot Flare Dress, on sale for $161.63, anntaylor.com

Add a stripe

Not quite ready or willing to mix your plaids and tartans yet? Don't forget about all the great stripes in your wardrobe — a bold stripe trouser can stylishly mirror or amplify the geometric lines in your new favourite tartan topper.

Avery Straight-Fit Stretch Crepe Stripe Ankle Pant, $124, bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca

Embrace patchwork

Many of the coolest plaid pieces of the season are already designed with multiple patterns incorporated into a single garment, often in a flattering autumnal colour scheme. This way, the bulk of the styling work is done for you. (The matching plaid bag is, of course, optional.)

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Twik Multi-Check Shirt, $39, simons.ca

Accessorize in white

If you're going to be layering a number of different patterns together, and especially if they're dark, consider using solid white accessories as a palette cleanser of sorts. Here, stylist Pernille Teisbaek's on-trend white boots help to modernize and lighten up the classic, menswear-inspired fabrics in her look.

Leather High-Leg Boots, $299.99, mango.com

Have it all

There's a lot going on in this shot of these two stylish creatives, but what we love is how well all the patterns work together: oversized animal print, neutral polka dots, and houndstooth altogether. What to keep in mind? Include some contrast in texture and weight, if possible — an airy, lightweight scarf looks extra smart when layered on top of a fuzzy, thick cardigan.

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Intarsia Granny Cardi, $495, shopsmythe.ca

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.