Clashing 101
Buh-bye, matchy-matchy! Stars hit the streets in clashing style instead. We tell you why this, why now
How to rock competing printed patterns.
The Celebrity Stylist Says
“When fashion becomes too predictable, celebrities look for new ways to make a standout statement, and what better way to do it than by donning mixed patterns?” says stylist Danielle Tavia, who’s worked with Kat Graham and Gisele Bündchen. “It’s unexpected, fun and versatile!” And while it may seem these looks are just thrown together, there’s a method to the mismatched madness. “Keeping the prints in the same color family like Jaime’s blue Prabal Gurung florals and stripes or Naomi’s red Burberry plaid and graffiti ensemble ensures the busy look flows,” says Tavia. “And tucking a top into pants like Joan and Sienna do streamlines the competing prints to flatter the figure rather than cut it into awkward parts.”
The Designer Says
“Collections are generally made up of varying pieces that can be brought together in many different ways,” says designer Ekaterina Kukhareva, whose eponymous brand features diverse patterns worn by stars like Christina Milian and Jasmine Sanders. “And as designers, it’s refreshing to see women thinking out of the box and coming up with pairings that really show their individual style.”
The Psychologist Says
“By going out in mixed prints, which has always been deemed to be a big fashion ‘don’t,’ the wearer is bringing her inner rebel to the surface and making the ultimate statement of self- confidence,” says Michael Solomon, PH.D., a consumer psychologist based in Philadelphia. “The contrarian look reeks of bravado and screams, ‘I’m so cool that I can wear whatever I want, even if you think it’s ugly.’”