Look 1:

Skirt • Dillard’s | Tie-Front Blouse • Dillard’s | Shoes • Charles David | Watch • Michael Kors | Reversible Faux Leather Bag • Nordstrom | Sunglasses • Ann Taylor | Lipstick • M·A·C Creme d’Nude | Lip Gloss • M·A·C Myth

Look 2:

Lace Top • Calvin Klein | Shoes  • Steve Madden | Watch • Michael Kors | Necklace • Similar here  |Bag • Rebecca Minkoff (sold out), Similar here and below | Sunglasses • Similar here and here

Have you ever purchased an unmounted print where you needed to choose the mattes and frame?  I’ve always found it interesting to see just how much the picture changes as you change what surrounds it.  Various features of the print are accentuated based on the color combinations of mattes you choose.

You can do the same thing with printed fabric.  I’ve illustrated the point showing one skirt two ways.  In this case, not only have I chosen accent pieces in different colors, I’ve also picked two very differently-styled tops.  The tie-front shirt gives a much different vibe than the tucked in tee, don’t you think?

There are other colors I could have pulled: white, orange, lilac, grey and even a little royal blue.  In truth I tried royal blue and liked the effect a lot, but the style of the top didn’t complement the skirt and I decided not to include it.

Sometimes we can get into a rut, putting the same separates together over and over again because we know they work.  If this sounds like you, I hope this little illustration gives you inspiration to mix it up a bit.  Grab a pretty skirt like this one with a few different tops to pair with it, or remix prints you already own for a fresh, new look.