The New Rules: A Guide to Mixing and Matching African Prints for the Modern Wardrobe

For too long, the “rule” in fashion was simple: don’t mix your prints. But in the vibrant world of African style, rules are made to be rewritten, reimagined, and worn with unapologetic confidence. The most exciting looks today come from a fearless fusion of patterns, textures, and stories.

Mixing prints is an art form—a way to express your creativity and showcase the rich diversity of African textiles. If you’ve ever stared at your closet full of beautiful prints wondering how to combine them, this guide is for you. Let’s unlock the secrets to mastering the mix.

Rule #1: Start with a Dominant Print

The key to a cohesive look is to have a clear leader. Choose one print as your “hero” piece.

How to do it: Your hero piece is usually the item with the largest surface area or the most complex pattern—think a bold Ankara maxi skirt or a vibrant Adire dress.
Pro Tip: Let this piece set the color story for the entire outfit. The other prints you add will play a supporting role, pulling colors from this main attraction.

colorful Ankara maxi skirt as the dominant print, paired with a simpler, solid-colored top ikrest.ng

Rule #2: Vary Your Scale

This is the golden rule of print mixing! Pair prints of different sizes to create harmony, not chaos.

How to do it: Combine a large-scale print (big, sprawling patterns) with a small-scale print (tiny, dense patterns).
Example in Action: A dress with large, dramatic Ankara flowers looks stunning under a jacket with a subtle, tiny geometric Adire pattern. The contrast in scale allows each print to shine without competing.

Rule #3: Anchor with a Neutral

When in doubt, use a neutral to give the eye a place to rest. This is the easiest way to balance bold prints.

How to do it: Separate two prints with a solid neutral. A black, white, navy, or beige belt, blazer, or camisole can work wonders.
Example in Action: Pair an Ankara pencil skirt with an Aso Oke top. Too much? Add a crisp white shirt underneath, unbuttoned, to break up the patterns and add structure.

Rule #4: Unify with a Common Color

Color is the most powerful tool for tying different prints together. Find a shared hue to create an instant connection.

How to do it: Look at the colors in your dominant print. Choose your secondary print (like a headwrap or bag) that features at least one of those same colors.
Example in Action: If your main dress has shades of cobalt blue, gold, and black, choose a contrasting print for your accessories that also features a hit of that same cobalt blue.

Ankara prints and one Adire fabric from ikrest.ng

Rule #5: Play with Texture for Depth

Print mixing isn’t just about the pattern you see—it’s also about the texture you feel. Incorporating different fabric types adds a sophisticated layer of depth.

How to do it: Pair the flat, wax-printed surface of Ankara with the raised, woven texture of Aso Oke, or the soft, crinkled handfeel of a traditional Adire.
Example in Action: A sleek Ankara wrap skirt paired with a textured, hand-woven Aso Oke bustier creates a look that is visually and tactilely fascinating.

Your Cheat Sheet: 3 Fail-Safe Print Mixing Formulas

Still feeling hesitant? Try these proven combinations:

The Classic Combo: Ankara + Ankara. Use the “vary your scale” and “common color” rules. A large-print Ankara skirt with a small-print Ankara top in a shared color palette is a timeless winner.
The Modern Mashup: Ankara + Stripes/Animal Print. Stripes and leopard print are considered “neutrals” in the print world. A bold Ankara piece with a simple striped blouse or a leopard print pump is effortlessly chic.
The Heritage Blend: Adire + Aso Oke. Connect two iconic textiles. The organic, dyed patterns of Adire beautifully complement the structured, geometric patterns of Aso Oke. Keep the color palette muted (like indigo and gold) for a deeply elegant look.

The Ikrest Challenge: Create Your Unique Style Story

At Ikrest, we design our pieces to be versatile chapters in your style story. We encourage you to see your wardrobe as a curated collection of art that can be remixed and recombined.

That stunning Ikrest Ankara skirt? Don’t just wear it with a plain black top. Try it with:

Your subtly patterned Adire-inspired scarf.
A textured Aso Oke clutch from our accessories line.
A striped shirt for a touch of cosmopolitan flair.

The only rule that truly matters is that you feel powerful, creative, and authentically you.

Ready to create your own masterpiece? Explore the Ikrest collection and find the perfect pieces to start your print mixing journey.

We Dare You! Show us how you mix and match. Create a stunning look using your Ikrest pieces and other African prints from your wardrobe. Share your photos with us on Instagram using #IkrestStyleMix for a chance to be featured on our page! Let’s inspire a movement of fearless fashion together.