Festive season is coming up and it’s likely you have an event or two where you may want to dress up a bit. Or perhaps you’re just ready to add some new interesting pieces to your closet (’tis the season to treat yourself, after all). One way to accomplish that is with something we’re loving lately, mixed media dresses, tops, skirts and more.
By mixed media, we mean single pieces that involve at least two significantly different types of fabric, usually with distinct textures and a clear seam or divide. Sometimes this gives a trompe l’oeil layered look, or perhaps a dress that looks like a top and skirt even though it’s all one convenient piece.
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Mixed Media Looks
Here are some of our favorite mixed media pieces and ways to wear them this holiday season (and beyond):
Mixed Media Minis
A simple skirt and sweater look gets leveled up when you make it a dress like this navy and ice blue Maeve dress from Anthropologie. It’s a great way to show some leg (add sheer black tights if you’d prefer) but still keep things casually cool for a soiree.
Or if you prefer to keep things black and white, this English Factory dress from Shopbop is a steal at only $90.
Mixed Media Maxis
If you prefer a longer skirt or have an occasion that calls for floor-length, the same concept works in a maxi. This silver and gray All Saints dress would be fabulous if you have silver hair as well — or just fabulous in general.
Try it with gold accessories to create some mixed metal contrast with your mixed media dress (see what we did there?). If you prefer a slinky black dress, this option from ASTR the Label fits the bill. Just add a long necklace, some chandelier earrings, or a stack of bracelets (or all three – this is a dress that can handle a lot of jewelry).
Mixed Media Sweaters
If you love the look of a sweater layered over a button up but cannot deal with keeping it all aligned (plus all those layers get hot!), then a mixed media sweater like one of these from DKNY and Mango respectively can do the trick.
Mixed Media Tees
We also love a casual tee or top that mixes fabrics and textures, like this mesh sleeve tee from Elan at Bloomingdale’s.
Or show off your collar bones with this beautiful black mixed texture option from Patrizia Luca at Nordstrom Rack — this would be a great “cute top” or “party top” option with wide leg pants or denim for the holiday season.
An added bonus of the mixed media trend?
It can create a faux-layered look, so you get the appearance of an effortless layered look without dealing with complications. There’s no worries about tucking things in perfectly, getting the proportions exactly right, or otherwise maintaining that strategic insouciance.
Do you like the mixed media look, or would you rather have the separates to mix and match? What is your favorite fabric or “media” combination to mix? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page!
– Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read The Top Outerwear Trends for Women Over 50 For Fall/Winter 2024 and Update Your Jewelry for Fall/Winter 2024 for A Fresh New Look.
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