How to mix textures in an outfit like a pro

Textural overload is on trend, so it’s a great time to learn the art of mixing fabrics weights and finishes for high-impact outfits. 

Knowing how to mix textures effectively can elevate your style from simple to stunning. Textural variety adds depth and personality — without going over-the-top the way bold patterns and colors can. You can use texture plays to build outfits that are subtle but also sophisticated and unique. 

So let’s get into it. Here’s the texture mixing guide that’ll get you through this winter in style. 

Understanding texture in fashion

Texture is a fabric’s surface quality — that is, how it feels, looks, and hangs. Three main contributors to a fabric’s texture are: 

1. Fiber content 
2. Construction type — whether it’s woven, knit, felted, etc.
3. Finishing — whether it’s embossed, brushed, etc.

Textures have moods and personalities. For example: 

1. Ultra-smooth textures are often elegant and sophisticated. Think leather, silk, and satin. 
2. Looped yarn fabrics (knits) are cozy and casual. Jersey knits, rib knits, cable knits, terry cloth, and velour are in this category. 
3. Rougher textures like tweed and denim are more rugged and have a warmer personality. 
4. Soft and fluffy textures are rich and luxurious. These are your faux furs, cashmeres, and velvets. 
5. Crisp and stiff textures like taffeta and organza are voluminous and dramatic. 

Texture also affects fit. In short, the weights and feels of the fabrics you wear are impactful — often more impactful to your style than your choice of colors. 

10 strategies for mixing textures 

Fashion never has to follow rules, but guidelines can help you adopt a new style convention with confidence. Keep these strategies in mind as you create your own unique textural plays. 

Start with a statement texture 

Here’s a fashion secret: The ‘statement’ approach is an easy and low-risk way to try out any new style for the first time. All you have to do is create a neutral backdrop and deploy the new style as a single statement to the outfit. Applying this approach to textures, you could combine a very neutral chambray dress and with a fringed suede or taffeta handbag as your textural statement. 

Balance matte and shine  

Shiny and shimmery textures can turn gaudy if you go overboard. Avoid that by teaming your sequins and silks with flatter, non-reflective fabrics like cotton, denim, or wool. 

Mix opposites 

Hard fabrics and soft fabrics make great partners. Same goes for fluid fabrics and structured ones. Pairing contrasting textures creates a sophisticated, high-style look. 

Don’t go overboard 

Too much texture isn’t a good thing, even in seasons when textural layering is on trend. Unless you can masterfully combine fabrics, more than three textural elements in one outfit is probably too many.

Use texture to draw the eye 

As with colors, bold textures draw the eye away from matte and flat fabrics. You know a bold texture when you see it — sequins, velvets, and embellished pieces fall into this category. If you want to highlight your cleavage, wear a top with texture at the neckline. Alternatively, show off those great legs with a sequined skirt. 

Play to the season or occasion 

Knits are at home in the winter, just as linens feel right in the summer. Similarly, denim fits for Saturday afternoon sports-watching, while silk is a better choice for a cocktail party. Recognize the season, occasion, venue, or crowd you’re dressing for and let that guide you to the right texture choices. 

Lean into monochromatic palettes 

When you are mixing textures, the color scheme plays a role in creating a cohesive look. A monochromatic color palette allows the different textures to stand out without overwhelming the eye. A bolder mix of colors is riskier when you’re also pairing textures — your outfit can easily end up confusing instead of cohesive.  

Accessorize with textures

Try a chunky knit scarf with a smooth leather jacket for a tactile contrast, or pair a beaded necklace with a simple cotton dress to add depth and personality. You’re golden as long as your accessories complement the existing textures in your outfit, rather than competing with them. 

Experiment with layering

Here is a basic textural layering formula (which you may already be using without thinking about it): Start with a base layer of a smooth texture, such as a cotton t-shirt, and then add different textures like a denim jacket or a chunky knit cardigan. As you build on lower layers, consider the weight and thickness of each texture to avoid bulking up in an unflattering way. 

Wear mixed-media pieces 

If all else fails, buy tops or jackets that mix textures for you. Mixed-media pieces like dresses with sheer panels, moto jackets with fur collars, and shoes that combine patent and suede are easy entry points into this trend. 

11 textural combos to try 

Still in need of textural inspiration? I got you. Here are 11 textural combos you can use to upgrade your style in a flash this season.  

1. Leather and silk. Edgy smoothness meets flowing softness! Try a moto over a slip dress. 
2. Denim and lace. Blend rugged and delicate with a denim jacket over a lace top.  
3. Wool and satin. An oversized wool coat with a satin slip skirt gives you cozy matte with liquid shine.
4. Velvet and leather. Team plush luxury with sleek toughness by way of a velvet blazer with leather pants.
5. Knit and chiffon. Combine a chunky knit sweater with a chiffon maxi skirt for casual warmth and airy lightness. 
6. Tweed and silk. Tweed blazer over a silk blouse? That’s textured structure meeting polished refinement.
7. Cashmere and denim. A cashmere sweater and tailored denim delivers soft luxe paired with classic casual.  
8. Patent leather and wool. Patent boots provide glossy shine while a wool skirt contrasts with soft matte. 
9. Linen and suede. Relaxed and breathable linen trousers pair nicely with the soft richness of suede sandals. 
10. Sequins and knit. Wear a chunky sweater atop a sequin skirt for glam sparkle and cozy ease. 
11. Faux fur and silk. The fluffy volume of a faux fur jacket looks amazing with the sleek drape of a silk camisole. 

Textures are better together 

Mixing textures elevates your style and adds depth and interest to your outfits — whether you mix and match texture combos or showcase one bold texture against a neutral backdrop. Even better, texture layering is an outfit hack you can make your own. Let your personal style guide you and have fun creating your own dynamic looks.