Which dress can go with more colors and how do I mix with another pattern?

[LVLover]

I'm looking for dresses for my future cruise. I've found this one at Jcrew however, I can't decide. The multi-color one will go with a lot of colors, however do you think the pewtar one will go with a lot of colors also? The colors that I'm working with are yellow (not bright more of a muted yellow), light brown, black, and red. Also, I will be limited in what I bring how do I match one of these patterns with another pattern? I have a number of Hermes GM cashmere shawls and would like to pair one of these dresses with a shawl.

Thanks for the help!

[juneping]

i like the one green/gray tone one on the left.

[jen_sparro]

Given the colours you are working with, I'd go with the one on the left. The one on the right wouldn't look right with black IMHO. Whereas the one on the left is much more neutral and will work better when mixing those colours.

As for mixing prints, it depends, with the one on the right, I'd choose a scarf with similar colours (thus it 'blends' with the dress) and while the prints may be different the colours help make it look more cohesive. Also if you choose to do this I'd try to choose a simple print, nothing too intricate as it will make it more noticeable.

The one on the left however, given the neutrality of the colour, I'd pick something really bright and loud. I'm no expert on Hermes scarves but if you own a fuschia or bright jewel-coloured scarf then I'd wear that... I think it'd work well for a cruise and the brightness would really make you stand out. The print of your dress appears much simpler in the lighter colour so you can afford to get more intricate and 'big' with the print of the scarf.

Enjoy your future cruise!!

[sparkelyfish]

Is getting both not an option? For some reason I'm leaning towards the dress on the right because I think earth tones are a lot easier to pair with other things.

[Jeneen]

I'm not much help here - I like them both, but I think you could work #1 more - I'm trying to get better at mixing patterns myself - I think it's a great look.

[Jeneen]

... hmmm I told you I'm no help - I was looking again at what you're working with and I think either dress would work... the one on the right would look great with Fall colors.