1
general::
Combine different items in a number of ways. For example, The store displayed skirts, blouses, and slacks in colors that one could mix and match. [Mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): mix and match
1. to assemble a limited number of items, usually clothing, in a number of different ways. • Alice learned to mix and match her skirts, blouses, and sweaters so that she always could be attractively dressed on a limited budget. • Gary always bought black, blue, and gray trousers and shirts so he could mix and match without too many bad combinations. 2. to select a number of items from an assortment, often in order to get a quantity discount. (As opposed to getting a quantity discount for buying a lot of only one item.) • The candles were 25 percent off, and you could mix and match colors, sizes, and length. • I found a good sale on shirts. They were four for fifty dollars, and the store would let you mix and match.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs