PhotoLet’s face it: patterns can be quite intimidating if solid colors are your safe zone. Unlike neutral and exclusively solid-coloured garments (which essentially serve as blank canvases), patterns need a little bit more forethought if you want to work them into your outfits.
For a newbie to patterned clothing, it can be overwhelming to think about what goes with which, and whether a specific pattern combination is actually stylish or bordering on over-the-top. To that end, if you want to explore patterns but you don’t exactly know where to start, here are five elegant ones that it won’t be hard to incorporate into your wardrobe:
Washed Patterns
Perhaps it’s good to start with something simple. If you consider your personal style to be on the subtle side, you’ll likely love to wear washed patterns such as the acid wash or pebble wash ones seen in denim women’s leggings. These patterns are very easy to match with a classic blouse or top, and they’ll inject a bit of fun into an otherwise ordinary outfit.
A good rule of thumb is to choose an understated washed print that you’ll feel comfortable in, and then to pair that print with a core color such as black, white, or grey. You’ll achieve a visually interesting look that’s perfect for casual outings.
Animal Print Patterns
Once you’ve gotten more comfortable with simple washed patterns, you can then take it up a notch with animal prints. The easiest way to incorporate animal prints into your wardrobe is to follow the same rule as above: mix the pattern with something subtler so that it can really pop without looking overly busy.
Try matching a pair of leopard print leggings with a black top, or a zebra print blouse with a solid-colored skirt in a hue like burgundy or emerald green. For the most part, a solid colour and print combination will create a chic ensemble that looks put-together while still being visually striking. To really draw people’s eyes to the animal print, finish the outfit with understated accessories like a gold chain with a small pendant and some pearl earrings.
Plaid Patterns
Don’t be fooled by any initial impressions you may have about plaid. Despite common perceptions, plaid can look extremely stylish in both casual and formal wear—the trick is to match it properly with other designs or motifs. Elevate an outfit that celebrates a ‘90s aesthetic by pairing your plaid shirt with a chic top, some distressed jeans, and Chelsea boots. For something more sophisticated, combine your favourite little black dress with a preppy plaid blazer.
The basic fashion rule for plaid is to balance the pattern out with items within the same colour family. When broken down, plaid is essentially several alternating colors that are interwoven with one another. Observe the exact colours your plaid garment comes in, and base the rest of your outfit around these.
Paisley and Floral Patterns
Paisley and floral patterns are technically considered “bold” prints, but they can be elegantly styled when used in moderation. Because both of these prints vary in shape, size, and color, there’s actually no cut-and-dry rule to wearing them. In general, however, it’s recommended that you wear these patterns on items that you want to draw the most attention to.
For example, if you want to highlight the length of your legs, you’ll be able to flatter them with brightly colored paisley leggings and a solid top. Conversely, you can choose to wear a floral top over a neutral-colored skirt if you want the soft and feminine pattern to bring attention to your face and complementing makeup.
Stripes
What list of patterns would be complete without mentioning stripes? The striped pattern is one of the most iconic and sophisticated patterns out there, and for good reason. Stripes tend to give the illusion of leanness, and this typically applies to vertical stripes and diagonals. When you wear well-tailored clothing with stripes, such as a pinstriped blazer, you’ll appear taller, fitter, and more authoritative.
The basic fashion tip for wearing stripes is to find opportunities to give the eyes a break. Stripes on stripes have become quite fashionable nowadays, but the classic strategy is to wear stripes for only one item in your ensemble—whether that’s your top or your bottom. Doing this will also make it easier for you to unlock the most flattering body proportions.
Conclusion
All in all, patterns will give you the chance to incorporate more punch and personality into your outfits. If clothes reflect who you are as a person, patterns can show the more delightful, adventurous, and fun-loving sides of your soul. But it’s also possible to temper bold patterns and create truly elegant looks out of them. As you can see from the suggestions above, it’s all about striking a balance between all the different visual elements of your outfit and carrying yourself with poise and confidence!
