In our past four Fashion 101 units, we discussed color theory and how to creatively combine colors. But a chic cannot live on color alone. Whether classic designs like stripes, argyle, and polka dots…bolder graphic prints…delicate florals…or exotic paisleys…patterns can add interest — either subtle or bold — into your daily wear. For this module, we’re playing with prints, exploring how to introduce pattern into your wardrobe, how to keep the pattern from wearing you, and how to, yes, mix multiple patterns together. (Note Fab Finds Under 50 readers: great minds think alike!)
Click for more after the jump!
Say Hello, Pattern
Not all of us are big devotees of patterns. E., for one, will admit that she arrived in the world of print rather late, and she still tends to gravitate towards solids on most days. But wearing a print does not mean that it automatically has to be the dominant feature of the outfit. All three of us frequently introduce pattern to our outfits in smaller doses, through accessories.
27 February 2009, originally uploaded by academichicA., for example, has a stunning collection of earrings that add visual interest with their sometimes bold, sometimes subtle prints. All three of us also regularly wear patterned scarves, using the print as a way to add texture to an otherwise subdued look or to even change the outfit’s entire color scheme. And we all love a patterned shoe. Like the exclamation point at the end of a sentence, a patterned shoe can make an otherwise simple outfit into something special.
Keeping Pattern in Its Place
20 February 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.Of course, pattern can also be the focal point of your outfit. If you find a print that you love, make it the centerpiece of that day’s look, keeping other clothing items and accessories more subdued. Or if wearing an all-over print seems too loud for your taste, layering a non-patterned garment over it can tone things down too.
Pattern Mixing
26 February 2009 – Shades of Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.While it may sound wild and crazy, mixing patterns can actually be a way of introducing subtle, rich interest into an outfit. Ever the academics, here is our methodology:
- Mix patterns in the same color family. S. did this in the photograph above and also with this skirt and tights combination.
- Let one pattern be the dominant one. A.’s tweed skirt, for example, is a bolder pattern than the more subtle stripes in her shirt.
- If in doubt, separate, like A. did when she paired a patterned hair band with an argyle sweater. The distance between the two items allowed for less competition between the prints.
- If you’re going big, go small. We’re all surprised that she did this, but E. wore two bold patterns — argyle and floral – right next to each other. But, since she limited this to just her shoes and socks, a relatively small part of her entire outfit, it added a surprising but cheerful twist to the rest of her solids.
Homework:
For this next week, our goal is to wear some sort of pattern every day and to especially push ourselves to experiment with pattern mixing (we will definitely be looking to the pattern-mixing goddess Kimberly for inspiration on this)! We’ll play with a variety of mixes, both bold and subtle, and see how we can freshen up some of our favorite color combinations with prints.
I have been longing to mix up my wardrobe with more patterns, so this module has given me some good ideas. I’ve always had a habit of gravitating towards all solids, and it’s something I’m trying to break.
Have fun with this challenge. This is one I should try along with you guys. Kimberly is amazing at mixing patterns. Also, if you want to see more pattern mixing, check out Audi’s blog. http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/
Audi really has fun mixing patterns. I love her outfits!
I can’t wait to see how all of you dress. This will be fun!
[...] together. So like E., I was feeling a bit unsure of how to approach this week’s module on Pattern. Also like E., I found using color as my guide as the simplest way to keep pattern mixing under [...]
[...] today - the green flats? Or maybe I should have take off the first item – the lace cami? Oh pattern mixing… Patterns!, originally uploaded by academichic. Category: Mixing Patterns, Office Hours, [...]
Hi Ladies!
Been following your blog for a while, and I love it. This year I decided to really play with my wardrobe and your blog has had some major influence on me.
Mixing patterns came early to me…here’s one example. http://www.flickr.com/photos/8074025@N06/3253487799/
The shirt has a vague purple and grey plaid with the argyle sweater in purple.
Thanks Girls!
Diana and Alison – let us know what you come up with this week.
Amy – thanks for the sweet words. It seems you are quite the pattern mixing queen with all those patterned tights!
[...] this second day of our pattern challenge week, you’ll notice that my prints have crept closer together, now separated only by the blinding [...]
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[...] a dark, almost indiscernible small polka dot print. We articulated this pattern mix approach in our Fashion 101 on Pattern last year: it seems like mixing one dominant print (the damask here) with a small print (the polka [...]
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