As the seasons change, so do fashion trends and patterns. We may associate pastel florals with spring while associating gingham with summer or plaid in the fall. Year-round patterns like polka dots or animal prints are a great choice for all seasons, while you may just want to stick to Fair Isle snowflakes in the winter. Not sure what pattern to wear this season, or any season for that matter? To help you unlock your fashion potential and add a burst of personality to any of your looks, we’ve included nine easy tips for wearing patterned clothing. Keep reading to elevate your style with a wide array of colors and patterns.
1. Embrace Seasonal Motifs
Capture the essence of each season by choosing patterns that reflect that time of year. You can wear cute skirts in different patterns all year long and switch up your seasonal look by layering with cardigans or tights during colder weather. For the spring, try fun floral patterns and pretty pastels. Natural stripes and gingham are great for the summer. Plaids and houndstooth are classics for the fall, while jewel tones and Fairisle (an alternate spelling of Fair Isle) are winter staples.
2. Mix Patterns
You can experiment with different patterns to create visually striking outfits. You don’t have to just stick to one pattern. To mix patterns like polka dots and florals, stick to a cohesive color palette. You can mix patterns of a similar kind with different sizes of that pattern like smaller polka dots with larger polka dots. Try wearing the same pattern in different colors, such as a top with blue stripes and accessories with red stripes.
3. Layer Up
Layering up is essential for the colder weather seasons. It also adds versatility to any look. Add depth to your outfit by accessorizing with patterned jackets, scarves, or cardigans to stay cozy and fashionable with any changing weather conditions.
4. Add in Neutrals
Mixing in neutrals can help patterned pieces pop even more. If you’re wearing a vibrant patterned skirt, a neutral-toned blouse in black or white can help balance out your look. Play around with textures, too, like a trench coat or denim jacket over a patterned dress.
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5. Play with Color
It can be intimidating to play around with colors, but don’t be shy. You can wear bright patterns during the summer and deeper hues during the fall and winter. Add a pop of color when you wear chic dresses in bright colors and bold patterns.
6. Try Different Proportions
Play around with different proportions to see how they best complement your body shape. Petite women should opt for smaller patterns to avoid overwhelming their frame. If you’re on the taller side, try wearing larger patterns to help balance out your frame.
7. Balance Out Your Look
To balance out your look, pair your pattern with understated elements. If you’re wearing a vibrant patterned top, balance it out with solid-color bottoms and neutral-toned shoes. Wearing too many vibrant patterns all at once can distract from your overall look.
8. Consider Fabrics
According to fashion experts, it’s important to know three major weave types when you’re mixing different textures. Twill weaves are normally a thick and durable fabric you’ll find in denim, tweed, and houndstooth. A satin weave has a shiny and soft, beautiful drape, perfect for accessories like clutches or silk dresses. Plain weaves form a criss-cross pattern and can be found in canvas, taffeta, and muslin – think your canvas tote bag or canvas slip-on shoes.
Depending on the season, you’ll want to wear lighter fabrics like cotton or linen during the warm weather months while wearing thicker materials like wool during the fall and winter.
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9. Showcase Your Personality
Showcase your personality through the fashionable art of self-expression. When it comes to picking out what to wear, trust your instincts. You know what makes you feel your best, and that may also mean switching it up with different styles and patterns. Let your personality really shine when you’re coming up with an outfit to wear. Think about what makes you feel comfortable and confident when you’re going out to dinner or brunch with friends.
For your go-to brunch outfits, are you more of a casual graphic tee and jeans kind of gal, or do you prefer a dressier look with a dress, jewelry, and heels? There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing whatever look is your personal style.
By using any of these tips, you’re well on your way to mixing and matching different patterns. It’s so fun to experiment with different styles to turn your look from an everyday outfit into a statement piece that’s sure to turn heads. There are plenty of cute women’s outfits there waiting for you to create a unique outfit, and your wardrobe is your canvas to help you rock your look with panache and poise.
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