Crafting your unique look with patterns and fabrics
Unlocking the secrets of pattern and texture pairing
One of the hardest moments of my styling journey was working with patterns. I either wear a patterned dress, or pair a patterned blouse with a trusty black pencil skirt. But when I started helping people four years ago, I discovered they love patterns so much to the point of wanting to wear them all.
The big lesson I learned is that you can wear as many patterns as you wish -as long as you follow the tips below, taken from experience with mixing patterns for myself and people at different styling levels and stages in life.
The importance of matching elements
The process of matching patterns and fabrics is an art that can transform a minimal closet into a personalized fashion gallery. However, combining these elements successfully requires a strategic approach to avoid the noise of clashing colours and patterns. Learn how to combine your clothes to make a statement while still fitting in.
1. Stick to a colour family
My only advice when dabbling in mixed patterns is to stay within one color family, because that is the surefire way to achieve harmony. Choosing items in the same color scheme makes your outfit appear well-planned. It makes the pairing process a lot simpler, though, because intricate designs seem to pair up better when they’re all in the same colour family (pastel, earth, primary).
2. Use a dominant pattern
To anchor your look, choose one bold pattern as the centrepiece of your outfit. That could be a bright flowered dress or a striped jacket. When you have a dominant pattern, you have a star, and everything else can play a supporting role without conflicting with it. The smaller, more subtle patterns are akin to props that complement the main pattern without taking away from it.
3. Vary the scale of patterns
Playing with scale is crucial when mixing patterns. The large bold prints have to be paired with more subtle, refined ones. Imagine pairing a bold floral skirt with a delicate polka dot blouse. This contrast in size adds visual interest and makes the patterns complement, rather than compete, with each other. Steer clear of patterns of similar sizes to prevents your outfit from becoming visually overwhelming.
4. Experiment with textures
Textures add a tactile dimension to your looks. Lace and velvet, or knits and silk, when combined, create so much depth not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it feels good to the touch as well. It’s all about the fabric pairings: smooth against rough, or soft against structured, can create a pleasing contrast without clashing.
5. Balance with neutrals
To keep your bold fashion choices from tipping into chaos, incorporate neutral pieces. A solid color item, like a black pencil skirt or navy blazer, can ground an outfit that includes countless patterns or textures. These pieces serve as bridges, connecting various parts of your outfit in a way that feels purposeful and balanced.
6. Start small and build confidence
A good idea for pattern and texture rookies is to have only one focal point piece. Gradually add more elements as you become more confident. Begin with similar prints, like different sizes of checks or stripes, before moving on to daring combinations. It allows for a natural progression of outfits in your closet.
These tips help you effortlessly express your personality and showcase your talent for combining intricate fashion pieces. Remember, styling is all about trying different combinations and enjoying creating your own unique look.