Patterns can be intimidating for some people. How do you style them? Are some patterns better than others? Can you mix them? Are there specific garments that are better for print wear (e.g. bottoms vs tops vs accessories)? These are questions that can steer the masses from gravitating towards printed clothing.
As a maximalist, I have no fear of patterns or prints. In fact, I embrace them. Another maximalist I adore, Iris Apfel, is quoted saying that people downtown think they are stylish and wear black, when in reality they do not have style, what they have is a uniform. I wish CoCo Chanel could have heard that one.
Iris Apel is also famously quoted with “more is more and less is a bore.” This statement ties in to the very nature of the maximalist core- exaggeration and making a statement (so as to not be boring). When you visualize this concept with selectively choosing garments to wear, it is no wonder a maximalist will choose a pattern or print- the pattern has more compared to a solid colored garments visual less.
So what kind of patterns or prints are best to wear during this summer?
Some prints trend higher in different seasons. For instance leopard print during fall vs gingham during summer. However, when someone truly knows how to style an outfit, patterns and prints that are traditionally worn seasonally can easily be worn year round.
Let’s take a look at how to style popular patterns:
Leopard Print. Traditionally a darker color scheme. In order to style such a pattern in the summer time, lighter colors should be added in an effort to balance the outfit. The lighter colors also aid in referencing the season (summer) and weather in comparison to darker colors like grey and black referring to seasons such as fall and winter. This year red and white have been popular colors added to leopard print. Outfits I have seen and loved with leopard print include graphic tees, red accessories, and even denim.
Polka dots. A chic, classic pattern that should be in every closet. My personal favorite polka dot is the classic white base with black dot, but there are many color combinations. The size of the dot can also vary. However, the larger dots, in my opinion, are better as they stand out more and showcase the true pattern. The polka dot pattern is also a spectacular pattern because it is a print that can be easily mixed. The dots can be mixed with strips, different colored dots, gingham, houndstooth, etc. without being chaotic or disruptive.
Daisies. This pattern is traditionally seen in the spring/summer time because the daisy flower blooms and is seen during these seasons- ergo it is more logical to wear said print during these times. My friends would laugh at this print being included because I met some of my greatest friends while wearing daisy accessories. It is in fact a staple in my closet. I do believe it is lacking in other people’s wardrobes though. This could be due in part to the intimidation of styling the color yellow, prints in general, or the fear of looking like a hippie going to Woodstock. While it is true that yellow does not look the best on every single person, it should not deter you from trying it out. Especially since, a daisy is accompanied by both white and yellow, so there are many color combinations that someone can utilize to make an outfit.
Gingham. A staple print in the summer as it is seen in picnics, clothing, and accessories. An iconic print that I am sure everyone recognizes from Judy Garland as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the pattern is evermore a classic. Traditional colors tend to be red, blue, or black. I have seen more colorful displays of gingham, but they are few and far between. Maybe there will be more in the future. For now, the color red has maintained it’s popularity and rises to the forefront of choice when it comes to this print.
General patterns. Patterns in and of themselves are decorative prints or designs that repeat over and over again. While I have listed some popular prints above (leopard print, gingham, daisy, and polka dot) and even non-trendy patterns (strips &houndstooth), there are still TONS of other prints out there. I could not possibly talk about them all. Why? Because prints and patterns could be made by different companies, different shapes repeating, different geometric looks, or colors all of the time. There would be no way to keep up! The best thing to look out for when finding a general patterned piece are general shapes, colors, or pictures that you are familiar with/like so that you can add a unique printed piece to your wardrobe.
Now that you have heard about this summer’s latest pattern trends and seen how to style them, what is your favorite pattern/print? Are there any prints you would love to wear this summer? Are there any prints you want to add to your closet? Let me know in the comments below!
*MOST IMAGES FOUND ON PINTEREST*
orange gingham pant- simon miller
pink and red headband and set- maria de la orden
eye print jeans- vivenne westwood
gingham mary janes- charles & keith
polka dot mix dress- warehouseuk
blue gingham with flowers vest- sleeper