I’d say my wardrobe ratio is 80% solids and 20% patterns. And surprisingly, my patterns are mostly on skirts and dresses, and not blouses. I have three patterned blouses at present.

My wardrobe is 95% solids (primarily black)… and most of my patterns are things like striped button-down shirts or graphic tees. Recently, however, I’ve been branching out into more colors and patterned clothing to create more interest in my fairly drab wardrobe. I find tend to favor floral prints (A surprise to me, because I am not a floral-type gal.). But I find geometric patterns a little too strong for my liking… I can’t seem to wear them right.

I think I’m probably at about 95/5 right now, too, which really irritates me. I love prints and patterns, but can never seem to find them in the colours that I like. Most of mine seem to be in summer skirts at the moment, but last summer I had a printed tank that I loved. I recently cut it up for a dishcloth (wore it to death) but it was a really great piece- even a hint of it peeking out from under another layer made an outfit really pop. I think that is the power of prints- even a simple one can make a big statement.

I think the thing that some people find difficult about print is that it’s “another thing” to get right- it makes the shopping process that much more difficult. Not only does the garment have to work for you in terms of style, fit, fabrication and price, but the scale and colours in the print have to work, too. With so many variables it can sometimes be easier to just go for a solid.

I love patterns, but I would have to say that my wardrobe has more solids. Probably 70% solids- 30% patterns. My favorite patterns are abstract, polka dots and little flowers. I love little flowers, the tiny ones. I also love patterned tweeds, and I love combining different patterns together like flowers and tweeds. Most of the time it works. My favorites patterned clothing items are button down shirts (long and short sleeved – thank you J.Crew), skirts and vests. For some reason all my pants are solid color. Overall my wardrobe is pretty colorful, I have only a few items in black.

My wardrobe is mostly solids, and only recently have I made an effort to incorporate more prints. I would describe my style both for clothes and decorating as classic chic, but I err on the side of caution and can easily end up with a boring and utilitarian outfit or space. Generally I add interest to my wardrobe with embellishment (subtle embroidery, beading, trim or pleating) Like Ele noted, I have found it difficult to find a print I like, that works for me in terms of colour and scale, and on a piece that fits well. My favourite prints are smaller scale plaids and florals. Like Angie, I tire of printed pieces much more quickly than solid.

Over the past year I’ve gone from no patterns (except scarves) to maybe 20% starting with geometric print Sweet Pea tops. I like stripes for buttondowns and pin stripes on pants although that is almost a solid. I’ve got a couple of print summer skirts (large stripe in chevron pattern and a colorful scenic) and a couple of dresses (abstract floral and polkadot). I tire of prints, but not polkadots or stripes or a occasional print that I just love.

A stylish friend was just telling me yesterday that the new trend is mixing prints. She was wearing a microcheck skirt in black and white with a silk blouse with large abstract floral in black and white with a bit of yellow and looked great. Putting patterns together seems complicated and a lot of work.

Lately I’ve been paying more attention to pattern and am thinking that I actually look better in one with curves rather than the sharp angles of a geometric print. The curves may soften the sharp angles of my body.

I am trying to work with more prints. I love solids. like Angie, I don’t tire of them as easily and they allow me to do fun things with scarves and shoes. I also just don’t fancy prints as much- I think it’s half because they intimidate me, and half because they just don’t always appeal. The prints I do have are almost exclusively floral- I like the little ditsy prints and less modern floral prints a bunch. I hope this does not make me look like a little old lady in them!

I tried a ‘new’ print blouse today for the first time, and tried to modernize the little print with a trendy waistcoat. It is fun to play with prints sometimes… just more challenging for me. Thanks for this post.

Timely, as always, Angie. I’m realizing that my wardrobe is woefully devoid of prints! I also prefer the versatility of solids, and will likely never have more than 15% prints, but I need SOME patterns in the mix for fun and accent!

You know, I’ve never actually considered the ratio of solids to patterns in my wardrobe until reading this. I guess I’m about 70/30 with that 30 percent of patterns steadily increasing. Solids are fun because of the amount of mix-match possibilities and accessory options are unlimited. I love color and I like to mix things up now and again which is easy to do with a solids. But patterns definitely bring a certain flair to my wardrobe. I’m into most kinds of patterns, except florals – even though I think that might be changing as of yesterday (found a beautiful silk floral blouse that’s making me reconsider florals altogether!)

I love patterns and am CRAZY about Polka Dots – love them x100. However, I tend to play it safe with a lot of solid tees, oxfords, tanks (mostly in bright colors). I dress these up with scarves and chunky jewelry. I’m drawn to oversize prints (large polka dots, thick stripes, large plaid, big floral, ect.) and since I’m on the petite side I know it’s best to use these in accessories instead of drowning my body in these prints. My solid/print ratio is probably about 60/40.

My ratio is also around 90% solids and I find prints very hard to shop for. I like stripes for button-down shirts, and I also find myself drawn to paisley print, but not in huge quantities, more like scarves. I also would love a polka-dot dress, but haven’t seen anything that fits the bill. I am not so sure about other prints – I like geometric in theory, but I tend to shy away from it, because it seems too bold.

I’m not sure what my percentage is between prints and solids. Would you call a pinstripe pant or jacket a print? (It is a neutral.) What about the false black coats? I would say I have more prints than what has been posted on the thread so far, but that I still have more solids than prints. I love the character that prints add to an outfit. I think it adds a wonderful dimension. I prefer florals and animal for my prints. Today I am in a black pencil skirt, boots (It was 37 degrees this morning!) red cami, and black/grey/white floral cardigan. I think the cardigan adds the pizzazz.

After spending most of my adult life sticking to only solids, this past year my closet has exploded with patterns and I’m running about 50/50. I love patterned tops, in particular, for two reasons:

1) It makes getting dressed simple. For me, it’s easy to jazz up an outfit just by putting on a patterned top. I guess this is the opposite to what Angie does, where she sticks to solids and adds patterns in her accessories. It seemed easier to me to add the pattern in the top to go with the solid accessories.

2) Outfit Inspiration – just as a decorator will often suggest you build a room’s color scheme around a swatch of fabric (such as pillows, drapes), I take my inspiration from the color theme in a patterned blouse to build my outfits. For example if I have a scalloped-patterned blouse with khaki, white, turquoise, and navy in it, I will pair the top with a khaki jacket, white pearls, turquoise shoes, and cream purse. This doesn’t take a whole lot of talent to pull off. It’s only now that I’m taking it to the “next level” – and experimenting with adding a color that is not in the pattern. (In that example, I might add a banana yellow bag instead of a cream one).

So for me this was a good starting point that I could grasp. Textures? That is the ADVANCED class. LOL.

3) Patterns work magic to confuse the eye and disguise tummy bulge. This is what made me gravitate towards florals to begin with.

Patterns I love:

- Paisley! LOVE.

- Florals in BOLD, non-pastel colors. I do not know what an abstract floral is. I just know I don’t like florals that are too cutesy or too overly romantic. I have for example a black & white floral; a sepia print floral; and several florals where red is the predominant color.

- Geometrics like oversized houndstooth, scallops, etc

- Small stripes (These are trickier to find – to work with the bust -but I do like them)

- some sweet pea patterns (the swirly ones)

- Scaled appropriately for someone 5′0″. No bigger than my fist, but not too small either. (i.e., nothing cutesy)

I also have a fondness for color-blocking but haven’t seen that much to appeal to me lately.

I have at least 95% solids if pinstripe is considered a solid. Even if it’s not, I have at least 90% solids. I need to be more adventurous with prints for sure.

I also have about 80% solids in my wardrobe and now that I’ve done a closet purge of summer things, I have even less. Some of my flowy summer tops have a mix of geometric patterns. I love paisley and have to keep myself from getting things JUST because of the paisley- now at least I try to pay attention and to fit and style. Stripes are great, and I love the look of small stripes in knits.

One thing I struggle with, Angie, is the bigger graphic prints- I worry it doesn’t flatter that much when you get past 50 (although Jean looked great in her large-print dress- but that’s Jean!) so, I’m sort of on the fence with those.

Now that you mention it, I have very few patterns in my wardrobe. I tend to like solids in crazy bright colors that I mix and match. The patterns I do have tend toward the graphic, though I do have one polka-dot dress.

Interesting. A definite preference for solids so far. I know from my own clientele especially that Ele has hit the nail on the head. Patterned clothing does complicate the situation and there are often too many variables to take into account. BUT! High risk high return, right. A fabulous pattern is memorable and can be extremely flattering. My wardrobe would definitely not feel as alive without pattern in it.

Eva, pinstripes count as patterns in my book but false plains don’t. I hope that makes sense. Your wardrobe is definitely 40% pattern and it TOTALLY works for your style. I wouldn’t change a thing – it’s very “Eva”.

Mixing patterns is fun, but difficult. It can look arty and eclectic, but it takes the right individual with the right pieces to pull that look off with style. Kasmira from whatiworetoday.blogspot.com manages this extremely well and it’s definitely part of her signature look. Danja’s strategy of mixing textured tweeds with patterns is much easier to get right and just as effective.

Joy, that’s an interesting observation: that the curves of a pattern may soften the sharp angles of your body. I’m sure you can wear both angular and swirly prints

Steffie, you won’t look like a little old lady! You’ve added a modern edge to a ditsy floral and that does the trick.

Marianne, geometric patterns *can* be bold and that’s probably why I like them. But a micro geometric pattern in a monochromatic colour palette is probably more what you’re after. I see that fitting into your individual style perfectly

Shiny, I’d say you have a 50/50 solid to pattern ratio too AND you have a fabulous wardrobe. You understand how to make the right patterns work for tiny little you and it’s part of your signature look for sure. Keep it up.

Mary, Bitsy and Sal, enjoy incorporating pattern into your wardrobes. It’s actually a fun process so I hope you find patterns that are love at first sight.

My favorite patterns are definitely polka dots, houndstouth, abstract florals and pin-stripe.

It is rare I go a day in fall, winter & spring without wearing pattern — but most often it is in scarves, and occasionally pattern + texture in footwear (my favourite flats right now are giraffe print haircalf).

Curiously my dresses are probably a 50-50 split: solid black/blue + pattern. This may reflect my affinity for Nanette Lepore & DVF.

I didn’t start to add patterns until I learnt layering. It added so much more fun to ensembles when a pattern is combined with solids with compatible colors. Like you Angie, I have about 70% solid and 30% pattern. Abstract animal prints are my favorite.

In the past 10 years I probably went from a 50/50 mix to a 80/20 ratio of solids to patterns but honestly, I have been feeling a bit blah lately in a sea of solids. I usually add fun accessories, particularly bold earrings or necklaces to jazz things up and tie the different solid colors together but I miss the prints. I’m going to be working on adding some more prints back. I too adore polka dots (particularly navy blue & white), paisley, florals, stripes and geometric prints. I also like details such as embroidery – not really a print but has the same feel.

I have always been more of a solids person but have started to add more prints due to trying new things since YLF. I am slowly getting a sense of taking risks while maintaining comfort and personal style.
I have more solids than prints
I wish there was a more interesting and out of the ordinary assortment of color in the solids other than just really bright colors, khaki or black. There are so many ways to mix color and it seems as if color is fairly predictable and right out of the tube (art term) from season to season. You see a really original use of color in high end prints which never seems to translate into solids. I have way too much black!

I recently had a nightmare about prints after seeing a photo in the local paper of some celeb wearing that big flowery print that was so popular years ago in full skirted summer dresses of polished cotton or chintz …big blue roses and dusty rose poppies and such. In the dream I was looking in the mirror at myself in one of those dresses and had my face contorted like “The Scream”. Luckily I woke up!

the fear of pattern is an aspect of american culture that continues to puzzle me. even the towels are almost all solids, where in other countries there are all kinds of patterns to choose from!

layering patterns is an interesting subject — samurai movies isnpire me with the way the samurai layer different florals without at all looking cloying or tacky.

OK, I just went and counted, and of the approximately 95 items (holy toledo, that sounds like a lot of clothes!) in active rotation in my wardrobe (including loungewear and outerwear, not including gear or sleepwear or accessories), I have 9 pieces that are patterned, giving me a pattern percentage of just under 10%. also just ordered a classic cream and navy striped French sailor shirt from LL Bean, so that will be pattern #10. One of these items is loungewear (a hoodie). 3 of the items have strong, geometric floral prints (the florals are outlines). I do not like ditsy florals for myself. All the other patterned pieces are strong geometrics or French-style horizontal stripes. That sums up my patten preferences pretty well! I’d like to work in more patterns, especially French-style stripes in various colour combos. I like my patterns to look fresh, straightforward, striking, and strong. I also have a three graphic tees–are those “prints”? I don’t think of them in that way, but maybe they are.

I like zebra and giraffe print but haven’t found the right piece yet to incorporate either of those into my wardrobe (shoes would be ideal). I like watercolour florals and may add something like that into the mix this spring. I like a few of the Sweet Pea patterns, too–the ultra-arty, abstract, strong, modern ones–and am keeping an eye on eBay for a top like that to show up in my price range (no way am I paying $130CAD for one of them at my local shop!). It’s not so much that I can’t work with or tire of patterns too easily, it’s that I’m very picky about them. When I see one that’s right for me, though, I know right away and it’s love at first sight for sure.

Like a lot of ladies here my solid/pattern ratio is about 90/10. I’m slender and borderline petite, I feel like a lot of patterns are so large or loud that they overwhelm me.

I’ve found that it’s easiest for me to wear patterns in a dress so I’m not breaking my small frame into a patterned half and a solid half. Luckily, I like neutrals, so I have some good options right now. I’ve purchased two great abstract pattern dresses in the past few months.

My wardrobe is mostly solids but I’m not thrilled about that. I would like to have more patterns. I’m very finicky about patterns though. I love polka dots, abstract (very abstract) florals, and geometric prints. I can only seem to like animal print when it comes to shoes. Even though many YLF ladies have worn it stylishly, I still feel tacky when I wear it. My other favorite kind of pattern is the kind that isn’t evenly distributed. I love dresses that have a pattern that starts out very dense at the hem and gradually gets more sparse. I haven’t seen anything like that in my price range though.

RIght now, off the top of my head, I can think of less than ten things in my wardrobe that have patterns: My polkadot buttondown, a floral top from H&M, an Anthropologie blouse with little pacmen all over it, a Sweet Pea top, a skirt from Anthropologie, and a pair of pinstripe pants that don’t really count since the pinstripe is so subtle. I think I might have to do powershopping at Boden when I start earning again. I know some people find their patterns too bold and overwhelming, but that’s exactly the kind of pattern I love.

I adore bright floral prints, even the ones in colors I can’t wear, because they make me happy. Also, multiple colors gives me more choices in companion pieces. Today’s shirt has tiny abstract flowers in light blue, navy, and herb green, so I can mix it with a whole raft of trousers in different colors.

I will admit that I am solidly a Solid dresser. There are a few exceptions in my closet:
Stripes – pin stripes on slacks and jackets.
Houndstooth – several variations in jackets
Tweed (is that a pattern?) in skirts and jackets
Scarves – floral and check patterns
Skirts seem to be the easiest place to find nice patterns – especially a spring floral or something with embroidery.

I have Need Patterns in my New Year’s Resolutions. Still working on it!

I have found there are ‘pattern personalities’ and ’solid personalities’ and someone who is a solid personality will feel really uncomfortable in a pattern. They may buy them every now and again trying to get out of their ‘rut’ but don’t wear as it’s just ‘not them’.

I have lots of solids, I’ve discovered that I get bored with patterns quickly, plus there are a lot out there I think are unnattractive (and often cheap looking). I dash of pattern every now and again is enough for me personally. I do like textures too.

I also worked out that all my garments that stand the test of time are solids, not patterns.

That being said, a pattern like leopard is classic and almost a non-pattern for some. It can be mixed with florals and still work marvellously. I just don’t have the colouring to do leopard.

I think my ratio is similar to yours Angie. I have mostly graphic prints, polka dots or abstract patterns. Florals are growing on me lately with the tea party dresses and chiffon fabric. I seem to have everything in both solid and patterned styles. I love to mix and match patterns whenever I can, but the outcome should look original to my eye, e.g., I can mix a patterned shirt with a patterned shoe as long as patterns resonate. I don’t like unmatched patterns so much.

I LOVE patterns! I found earlier this year that adding patterns, particularly to my tops, really raised my style up a notch. Especially in the summer when layering is such a drag, patterns are definitely the way to go for me.

Unfortunately, I’m now in a phase where all my patterns are too big and I can’t find many that I like in my new size, but I am on the hunt as spring turns to summer, for sure!

In pants and skirts, any kind of pinstripe, checks, microchecks, houndstooth, etc is what I like. I am less fond of florals/patterns on skirts; it tends to look too cutesy for me, plus I am better in a pencil skirt than an a-line, and they don’t make many flowery skirts in pencil style.

For tops, I like stripes, geometric, florals, polka dot, dotted swiss, everything. For me, it’s better in the top than in the scarf; too much busy-ness around my face makes my highlighted hair and funky glasses look like just too much.

Oh, I miss my patterns so much these days! Without them, dressing has become a chore.

I guess I would be a solid personality. I prefere my patterns in small bits. Perhaps a windowpane pencil skirt paired with all solids, or a scarf. I have a few patterned cardigans but find I don’t wear them much. A touch of leopard in my shoes or scarf, or a pattern on my sleeve or collar. Just one small pattern per outfit, if at all

Since I have a daughter named Paisley, both husband and I try to capitalize on that whenever we see it.

I enjoy wearing some graphic florals from a couple of summers past, but for my prints I crave neutrals: brocades, stripes, herringbones, etc. in similiar hues so they have a muted appearance.

Certain designers are known for their use of bold patterns, but can anyone point me to a designer subtle prints?

Absolutely, Imogen. Your analogy falls in line with my reference to aesthetic preferences. But I’ve also found that “personalities” can change over time. I go through seasons where I sport patterns more than in other seasons. It really depends on what’s out there that tickles my fancy.

Brianna, a graphic T counts as a pattern in my book.

Carissa, I love your daughter’s name and how your pattern choices capitalize on that. Lovely!

This past winter I stocked up on solid cardigans in black, gray, ivory, fuschia, emerald green, lime green, mauve and canary yellow…. now I am dying to find some patterned short sleeved or sleeveless tops to wear under them. It’s fun to have a bit of of print pop out from under a buttoned up cardigan or to take center stage when the cardigan is worn open. I find babydoll style tops are great worn with a cardigan that’s open.

I agree that matching is difficult… Has anyone spotted some patterned short sleeved or sleeveless tops online lately that they would recommend?

This is such an interesting thread for me to read! I hadn’t thought much about it before now but have been searching for the perfect print top (rayon/spandex, olive green, paprika or burnt orange, etc.) & unable to find. While I’m working my way out of the “closet orphange” I’m trying to be really selective & the thing I think I just realized reading this is I have too many prints & not enough solids! And, those are easier to find. So, I’m going to focus on a few of the basic colors first that I can mix/match with tons of other things & be always on the hunt for my perfect pattern one’s. I think that might be an easier strategy for me. Great, inisghtful post – thank you Angie!

I probably have a similar mix of patterns and solids: 70% solid, %30 pattern. My absolute favorite pattern is animal print. Most patterns I get tired of, but I never find animal print dull. Snake is first, followed by cheetah and then zebra. I find throwing a little animal print into an all solid outfit can give it instant life.

My wardrobe is 50/50; half soilds and the other half prints.
I love prints and esp those that add texture and depth to the my look for the day. I tried to think what prints I favor (I am out of town at the moment and can’t picture everything in my closet) and I am drawing a blank! I dont like to wear a pattern on top and bottom because I feel like it overwhelms my pear shape. But a nice pattern on top with interesting accesories and a well tailored bottom spell: SUCCESS!
I am happy with the mix that I have, which includes polka dots, pasiley, checked, floral, and other abstract prints.

Ellen, you might like the sweet pea brand.

Animal patterns seem to be pretty popular. I like it too, but not for clothing. I prefer it in accessories, shoes and possibly a scarf. I also like snake best, and giraffe or zebra inspirations next. Pattern preferences are so personal!

I love patterns. I love beautiful florals, they make me smile. I am not that into patterns that are way out there with odd colors and alot of crazy energetic geometrics, like much of Diane Von Furstenburg’s creations.
If I went to my closet there wouldn’t be much in the way of patterns in there only because I don’t find them that abundant in the stores. I think I will be on a mission to look for more pattern in clothes this spring.

Personality is never static – that’s why we can evolve over time – which I love – I look at my own style over the past 8 years and it’s very different from what it was.

Florals will appeal to a different personality type than a graphic pattern for instance. Stripes hold fairly universal appeal.

My wardrobe mix is about 75% solid and 25% patterns. I have a hard time finding patterns that I like in a color mix that I like, but I do love wearing them when I find ones that work. My favorites are stripes, florals with a modern or unusual twist to them, and geometrics. I love patterns in scarves, of course, and I have a lot more patterned bottoms than tops. That includes 2 pairs of pinstripe pants and an assortment of patterned skirts. Patterned skirt + solid top is a common outfit formula for me. Lately, however, my purchases have been all solid colors. Most of the patterns I have been seeing in the stores are just too large or too loud.

Angie,

Thank you so much for the Sweet Pea brand recommendation for printed tops. I found quite a selection at nordstrom.com in all assortment of prints…many of which were mentioned here: florals, geometric, animal. Also, if you are plus size, they have quite a selection as well. A great find…now I just have to wait for the ones I am eyeing to go on sale. : ) Thanks again.

My closet consists of 99 percent solids… I have maybe 2 or 3 things with patterns . I’m rarely attracted to the patterned things that I see. Generally, I just don’t think about it as something I could possibly wear. I don’t like it much on other people either… It often strikes me as looking TOO casual. But of course it depends on the specific pattern and on the rest of the outfit.

The patterns that I do sometimes like and can be attracted to would normally be abstract patterns, or to some extent animal print.

I have no idea what the percentages are in my closet. I would guess somewhere between 30/70 and 40/60. Patterns I love are paisley, florals (medium to largish, both abstract and the more realistic romantic ones), stripes, polka dots, and some geometrics. I never wear animal print unless it is black and white. And I do not do large patters, because they seem to visually overwhelm me, between being petite and not overly outgoing. Interestingly enough, I’ve never found patterns difficult to combine. Perhaps they are a little difficult to choose in the stores though, but like Angie, I either love them at first sight or take a pass. Oh, and I also love plaid, especially in skirts and winter scarves.

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