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Favourite patterns

Tisa

Have you ever looked through your closet and realized that some patterns are much better represented in your wardrobe than others?

Previous week I was putting together a comfortable sporty-casual travel capsule for a 5-day trip. When I looked at my chosen tops, I was surprised to see that my final version of the capsule included 5 items with horizontal stripes (4 tees and one sweater). Even my chosen trousers had very subtle vertical lines.
It seems that I associate comfort with stripes.

Looking through my wardrobe today made me realize, that I subconsciously associate certain patterns with specific feelings and dress styles.
Stripes with comfort (cotton tees, knit sweaters), polka-dots with comfortable elegance (dresses), plaid with more serious business or with empowerment.

What about you? Am I the only one who chooses patterns according to occasion?
It would be interesting to hear what your favourite patterns are and when you wear them.

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Tisa

rachylou

Veteran

The funniest thing I was noticing the other day... I think of myself as a big pattern person, but that's not really true. The only place I've got tons of pattern is in my bakery wear leggings. I guess the majority of my time is really spent in bakery wear, so in that sense it's true. But my office clothes are mostly solids. That doesn't seem right somehow. I thought they were more interesting.

*Scratching head*

cindysmith

Veteran

I can't think of any patterns in my wardrobe except the one sweater I stole from my mom with a leaf pattern on it and one pair of pants with a weird kaleidoscope sort of pattern on them that I don't even know how to wear so they hang there mocking me. I'm so boring LOL

Joy

Veteran

Some patterns are overly represented in my wardrobe but no idea why. I also like stripes, as long as they are the same size ( not wide and narrow mixed). I suspect the reason is an association with French culture.
I also have an overabundance of polkadots, although maybe they are associated with youth and I should not be wearing them.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Polka dots and floral and damask patterns are well represented in my closet. Stripes less so, though I like them. I feel like stripes take no prisoners, sometimes , and can feel self conscious in them.

Anonymous

Florals have longevity in my closet AND in my home decor.

I'm less about stripes and geometrics.

Anonymous

Oh Columbine, we're similar!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the classics best: stripes, dots, checks, animal print and spaced florals. I tire of other patterns - but not the classics.

DonnaF

Veteran

I'm with Joy -- stripes and polka dots. But my story is that polka dots are fun not young and I'm sticking to it.

Penny

Veteran

The patterns in my closet are abstract florals and watercolor prints - I tend to reach for them for more whimsical moods or occasions, like brunch or baby showers.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I think I might be pattern-averse. It's not intentional. Stripes and plaids are the only pattern that are represented at all in my wardrobe, but even then, there aren't that many. And I'm really picky about stripes -- they must be evenly-sized stripes in high-contrast colours, or else really subtle pinstripes. I'm pretty picky about plaids, too -- they have to be "normal" plaid colours -- so no pink/purples or anything.

I haven't noticed an association with patterns and occasion dressing/comfort dressing, though.

Tisa

So many interesting and different replies.

Raychlou, it's much easier to find patterned leggings than appropriate patterned office wear, isn't it?

Cynthiawalkersmith, if you found out what works for you and makes you feel good, it makes sense to stay with it. Besides, solids can look very interesting, too.

Joy, how interesting! I like same sized stripes only when they're very thin, otherwise I gravitate towards uneven stripes. Wide even stripes simply don't feel right on me.
Polkadots are a fun classic, and I don't think they have an age limit (and I'm 29). Don't worry about it, just enjoy them .

Columbine, you're right about stripes. Damask pattern is beautiful, but quite rare, isn't it? I don't see it often (neither on people nor in stores).

Smittie, you obviously know what you like.

Angie, I'm the same, except that I don't wear animal prints. The only exception to that rule are certain snakeskin patterns, but I'm very picky about those.

DonnaF, I agree. Polka dots are fun and appropriate for any age.

Penny, that must look really nice.

Aziraphale, I understand your aversion to unusual plaid colours. There's nothing wrong with being picky. At least that's what I tell myself .

Summer

Veteran

Patterns don't feature much in my wardrobe, but I do like stripes - especially in classic navy and white.

I, too, see spots as smart and business-like if they are small and low-contrast. Large, colourful spots are more casual and playful, though.

Plaid is lovely, but, somehow, I never seem to own any!

Style Fan

Veteran

In general I only wear patterns in my accessories. I have scarves with paisley patterns and some handbags with animal print. I like stripes but I don't wear them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tisa, I added checks. LOVE checks. How could I forget checks! (I only wear animal print as an accessory or in footwear).

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Interesting question!

I gravitate towards big high-contrast prints. Florals are graphic, polka-dots are oversized, animal prints are neon-coloured. I don't have many digital prints, but writing this is making me want some.

I go mad for traditional/heritage textiles from just about anywhere. I love Dutch wax and Java prints for summer and in winter I wear woven fabrics such as tapestry or jacquard.

At the more classic end, I like plaid or pinstripe on tailored pieces and gingham for dresses. Striped knitwear features heavily and Breton shirts are an essential.

And screen-printed tees. I have too many concert shirts.

Kate

Veteran

Hmm, I think I must be pattern averse. I don't dislike them, just don't want them for myself. I only have one patterned piece in my closet—new this year and as yet unworn—a navy pinstriped top. Patterns only feature in my scarves, and those patterned few tend to be the classics: plaids (2) and leopard (2).

Oh wait, wait, I lied! Plaid pants!!! I love plaid pants. And have three pairs. Whew. Though oddly enough, I have no desire at all for a plaid skirt or dress, though I certainly would wear a plaid coat if the right one caught my eye.

Bonnie

Veteran

I love plaid and often wear it for sleepwear or hiking. I checked my "out and about" tops and dresses and about 1/3 are stripes, plaid, dots, checks, and florals so I guess I'm a fan of patterns. Stripes are the predominant pattern in this capsule. My pants and toppers are mostly solids.

Traci

Veteran

I've figured out recently I really prefer prints in neutrals. I noticed several years ago that I loved buying florals, but they never actually got worn. I stopped buying florals for a very long time. I only wore stripes, dots and checks, all in black and white. Then I came upon a floral print top in charcoal, gray, white and a little tan and it became a wardrobe workhorse. I realized it's really more about the toned down colors than it is about what the print is, for me.

Tisa

Summer, I think certain patterns can sometimes be a bit difficult to incorporate in the existing wardrobe, and agree with you about spots. Well said. The problem I notice with plaid is that the few plaid items a store holds (that I like) often don't fit me right. Especially since I like plaid skirts and trousers, and getting bottoms that fit is always a bit tricky for me. Stripes, on the other hand, are never this problematic, because I like them on tops. Finding a striped tee is a walk in the park compared to finding the right pair of plaid trousers.
Could that be the reason you don't own plaid?

StyleFan, how could I forget paisley patterns? I love paisley pattern on scarves, too.
Solid coloured essentials and patterned accessories sounds like a very nice formula. It must look great.

Angie, do you have a preferred colour of checks, or do you wear many different colours? Do you wear them often? I recently saw a blue-white checkerd shirt that I instantly liked. It made me aware of the pattern, and I'm thinking of buying it. It would be the first checkered item in my wardrobe.

Approprio, I can imagine you in oversized polka-dots, graphic florals, and high-contrast prints, and I'm sure they look great on you.
Your choice of traditional textiles, summer prints, and woven fabrics must look gorgeous. Even though those types of textiles might not be for everyone, they always look amazing on people, who feel comfortable in them.
Obviously you have a very pattern and texture-rich wardrobe. I'm already looking forward to your future WIWs.

Kate, plaid pants look great, don't they? I've never thought about a plaid coat, but it could be very interesting.

Bonnie, patterned tops, surrounded by solids? Impossible to fail. And with so many different patterns there's a great number of choices and combinations. You're describing a very elegant dressing formula.

Traci, colours can make such a big difference. It's great that you figured out what you like and what works for you.