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WIW: B/W pattern mixing

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I've slowly been bringing up some spring items from my downstairs closet, which includes this black and white striped knit blazer. This morning I decided on a whim to do a little black and white pattern mixing by wearing my black and white graphic print wrap dress topped with my black and white striped blazer. I think by having the two patterns in the same colour way keeps things from being too crazy - at least, that's my hope - lol!

I added my black pointy toe kitten heel pumps for footwear and went with my red quilted handbag, red specs and red lipstick for some colour and contrast.

So what do you think? Does this work together or have I lost my mind? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Blazer: Ambition
Dress: Maggy London
Pumps: Calvin Klein
Handbag: Nine West

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Anonymous

I think it is a fun, bold choice. I am not sure if it works or not, it is completely out of my comfort zone, but I am trying not to let that colour my gaze.

I think I would like it better if the stripes were slightly larger scale to match the pattern on the dress? And actually, if it was a coloured striped blazer, I think I would like it better!

The red touches are nice.

Mochi

Veteran

Oh, it's great! Not overwhelming or too loud at all. Very chic and ready for springtime. Shannon, you are looking wonderful.

Neel

Veteran

I think it works. A little busy for your usual style .... But you never fail to surprise us :). I do think keeping the colors similar works in a very cohesive and pleasant way. Great pattern mixing skills imo. And the pop of red is fun!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I think it works really well! It is a bit loud, sure, but I'm not overwhelmed at all. As long as the colors are the same, I think different patterns play nicely together. I love the touch of red with it. I think you look like a very interesting and fun person in this outfit (which I already know that you are:).

El Cee

Veteran

No, you have not lost your mind. I love your playful B/W pattern mixing and, of course, your added pops of red. I think this is a fun Spring look. Makes me smile.

Joy

Veteran

Fun! fun! Fun!

leopardluxe

Veteran

I think it works great. It's bold, but because you kept to black and white and only used a pop of solid red with the bag it really works well together.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ceit - I wondered about the scale of the stripes too. Maybe scale plays an even more important role than color???

Thanks Mochi, Neel, Ingunn, El Cee, Joy and leopardlux for indulging me

I must admit, I'm getting some interesting glances in the office today. And don't drive after looking at this outfit too long - it messes with your eyes - LOL!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love it! I think it works beautifully and you look incredibly fresh and fun!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Works for me and I love the red accents too!

adorkable

Veteran

Really fun. Is your office very conservative?

Emily

Veteran

It's bold for sure - and out of my comfort zone, too. I think you look good, though. Definitely made me smile

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

adorkable - I don't know if I'd go so far as to say my office is conservative, but it is not creative, if that makes sense.

I actually just went to our cafeteria to grab a cup of coffee and the lady in the line behind me was chatting with someone and commented "what does she think she's wearing" - I assumed it was about me so I politely turned around and smiled saying good morning. So she outright asked me why I was wearing stripes with a "busy" dress. So I simply said "doing a little pattern mixing for a dreary day - isn't it fun?" She then actually smiled and said "yes, I guess it is".

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Killer Fun yet Professional.

I love the way you fill out a frock. It's sublime.

You are beautiful inside and out, Shannon. xo

fuzzylogic

Veteran

Awesome pattern mixing! It is bold but, as you pointed out, because you have limited the colour palette to navy and white it doesn't appear too hectic! (apparently I am all about the colour palette today.......) and the contrasting handbag completes the look! Nice job!

Perhaps you have inspired someone at your work place???.......

Beth Ann

Veteran

Shannon --- What a gracious and elegant response to a careless coworker! Maybe she'll try having fun wish fashion herself!

I see what Ceit does --- the patterns are perhaps a little more similar in scale than is ideal for a pattern mix --- both kind of "midscale" if that makes sense. That said, I think the camera picks this up, particularly in graphic b/w, more than IRL, I think. I think pattern mixing always looks best IRL - on a 3D, moving body --- so I vote: yep, it works!

And I am so glad to see this dress again!

Parsley

Veteran

You look darling in this outfit, Shannon! It does make me a little dizzy, but I like it on you, anyway.

What a great comeback to the person at the cafeteria! I love how you bring sunshine and fun into people's days!

rabbit

Veteran

I love it!!! A big smile on my face as soon as I clicked on the photo. It's such a fun way to add variety to how clothes get combined. Love the pops of color.

My micro adjustment would maybe be to try a bright bag without a textural pattern just so it doesn't add a third pattern element - even if it's a very subtle one.

Anonymous

Shannon, you are simply amazing. First of all, you look gorgeous, fun, and like you know what you're doing when it comes to personal style. Second, the way you responded to that woman was so gracious and kind. Before you know it, she'll be asking you to take her shopping!

columbine(erin)

Veteran

It is bold but the jacket and dress fit you so well and, I really love the proportions. It might have been a bit much to have different colors in the jacket and dress but the red lip and handbag are great touches. I'm saving this post. I need to learn how to look fab while pattern mixing, as you do.

EveningMood

Shannon, I love the outfit and the classy comeback! I can't do pattern mixing to save my life, but you inspired me to try it with black and white.

Helena

Veteran

Shannon, I don't think everyone could pull this bold look off - but you definitely do! And it shows a lot of confidence and style too.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I have to tell you all - I'm having so much fun wearing this hectic combination today! And just to clarify, the lady in the cafeteria was just some random lady, not a co-worker.

Angie - you are so kind Thank you.

Rabbit - excellent suggestion! I didn't even realize that the handbag has yet another pattern. Thanks.

Thanks for your comments ladies - I agree that this outfit isn't for everyone and I totally appreciate that it won't be everyone's cup of tea. And I sure hope your eyes have all returned to normal after having a look at this!

Thistle

Veteran

Dress twin!! Love the wrap dress on you, and it looks so good with a red handbag!

Debra

Veteran

What a great dress the pattern mix is fun, I like the look but don't know that I'd be able to pull it off. You, on the other hand look fantastic

lyn67

Veteran

You surprised me with this pattern mixing Shannon, but I trully like it! Loved your chat with that lady, I think it suddenly grew up on her to accept others may have real fun with fashion!

gryffin

Veteran

Shannon - sublime!! You nailed it!! Fantastic and very fun combo!

DonnaF

Veteran

I LOVE your pattern mixing! It is particularly interesting because the dress pattern is on the diagonal while the jacket's is horizontal. IMHO it works because the jacket stripes are so narrow. If they were wide stripes (which would normally be seen in such a pattern mix), the jacket wouldn't be as flattering on you plus would come across as too casual and nautical for work.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I love pattern mixing, and not only do I love your bold and fun take on pattern mixing, but I love your response to the woman in line behind you. Perfectly classy, just like you

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