Your Position on the Pattern Party

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Your Position on the Pattern Party

— by Angie

on February 20, 2013

Wearing patterned items and pattern mixed outfits was extremely popular in 2011 and even more so in 2012. Runway shows and retailers showed an explosion of patterns and virtually every catalogue and lookbook showcased pattern mixed outfits in some form or another. It was quite the Pattern Party.

As I look onto Spring and Fall 2013, patterns and pattern mixing are still strong trends, although probably not as as strong as the two preceding years. After all, parties do eventually come to an end. So my question is whether you’re all pattern partied out, or do you still have pattern energy to spare.

I’m slightly pattern partied out and need to rest up. I have lots of patterns across all items in my wardrobe that I will happily continue wearing. Patterns make me happy, pack that extra punch, and I especially enjoy wearing patterned belts and footwear. I also enjoy pattern mixing my outfits. But after I’ve found my floral jacket and replaced my worn out striped Summer pullover, that will be it. If I do add more pattern it will only be through footwear and belts.

How about you?

Patterns

65 comments · Add a comment

MsMary

Veteran

I am still as in love with stripes and polka-dots as I ever was! And yes, preferably together! So my vote is “party on!”

February 20, 2013 at 2:43 pm

Gracey at Fashion for Giants

(website)

Active Member

I don’t know that I’ll ever be tired of patterns – I adore a good floral like nobody’s business, but I will say that I’m buying less now. I’ve moved on to metallics but will still jump all over a patterned shoe. I also like the idea of patterned necklaces and belts.

February 20, 2013 at 2:49 pm

lamireille

Active Member

I could count the number of patterned items in my closet on the fingers of both hands–maybe only one. I can only think of two patterned t-shirts, and a few patterned scarves and some leopard print things, but that’s it.) I love love love beautiful textiles with beautiful patterns, but it’s so rare to find them because just one thing amiss–one weird or clashing color, a pattern that’s too big, any flaw really–ruins the whole thing, because it seems to me that the whole point of a pattern is that it be special.

I wish I could find pretty patterns… I would love to add some interest to outfits with something other than accessories.

February 20, 2013 at 2:54 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

I guess it depends on the pattern. I don’t think I ever really joined the party, to be honest. I never get tired of a good stripe or plaid, and I have the odd weird pattern (flies, prime numbers with flowers) but overall my pattern participation has been weak. So it wouldn’t be right to say that I’m “patterned out”…more that I’m only minimally interested in the first place.

I like patterned belts and shoes too, although I don’t own any myself.

February 20, 2013 at 3:06 pm

Diana

Veteran

Um, do you really need to ask me this question to know the answer? I think I have more patterns than solids in my wardrobe right now, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

February 20, 2013 at 3:18 pm

rute

Veteran

Very interesting topic! I think patterns are still in but not that strong as last here ( except for the stripes)!
I will continue to use mine but will not buy more, this season is all about solid soft colors

February 20, 2013 at 3:19 pm

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Stripes and I are still going strong and I don’t see us breaking up any time soon. I am also going to dabble in florals for spring and summer. I didn’t go too crazy at the pattern party, so I’ve still got some steam left in me!

February 20, 2013 at 3:21 pm

Cynthia

(website)

I think there are too many stripes right now. I like some variety in my patterns. But really I’m going through an avant-garde asymmetrical layers phase right now and haven’t been thinking much about pattern mixes.

February 20, 2013 at 3:22 pm

Tanya

Veteran

I am somewhere in the middle. I never went pattern crazy, but I do own plenty of stripes, and less of other patterns. I will be adding more purely on individual basis, based on how much I love the item, whether patterned or not. I am also on a big patterned belt kick and just discovering patterned shoes. I also love patterned blouses peaking under solid sweaters.

February 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Loving stripes. Loving some subdued animal prints and some abstract florals. But that was pretty much all the pattern I ever went for (the odd polka dot and tartan notwithstanding…) and that is probably as far as it will continue to go. I am grateful for this past year’s freedom with pattern mixing, though. It has opened some doors for me.

February 20, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Thistle

Veteran

I just started discovering patterns, so they are still fresh to me. I have also discovered that patterns can be kinder and help camoflauge better. Not sure I will ever graduate to pattern mixing!

February 20, 2013 at 4:50 pm

Joy

Veteran

I ‘m still loving stripes, dots and animal prints and have other printed items in my existing spring/summer wardrobe. The party continues. I’m not planning to add more patterned items. They will have to be very special to earn a spot.

February 20, 2013 at 4:51 pm

Becky

Veteran

I’m picky about my patterns, but I don’t think I’ll ever be patterned out!

February 20, 2013 at 4:57 pm

sarah

Veteran

I love patterns, and I don’t see them ever going out of my life!

February 20, 2013 at 5:10 pm

carolbee

Veteran

I have some patterns, stripes and my floral cardigan, but most of my pattern comes from scarves. I’ve never joined the pattern mixing party and doubt I ever will.

February 20, 2013 at 5:26 pm

Charmian

Veteran

I’ve loved geometrics from afar, for forever. It’s only only in the past few months that I’ve dipped my toes in pattern mixing, and if we’re honest it was because I wanted an excuse to wear my beloved newly-acquired patterned items more often. Like you, I expect I’ll be wearing geometrics and patterned accessories, in a classic way, for a very long time!

As in life, by the time I decide to join the party, it’s time for it to break up

February 20, 2013 at 5:47 pm

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have definitely moved from team polka dot to team stripe over the last year – although I still like polka dots! I was never much of a party person but am still enjoy spending time with stripes and plaids.

February 20, 2013 at 6:06 pm

Jamie

Veteran

I’m still enjoying all the patterns I have. I’m looking for a floral jacket, and would love to add some more belts and maybe another patterned blouse. Aside from that, though, I probably won’t purchase too much more.

February 20, 2013 at 6:25 pm

mellllls

i don’t think i will ever grow tired of a pop of pattern. i need pops of pattern to spice up my outfits.

as for pattern-mixing, i only do very light pattern-mixing so as to dip my toes in the trend. if pattern-mixing is on the decline, then i can pass on it.

February 20, 2013 at 6:48 pm

Debbie

Veteran

I am still in love with polka dots!

February 20, 2013 at 7:50 pm

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m nuts for stripes, but other than a Pucci- esque BCBG top, the half dozen patterned items that I own read more like solids due to the small size of the uniformly repeated pattern, or the low contrast of the colours.

I’m new to style analysis, but I’m starting to think that my happiness quotient goes up when textures are involved.

February 20, 2013 at 8:18 pm

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I never really got into pattern mixing, and I love a good print, but I’ve actually been moving slightly away from patterns lately as my style is getting a little more simplified and sophisticated. I’m getting choosier about patterns. I’ll never give them up completely though!

February 20, 2013 at 8:42 pm

Beth Ann

Veteran

I’m loving certain patterns, but I’m getting pickier and creating more “single-focus” outfits. I actually call this the “One Diva” rule. There’s only room for one star in an outfit –the others need to be supporting players. I’ve chosen to simplify in jewelry, too, and have just purchased several pairs of very simple earrings.

I second Thistle comments, too! Patterns often camouflage figure flaws, and for that — I adore them!

February 20, 2013 at 9:48 pm

Lena

Hmm, actually this is food for thought: I didn’t go as nuts for patterns and pattern mixing as I predicted. Curiously, I don’t feel ‘patterned out’ but I’m also yearning for statements with solids.

Still loving stripes, though

I didn’t go for polka dots.

February 20, 2013 at 9:56 pm

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I love polka dots but don’t own anything striped or polka dotted, so I’m hoping the party isn’t quite over yet.

February 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm

Antje

Veteran

I will ALWAYS have pattern energy I’m very much enjoying the pattern trends, and happily participate in this spring’s floral trend. Don’t let this party end!

February 21, 2013 at 12:00 am

Karianne

(website)

Active Member

I’m not very big on patterns, but I like animal print accessories and breton stripes. I also have my eye on a tribal print skirt, but that’s about it:) Florals are so not my thing!

February 21, 2013 at 12:42 am

Diane G

I actually have a lot of plain things in my wardrobe, so some pattern would be a change for me! I don’t like stripes or really representitive florals, so my type of pattern would be a bit stylised or abstract. I love a bit of animal print too.

February 21, 2013 at 1:51 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I’ve never gone super crazy with pattern, so I’m not tired of them just yet;-) Also: I started out with practically no pattern in my wardrobe at all (except for some stripes, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop buying stripes;-) and it was thanks to you and YLF that I learnt how to make my outfits more visually interesting by adding a pattern now and then. I’ll probably continue to add a pattern here and there (I’m also on the lookout for a floral blazer/jacket), and like you wouldn’t mind a few pairs of patterned footwear and belts.

February 21, 2013 at 2:30 am

Molly L-R

Active Member

More patterns, MORE!! Last year I think I only bought one patterned item :O This was a mistake and left my outfit choices extremely limited, so this year I’ve set myself a challenge that at least half the items I buy this year must have patterns. So far it’s going well My favourite patterns are tartan, stripes and leopard print.

February 21, 2013 at 2:58 am

Raisin

Veteran

I have a weird relationship with patterns. I’m very drawn to interesting patterns, I think that’s my artistic side coming out, but I like outfits that don’t rely heavily on patterns. I need to find ways to incorporate my patterned pieces in, more gently. I do like the patterns I have, though.

February 21, 2013 at 3:19 am

Master 9

I’m with you Angie. I will continue to wear the patterns I have but I don’t plan on adding anymore at the moment. I am a little pattern partied out. I’m seeing myself wearing more solids and like you brining in pattern and interest through my shoes and accessories.

February 21, 2013 at 3:40 am

nancylee

Veteran

I’ve always enjoyed having pattern in my wardrobe and that will probably always be. Geometric prints, batik, and abstracts are elements of love for me. I also enjoy the occasional stripe or even whimsical print. I love the interest pattern brings to an outfit, and I especily love to see patterns hanging in my closet. They make me happy in the same way bright colors make some of you ladies happy.

February 21, 2013 at 4:08 am

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I just joined the party a few short months ago and plan to party on! I

February 21, 2013 at 5:35 am

Parsley

Veteran

In general I have never loved pattern except subtle or geometric ones, so I don’t foresee a big change. I’ve dabbled more in pattern and color since finding YLF, but I’m realizing that I prefer mostly solid neutrals with a few bold color accents. Now I’m interested in experimenting more with texture on a neutral color palette.

February 21, 2013 at 6:11 am

Keix

Veteran

I’ve always been a huge fan of patterns and pattern-mixing; Anthropologie’s aesthetic was my first dive into fashion, the “look” that drew me in, if that gives you any idea of the crazy things I’ve been known to wear. XD Strangely enough, I’m pretty conservative when it comes to silhouettes, but not with pattern or color. The more the better! I am starting to move toward neutrals though, because they are admittedly easier to wear. But I could never wear a wardrobe of all solids; I’d be bored within a week!

February 21, 2013 at 6:13 am

clearlyclaire

I love patterns and I am happiest when my outfit contains at least one patterned piece. I did go a little bit crazy last year with pattern mixing and noticed fear in the eyes of my clients with DFS when I introduced myself as their dresser, lol! Now I’m trying to be very judicious in my pattern selection. I have a patterned bag, belt and shoes for the first time in my life and often a solid outfit just gets one of those items for a pinch of spice. I’m back to the drawing board with dresses, and if I buy a patterned dress, it will have to be a very subtle (not overpowering) print.

February 21, 2013 at 6:21 am

Tina.b

Veteran

I’m drawn to pattern, geometrics and abstracts in particular. I think pattern with always play a major role in my wardrobe but solids usually are the backbone.

February 21, 2013 at 6:36 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I still love patterns, especially florals (surprise surprise!) and graphic prints. I am kind of over bold pattern mixing though and will probably be limiting my patterns to either one bolder piece in an outfit, or two smaller items for mixing.

February 21, 2013 at 6:45 am

Isabel

Veteran

Haha……pattern hangover ! My idea of going nuts was polka dots and stripes. That is a huge deal for me. I like it so I don’t see that changing. I also have grown to love stripes with a polka dot scarf or a floral one . But I gotta tell you, all the mint and peach in the stores is driving me crazy. I look horrible in pastels.

PS, I am writing this on DH iPad and the self correcting feature is driving me mad. It kept replacing polka dot with Oklahoma ! So for the record, I don’t have an Oklahoma scarf to wear with stripes LOL

February 21, 2013 at 6:45 am

Astrid

Veteran

I love pattern, but I don’t have a lot patterned pieces. My patterned clothing consists mostly of stripes and plaid, I have more wilder patterns when it comes to scarves. I’m thinkking about adding some more pattern with the new pieces I plan to buy.

February 21, 2013 at 7:10 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lots of partying while some of us peacefully rest up

February 21, 2013 at 7:23 am

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have a mix of patterns, but prefer solids most days. I find patterns so much more “memorable” so I find it hard to wear them as often. It’s probably just me remembering, but still. I do like some of the new stripes and have invested in several striped items over the past year and I wear those quite a bit as “almost neutrals” in my mind.

February 21, 2013 at 7:24 am

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Well let’s see – in my outfits this week: Monday, striped pullover sweater; Tuesday, DVF patterned dress; Wednesday, leopard print blouse; Thursday, floral scarf; Friday will be a floral patterned blouse. I think I’m partying on.

February 21, 2013 at 7:40 am

shedev

Veteran

More of my summer things are patterned than my winter things so I guess I left the party early. My love for patterned pants remains true though. I’ve kind of moved on to things that look a little weathered.

February 21, 2013 at 8:18 am

cheryl

Veteran

I love pattern and am just naturally drawn to it. I don’t think I will ever tire of it. I usually have to consciously force myself to look for something solid, as far as tops go.

February 21, 2013 at 8:28 am

cciele

Veteran

Never joined the party

February 21, 2013 at 9:13 am

Annabeth

I’ve always used patterns more sparingly — usually just one item in an ensemble — so I don’t expect to stop incorporating them anytime soon. Recently bought my first pair of patterned pants in I don’t know how long, but even that pattern is fairly neutral (black and ivory, a very subtle animal print that looks more like dots at first) and mixes and matches so well that I think it will have a place in my wardrobe long after the “party” has ended.

February 21, 2013 at 9:19 am

merwoman

Veteran

Variety is the spice of life – I am still loving the patterns – and solids for that matter.
I have more stripes and polka dots and the odd floral in my closet than ever before…butsince I was strating from ground zero it really isn’t all that much. I have to admit that as much as I love houndstooth, I am reaching the saturation point.

February 21, 2013 at 9:29 am

Ajoanna

Active Member

I absolutely adore patterns! You ladies can donate me your leftovers any day. I will probably be pattern happy until kingdom come. I’m still working on actually mixing patterns, but all of my happy outfits involve some type of pattern.

February 21, 2013 at 10:34 am

christieanne

Veteran

I remember about 12 months back when I barely had a pattern in my closet. Things have changed (although stripes are verging on obsession for me) and although I am picky in my pattern purchases, I am convinced they add some interest and variety occasionally.

February 21, 2013 at 11:38 am

Lisa

Veteran

I always enjoy adding pattern to an outfit with a scarf with some pattern, so I’m sticking to those. And I have not grown tired of dots or stripes yet. For other patterns I’m on the fence, I like them, especially all the flowers I see right now, but I think my eye will tire of them by end of the spring season.

February 21, 2013 at 11:55 am

Marley

Veteran

I love me a good party – but, patterns are not partying with me much anymore. Several years ago (when I was still shopping) I realized that I virtually had *no patterned items in my wardrobe and so I made a concerted effort to get some – they were generally animal prints, abstract patterns, a few polka dots and some stripes (are stripes considered a pattern?) Anyway, they were fun to mix together and I had a “party” everytime I wore them all mixed up in crazy combinations. However, over the past 9 to 12 months, I’ve stopped – it wasn’t a conscious decision on my part – I just wasn’t ever moved to wear them much. Now, I realize that I’ve moved away from them – I am longing for more serene, peaceful outfits – and patterns only are allowed at my parties if they are subtle and in small doses (like belts, some scarfs, and shoes.)

February 21, 2013 at 11:56 am

Lyn D.

Veteran

I am still loving patterns because pre YLF I was a very plain dresser!
Now I love patterned shoes and belts especially!!

February 21, 2013 at 1:33 pm

Sarah A

Veteran

I have a mostly solid wardrobe that I am slowly adding patterns I love to. Ill stick with the party for another season or two at least as adding in more patterns is one of my 2013 shopping goals.

February 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I love patterns! All mixed up, alone, whatever

February 21, 2013 at 3:11 pm

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have to make a really conscious effort to include pattern in my clothes. I’m really loving snake-skin prints & will be using them a my go to animal/reptile print.

February 21, 2013 at 4:15 pm

T-Rex

Veteran

I have quite a few patterned pieces, and will probably purchase a few more. However, I don’t completely trust my taste in patterns. I’ve shown patterned items to friends, asking their opinions, and sometimes the feedback isn’t encouraging. This helps me if I’m on the fence about a pattern. If I happen to love it, though, nothing can discourage me.

I remember showing a brightly patterned blouse to a roommate in college. She told me that it looked like Walt Disney threw up on it. I thought that was funny, and I still think of it when I’m considering a bright print. She was very conservative in her tastes, and we rarely agreed on clothing styles. So her comment didn’t stop me from wearing it.

February 22, 2013 at 6:56 am

Tat

Patterned scarves are great! Your blog made me discover their power to freshen an outfit. Thanks.

February 22, 2013 at 7:14 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are welcome, Tat

February 22, 2013 at 10:32 am

Jewell

Veteran

I came late to the pattern party, so my enthusiasm is still going strong. I’ve tried some mild pattern mixing and will likely continue that as I’m enjoying adding an element of interest to my outfits.

February 23, 2013 at 11:47 am

Greek Goddess

Active Member

I have only been wearing patterns in the last couple of years so its still pretty new to me, as are colours. I used to live in mostly black clothes (even in the hot summer months) and now I get so many compliments for the colours and the patterns. I am not going to stop wearing them. The colours and patterns seem to go very well with the hot Greek sunshine.

February 24, 2013 at 10:42 am

Aida

Veteran

I’ve always loved geometric (esp. stripes) and abstract patterns, and don’t see that ever changing although I don’t consider myself a very heavy pattern wearer (except stripes ). I tend to like my prints in neutrals and my solids in BRIGHT colors, and over the last two years have been working at actually adding patterns to my wardrobe as they were previously missing almost entirely. I was definitely a player in the pattern party, but on more of a here-and-there basis; those outfits tended to pop up in the summer because I like prints more in hot weather. So I’m not pattern partied out, and plan to continue my here-and-there hectic print mixing since it makes me smile. I also don’t really intend to change my approach for a somewhat 50-50 print/solid mix in my wardrobe, and will always be on the lookout for great printed items because there are so few that I am drawn to.. Like you I would like to add more printed belts/footwear, but I am especially keen on adding another 1-3 pairs of printed trousers this season!

February 25, 2013 at 5:06 pm