On Paisley

carrie

I think I have one or two paisley items. I find its not a reliable print. A lot of the time there are colors that I don’t particularly like, or they style of the paisley isn’t speaking to me. But every once in a while there will be a piece that puts it all together in way that’s flattering on me.

August 12, 2011 at 4:17 am

Inge

It’s true that you see lots of paisley on menswear items, but I’ve never really thought of it as a “masculine pattern” per se. I don’t dislike paisley, but am not very drawn to it either. Occasionally I see a paisley scarf that I like (like the one in today’s post), but then it’s usually more about the colour combination than the pattern itself. And, like you, I always seem to find another pattern I like better, but who knows, perhaps I’ll be sporting a paisley scarf in a month or so;-)

August 12, 2011 at 4:21 am

Cathymk

I really rather like the 4th shirt from J Crew – too bad they don’t ship all the way to Australia! Looks very springish! I do like the paisley pattern but like Carrie don’t often see pretty shirts in the pattern

August 12, 2011 at 4:26 am

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

I love paisley, it is probably my favourite pattern. A used to have a paisley tunic, but that got cleared out post baby. I have recently bought a paisley scarf and am looking forward to wearing when the weather starts to cool. I am a huge fan of most Liberty fabrics and patterns too.

I don’t think of it as a particularly masculine pattern, probably because I have been conditioned over the last 5 years by looking in shirt shops for Lonodn and seeing the pattern on shirts for both men and women.

August 12, 2011 at 4:48 am

Patti @ NotDeadYet Style

(website)

I like touches of paisley, like that beautiful scarf you’re showing, or in the lining of a blazer. It’s a nostalgic pattern for me, a former flower child!

August 12, 2011 at 4:49 am

Kasmira

(website)

In the ’80’s, I had a pinstriped shirt (white and dark green stripes) with cuffs patterned in paisley (on a dark green background). I loved that shirt!

After developing an obsession with India and Bollywood, paisley now reminds me of that culture. In fact, the paisley pattern originated in India/Pakistan. I love it’s lush, ornate look and wish I could find more paisley patterned items!

August 12, 2011 at 4:53 am

Louise

Veteran

I’ve never thought about it as being a particularly masculine pattern though now you mention it yes I suppose it is mainly on men’s ties and underwear. I don’t have anything paisley but I’m not adverse to it and if the right piece comes along who knows x

August 12, 2011 at 4:54 am

nancylee

Veteran

I like paisley and I’ve never associated it with menswear. I think the pattern appeals to my 70’s style. It has a somewhat boho association for me.

It’s funny that you posted that JCrew paisley blouse since I just ordered it to try. It fits but I haven’t decided whether to keep it or not. I’m not really sure how it’s going to work with the rest of my wardrobe. Both the color and pattern are a bit of a departure….but the color is a lovely green. So, yay paisley?

August 12, 2011 at 4:57 am

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I think I have a couple of scarves with paisley patterns, but for a shirt or dress it almost seems too much. (Hmm, but I seem to remember having a paisley print dress in my collection downstairs. Maybe it was just the edging print; the whole dress would be too much.)

August 12, 2011 at 5:04 am

Di

(website)

Veteran

I have one wonderful paisley blouse, but its colors are very, very low contrast. Paisley, in general, is not one of my favorite patterns. (Though, like everything else, I’m prone to enjoying it on others, even though I don’t usually pick it for myself.)

August 12, 2011 at 5:12 am

Laura65

Somehow, I find paisley to be quite feminine, with its fanciful curves and colors. Look at the paisley print on the tie, with its floral motif as well. That’s why I think it works so well on men, because of the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine. Paisley needs contrast, or to be used on something unexpected to really work for me, for either men or women. (I like an oversized paisley print on a linen shirt, for example, but on ties, I find paisley a bit too been-there-done-that).

August 12, 2011 at 5:12 am

ruthe

Active Member

Paisley doesn’t necessarily say masculine to me. I have a lovely silk paisley blouse in shades of blues and I dearly love that shirt. Makes me feel really pretty. But, you are right about there being many things masculine paisley.

August 12, 2011 at 5:20 am

anne

Veteran

It doesn’t say masculine to me at all. I had a great paisley shirt in powder blue in the 80’s

August 12, 2011 at 5:51 am

KB

I actually think of paisley as feminine. I love it, but don’t own any clothes with a paisley pattern because there isn’t much available out there. I do have a couple of Vera Bradley totes that are paisley patterned, but I don’t use those very much, mainly for travel.

August 12, 2011 at 5:52 am

Debora

Veteran

Angie, would you bite the bullet for paisley AND polka dots? This is purely a hypothetical question since the below item is no longer available.

http://www.polyvore.com/pippa_.....d=30618085

August 12, 2011 at 6:05 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I love paisley- it’s my absolute favorite type of print. It doesn’t have a masculine association for me, but maybe that’s because I associate it back to it’s root of paisley shawls and prefer it best in very feminine forms of drapey fabrics and sheer fabrications.

August 12, 2011 at 6:06 am

Phoebe

Veteran

I had my share of paisley items in the 80s. I never think of it as masculine, more like a dowdy, granny style. But I´m not sure about it at all. It has a certain “je-ne-sais-quoi” to it, but in a negative way. Strange.

August 12, 2011 at 6:07 am

Astrid

Veteran

I like paisley and wouldn’t have associated it with masculine clothing. I don’t have an item with a paisley pattern at the moment, but I wouldn’t say no to a pretty paisley blouse, dress or scarf.

August 12, 2011 at 6:07 am

Vani

Veteran

Growing up with tonnes of paisley, I tend to make an automatic connection to India whenever I see paisley. Which is why even though I simple, bold and graphic, paisley is the one pattern I find hard to fight. But I very much prefer paisley partnered with bright or rich colors like in the blue/orange scarf and the aqua shirt (which I LOVE btw).
e.g.
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/.....y_sg70.jpg
http://www.webmallindia.com/im.....SL2092.jpg
http://sb.shopmania.org/files/....._46178.jpg

Paisley with all the intricate detailing seems to get lost on sedate colors and pastels, I feel.

August 12, 2011 at 6:11 am

Laurinda

I appreciate paisley for its organic shape and ancient roots in India/Iran. I would never think of it as masculine, but it is interesting that it is a pattern men are ‘permitted’ to wear, unlike say, florals. (Why is that?) I have paisley silk and wool scarves, and my current favorite dress is paisley in shades of blue, turquoise and black.

August 12, 2011 at 6:21 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Interesting…I never really thought of paisely as masculine before but once I started to think about it, you’re quite right – ties especially. I unfortunately have a mindset of paisley being for someone older. I’m not sure why that is. Maybe because my Grandmother wore a lot of paisley (her absolute favorite print) and so I associate it with her and don’t feel comfortable in it myself. But I do appreciate it on others and think it’s fairly classic. Would I ever buy anything in paisley? Probably not.

August 12, 2011 at 6:26 am

HeleenH

Veteran

My dad has a couple of ties in paisley motive, from whey back when. I am not sure I was fond of them when he was wearing them, but now I like the pattern just becaus of the memory.
However, just this week I put a tunic/dress with a paisley (inspired) motive in the donation bag because the colours weren’t right after all and the pattern was a little large for my petite body.

August 12, 2011 at 6:39 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

Hmmm, it’s funny because whenever I would go to buy a paisley tie for my husband I would stop and think twice to make sure it wasn’t too feminine.
I very clearly remember a purple paisley knit top I had bought at a Units store back in the late 80’s and I loved it! I remember even wearing that through one of my pregnancies (mid-90’s) I also had a paisley scarf in blues/greens, but when I think back on that one I think of it as a bit matronly for some reason.
I think I like paisley because it is a low-contrast print and I have a hard time wearing many bold, large scale, high-contrast prints. I would love to find a beautiful paisley flowy blouse some day.

August 12, 2011 at 6:54 am

Diana

Veteran

I don’t currently own anything paisley but I’d like to. It does not read as masculine to me at all.

August 12, 2011 at 6:56 am

Deborah

Veteran

I love paisley but for some reason I don’t wear it. In the 80’s I had a fantastic green and white paisley print over shirt… I loved it and wore it over a pair of white pants. Since then nothing has appealed to me enough to buy it.

Debora, that blouse would be a yes from me

August 12, 2011 at 7:04 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Laura said resonates with me. Ironically, I too find paisley a curvy and feminine looking design, although to me it’s still a stereotypically masculine print. You will always find it in the mens department and that’s a very interesting juxtaposition – one that florals does not share.

Phoebe, I get what you’re saying too. I am SO into the ’80s yet paisley is not on my radar.

Queen Mum, doesn’t the contrast depend entirely on the colour execution as opposed to the nature of the print?

Debora and Deborah, exactly. I like paisley best when it is part of another pattern, like florals or polka dots.

August 12, 2011 at 7:05 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

It doesn’t have a menswear vibe to me… more of an underwear/pajama vibe. Who knows why? I like it fine but, like Angie, I haven’t owned any. The color combinations never seem right for me, and for some reason I always see the print on silky shirts that look like part of a pajama set.

August 12, 2011 at 7:07 am

Jjsloane

Veteran

I have a skirt and a blouse in paisley. I think it entirely depends on the color whether it is masculine or feminine. Perhaps the masculine association is due to the fact they resemble sperm? Sorry, someone had to state the obvious.
To me it conjurs up Ralph Lauren and British castles (huntwear?). I’m not opposed to it, but when using paisley on women’s wear the placement of the pattern is key (i had to return something that made targets out of my breasts due to enlarged swirls in those locations)

August 12, 2011 at 7:11 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

I never thought of paisley as having a masculine association, but thinking about it now and seeing the posted pics, I agree that it does. I know I surely had paisley in the 80s (in fact now I am remembering a favorite dress with tones of orange and brown), but paisley seems to have slipped my mind these days. Can’t think of anything paisley that I own now.

August 12, 2011 at 7:13 am

Enginemom

I don’t consider paisley masculine….I always found it ironic that men wore such a feminine pattern! I do like paisley but own very little….one tunic. Mostly its because of the colors. My one tunic contains all the colors that I enjoy wearing. I often choose a pattern based on the colors it has in it.

August 12, 2011 at 7:31 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Vani, I only just saw your links. Those Indian patterns are *gorgeous*.

Jjsloane, I believe that paisley is an organic print that was inspired by an Indian fruit.

August 12, 2011 at 7:54 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I associate paisley with femininity interestingly. Growing up in India there were lots of saris that had paisley motifs on them. I don’t seek out paisley but I do own 2 outfits that have paisley on them – I prefer then when they are a little abstract and only partially on the garment vs. a full on paisley print.

August 12, 2011 at 7:59 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like paisley and am drawn to it if I am drawn to the colours within it. I wouldn’t buy it for the pattern, per se, but for the colour combinations. I think it’s especially great in accessories and may explain why it is so popular in ties and scarves—you can use it to tie (ha ha, bad pun!) the other elements of your outfit together!

I recently bought a vintage brocade top in a paisley pattern. It was very inexpensive and I bought it for one occasion, like a costume. But now that I have it home, I think it may come in much handier than I had imagined! I believe I’ll be able to wear it backwards as a little vest and those colours will work well with others in my closet.

August 12, 2011 at 8:01 am

Carole

Veteran

I almost bought a paisley blouse at Nordstroms. The pattern in no way looked masculine because it was in beautiful girly colors. I thought the large scale of the pattern was too much, but I’m still drawn to it. To me, paisley seems 70’s inspired or Boho-ish. But I can see how darker colors would seem masculine.

I tried to link the top, but can’t find it.

August 12, 2011 at 8:02 am

Antje

Veteran

I don’t have any masculine associations with paisley, but just like with you, Angie, the pattern doesn’t make it to the top of my preferences. I have never owned a paisley item, either.
The items above are neat, though. I wouldn’t rule out a soft blouse in a paisley print to combine with my leather skirt or other pencil skirts…

August 12, 2011 at 8:10 am

Shari

Paisley always has been and continues to be my favorite pattern! I don’t consider it masuline in the least. Argyle is my next favorite pattern. : )

August 12, 2011 at 8:27 am

Vildy

Veteran

I always end up getting rid of paisley items. Odd because I tend to like allover pattern.
But I guess my first preference is often small geometric.

I never associated it with menswear. My father didn’t wear it nor my grandfather, who was once very dapper.

It was mentioned that paisley is permitted to men, unlike florals. My husband, when he wore jackets and ties to work, often wore Liberty print small florals. OTOH, he was once a bouncer.

Somewhat related to paisley in feeling, the baroque scrolling patterns. I tend to get rid of those, too. And you’d think the rounded, arching shapes of both would suit my physical features and body curves.

August 12, 2011 at 8:31 am

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

I LOVE Paisley, it is hands-down my favorite print, there can be such a richness to it. I actually find it a very feminine print.

It is the one thing that I have to think about when I’m shopping. Generally clothing decisions are pretty easy for me–I’m either happy with something or not. With paisley I have to make myself look beyond the print and see that the piece actually works for me. That is more of a problem when paisley as a style is at a low point in its popularity.

August 12, 2011 at 8:32 am

StacyJo

(website)

Active Member

Overall, I like paisley, but in touches such as a scarf and the colours have to speak to me. If I wore a paisley item, I’d look rather weird!

August 12, 2011 at 8:34 am

Talia

I love paisley, but like you, have a tendency toward polka dots or stripes. I am going to add a paisley piece now. Thanks for the reminder!

August 12, 2011 at 8:36 am

Velma

Veteran

I am a historian, so paisley puts me in mind of the British empire–textiles imported from India–and the English mania for cashmere (Kashmir) shawls. Women loved and needed them, with their bare shoulders, but men also used them in the cold houses–and had the paisley textiles tailored into something like smoking jackets, which we would recognize as bath robes.

I suspect to British people of the late eighteenth or early nineteenth centuries, these fabrics looked louche, ethnic, and “boho.” Certainly not “old lady” or purely masculine.

I love paisley, especially in classic, rich colors. I have a few Indian paisley shawls. In the ’80s, I remember I had an incredible wool challis paisley skirt.

August 12, 2011 at 8:37 am

Blue Fedora

Active Member

I love paisley! While it’s most commonly seen on men’s items, I don’t have a “masculine association” with it. I love paisley!

August 12, 2011 at 8:40 am

esme noir

(website)

Active Member

i haven’t bought any paisley myself, but i was sorely tempted after seeing this young woman’s skirt at the gym. check it out:
http://esmenoir.com/2011/08/10.....tographer/

August 12, 2011 at 8:42 am

Saretta

(website)

Active Member

That’s funny…I do not associate paisley specifically with men/menswear at all.

August 12, 2011 at 8:55 am

Lisa

Veteran

I am not a big fan of paisley on women or men. I prefer simpler designs with more defined edges than all the swirls and curls. The most paisley I would add to my wardrobe is in a scarf pattern which would be folded anyway.

August 12, 2011 at 8:56 am

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

It doesn’t do anything for me. I’ve never own anything paisley and i don’t see myself picking anything out like that anytime soon…

August 12, 2011 at 9:05 am

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My very first skirt when I was 15 or so, was pink with paisley

Since then, no more paisley.

August 12, 2011 at 9:19 am

taylor

Veteran

I like paisley in silk fabrics . It is such a busy and often heavy looking print to me, far too busy for anything other just just a scarf for me.

August 12, 2011 at 9:29 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

true Angie… there are many variables when it comes to prints. I guess I was just thinking that a paisley usually fits all my print criteria, whereas other prints get nixed right and left for one reason or another. That’s not saying that I”d wear just ANY paisley that happens to come along… I do have some integrity

August 12, 2011 at 9:36 am

Yardshark

Funny that you mention paisley, because recently I’ve found myself absolutely collecting it.

I was born in the 60s and avoided paisley for a long time because of its hippy-dippy associations at the time. I have found though that when it comes to patterns, I love the way it looks (scale and colors do matter). I prefer abstracts and geometrics over florals by far, but paisley is almost a compromise between them. I also love scroll prints, another type of abstract.

However, I have absolutely no interest in assigning gendered qualities to what I wear. It’s not a factor for me at all. I don’t particularly associate paisley with menswear, no, but neither have I ever cared to label it feminine. Gendering patterns and other aspects of clothing is utterly meaningless to me. I just wear what I like.

August 12, 2011 at 9:51 am

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Paisley doesn’t appeal to me, not sure why. I don’t own anything paisley, and my husband has one tie that is, but it’s black and gray.

August 12, 2011 at 10:01 am

rachylou

Veteran

Yes, I associate paisley with men’s ties. It’s very Victorian to me. I most often see it in sort of muddied colours. I don’t know how to put it – like there’s something about the dyes – the blues, reds or what have you are not as clear as they could be. That’s not really for me.

I did see some beautiful tone-on-tone paisley curtains once. Shades of browny-grey.

Oh, and we had a daybed with a paisley covering when I was little – grey and teal. That was pretty. Those were also the days of the Hippie.

August 12, 2011 at 10:08 am

MsMary

Veteran

I love paisley and have positive paisley-hippy-dippy associations from the 70s! It never seemed masculine to me at all, and like QM, when I buy a paisley item for Hubby I am careful to make sure it doesn’t seem to feminine to me! (He has some FAB paisley shirts!)

BTW, someone once told me that originally the paisley print was made by making a fist and dipping the side of your hand in dye or paint — the heel of your hand makes the larger part of the design and your pinkie finger bent over makes the smaller part. Try it — it kinda works! However I’ve never been able to find any confirmation of that theory.

August 12, 2011 at 10:21 am

Pat

Love a wool paisley scarf in rich autumn tones.

August 12, 2011 at 10:45 am

DressLover

Veteran

Of all the prints I own, I surprisingly do not have any paisley. I think the reason is I gravitate toward abstract and/or uncomplicated patterns. Paisley is a literal, ornate pattern that comes off as slightly rigid to me.

However, I used to dislike lace, and now I am craving something lace. Perhaps there will be hope for paisley one day.

August 12, 2011 at 10:49 am

sarah

Veteran

I don’t have any paisley right now, but I have at various times in my life, and have always associated it with feminine style. I was going to upload a photo from 1968 of my sister asleep in the canoe at age 2, dressed in paisley pants that I wore before she did, and that my mother made for me! (But I realize you can’t upload photos in a comment. Greg?!) It’s funny – I have a very strong memory of these pants – that’s probably why I feel quite comfortable with paisley to this day!

August 12, 2011 at 10:56 am

san

Veteran

I used to associate paisley with curtains or tablecloths and would never entertain the idea of wearing it, then I read a book called ‘The Persian Pickle Club’ which is a whodunit about a group of women in a quilting club back in the 1940’s. I was told that a Persian pickle is another name for paisley. After reading the book I became a little more interested in the pattern and decided that I like it if it is well done.

August 12, 2011 at 12:09 pm

LibraCyn

Active Member

My husband actually laughs at me for liking paisley so much and my closet was really clogged with it about 15 years ago. I had paisley tunics when I was pregnant and was unhappy when I had to give these outfits away post-babies. I really never thought of paisley as masculine at all. Right now in this pattern all I have are a couple of scarves. Actually, the duvet on my bed is a paisley pattern but it’s very subtle two-tone. Since I’m small I have a tough time carrying it off but I just saw a black and white paisley dress in a catalog that was adorable and think I’m going to order it!

August 12, 2011 at 12:13 pm

Rachel

Active Member

I think we have the same tastes in prints! I bought a paisley scarf recently, but within a day, I realized that it needed to be returned. I love the colors, but not the print!

Also, I don’t know quite how to articulate this, but just as I prefer more abstract florals, I prefer a more “abstract” paisley. Something that is a looser interpretation, and not too busy. I can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it! My favorite athletic top has a subtle paisley print, perhaps made so by the fact that it is only two colors, one a lighter tint of the other.

I don’t know if this is kosher for this site, but if I may, I’d like to include a random link to a fundraising campaign started today by a friend to raise money for people dying in East Africa. I just really want to get the word out! http://seeyourimpact.org/members/ask5for5/

August 12, 2011 at 12:35 pm

Melinda

My one and only tattoo is a paisley pattern. I love it.

August 12, 2011 at 12:54 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Never owned any paisley except as a cloth Anna Sui handbag I got (and still have) from the mid-90s. But I am open to it. I would style it in a late-60s-Mick-Jagger way to make it work for me. Which risks being borderline costume-y, but there you go.

August 12, 2011 at 1:57 pm

Debbie

Veteran

Have a paisley scarve that was a gift. Love it in the winter.

August 12, 2011 at 2:24 pm

April

Veteran

I’m a bit meh on paisley.

It’s definitely a print that can look sophisticated or not, depending on what colors are included and which ones are omitted. I think it looks best when the “ugly” or drab colors are left in. When it’s all brights or all sweet shades, it loses its richness for me.

August 12, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Nicola

Just call me the paisley princess! Love it. If it wasn’t usually pink or blue I’d have more.

August 12, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Joy

Veteran

I’ve not yet read the other comments, but have always been drawn to paisley, especially if the colors are beautiful or interesting. I don’t have any clothing with a paisley print except for scarves, but it’s the print of choice for bedding because it doesn’t seem too masculine or too feminine. I associate it with Ralph Lauren.
The scarf in your post is beautiful and may need to join my collection.

August 12, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Linda

I just love paisley! I never really thought about it as a masculine print, but come to think of it, my husband has a few ties that I bought that are paisley. I currently don’t own any garments that are paisley, but in the 90’s I had a purple, blue and gold paisley skirt that had a matching cotton sweater with just a few of the “paisley swirls” knitted into the sweater. I wore the outfit to death and practically cried when I had to put it into the Purple Heart bag! Maybe I’ll get a paisley shirt for fall….

August 12, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Jenniferblue

Active Member

I never thought of paisley as either masculine or feminine. It’s surely both.

First it was a pattern that was developed in India and through time it became a
very distinctive Provincal print. It’s on French table linens and shawls, scarfs. Very Southern France.

To me it’s more of a regional print and will always be. To think of it otherwise misses the
wonderful point of paisley. I adore paisley. It’s lineage is Indian and French. It’s really
beautiful. Explore and you will love it too. So beautiful. Please don’t miss out on
this wonderful pattern, anyone.

August 12, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Cynthia

(website)

I’ve always loved paisley, and I will be happy to buy some if it becomes a trend. Especially that J. Crew shirt.

August 12, 2011 at 4:40 pm

Lena

Active Member

Hmm. At first I wanted to say I’m neutral on paisley. And now the more I think about it, the less interested I am. I dislike it on neck ties. I’m not excited about it on larger pieces like dresses and shirts. It doesn’t make me think of masculine items; instead it makes me think of interior design items like furniture, curtains, tablecloths, carpets, pottery.

It’s strange… because I like an ornate scroll here and there.

August 12, 2011 at 6:34 pm

catgirl

Veteran

Paisley is a very Indian design, and I feel very comfortable wearing Indian clothing with a paisley pattern. Western clothing, not so much – although that j. crew shirt is calling to me…

August 12, 2011 at 7:27 pm

clearlyclaire

The pattern reminds me of the Chinese “yin and yang” symbol. I also associate it with the Ralph Lauren of the 80’s –kind of Brittish colonial, brought back from India.

I have always loved it’s sophisticated richness (not the cheap burgundy comfortor sets).
The only thing paisley I have right now is a pashmina which I wore almost every day last winter. I didn’t even realize it was paisley when I bought it. My Mom bought my Dad paisly ties back in the day, and told me it was a floral that was okay for men to wear.

Angie, a thought: It seems to me that a paisley color scheme is usually very low contrast and is often done in a drapey fabric. Perhaps it’s lack of sharpness in contrast and lack of crispness in fabric is one of the reasons you are not naturally drawn to it.

August 12, 2011 at 10:27 pm

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have owned one item in a paisly design, a bias cut midi dress circa 1999. I’m not overly drawn to the design but do not dislike it either. Aside from animal print I’m on a solid kick of late so I expect I will not be adding a paisly item to my wardrobe anytime soon.

August 13, 2011 at 2:15 pm

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t know why, but I have always been drawn to paisley! When I saw that J Crew shirt photo, I had to click on it immediately. It’s now in a shopping cart.

A paisley aside…

In the 80s I bought a vintage men’s silk paisley shirt — I believe it had some high-end label — in shades of fuchsia, purple and royal blue. It was kind of worn out in the cuffs, but that was okay because it was oversized on me and I rolled up the sleeves. I used to wear it with a black leather miniskirt, black tank top, royal blue tights, and royal blue flats or black booties. It was one of my favorite nightclubbing outfits.

I still have that shirt. For some reason, instead of giving it away years ago when I stopped wearing it, I put it in storage with some 70s polyester whackadoodle outfits I wore as Halloween costumes. I think they’re in our basement. I may have to pull it out and take a picture!

August 13, 2011 at 9:07 pm

Scarlet

Veteran

I think I like paisley at least partly for sentimental reasons–my dad loved it. It hasn’t been much available for women in the last ten years or so but I have picked up some things for my DH over the years. Funny I never thought of it as masculine before though. I suppose you have a point because it is a classic menswear pattern.

August 15, 2011 at 10:55 am

Bianca

Veteran

Angie, it is not as common as a print as you described. And sometimes it just depends on the garment. However, I purchased an adorable paisley print bikini this summer from Lands End. It was in Petunia Pink!!! I just love the print. It makes me feel happy when I wear it!

August 16, 2011 at 10:24 am

bj1111

Veteran

i do like paisley but in the original subcontinental iteration, not the prepster version it has acquired.

August 16, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Kari

Veteran

Hehe, I’m wearing a paisley Sweet Pea top today for Bella’s YLF challenge.

I like paisley quite a lot, and I was surprised to hear that it’s considered a stereotypical masculine pattern. I don’t know very many men that would wear paisley, actually, except perhaps in a very muted tie.

I’m drooling over the blue/yellow/orange version of that scarf that you linked to. Wow!

August 16, 2011 at 6:42 pm

paralleltotheworld

(website)

Active Member

I have a great fear and dislike of anything paisley, so when my aunt bought me a paisley apron I wore it while not looking down. I even have a Fear of Pailsey Anonymous support group on Facebook… “Are you afraid to fall asleep in your grandmother’s guest bedroom, afraid the quilt will attack you in your sleep? We are here to help….”

They scare me, they look like bugs or worse

August 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm

Mizzou

My grandmother often wore silky blouses with big, richly colored paislies, so paisley makes me think of her. Grandma was a tall and striking woman, so it was a bold look. She was a home economist and always kept up with fashion, from her flapper look of the 30s to home-made Chanel coats later on. Thanks to Velma, now I know paisley, too, was probably a conscious update to boho.

August 30, 2011 at 11:39 am

Ruth

I love paisley! What I don’t like (and will never wear) is argyle. Argyle is too preppy for me. Paisley has a rich look to it that appeals to me.

December 15, 2011 at 11:56 am

About the Author

On Paisley

Recent Ensembles

Recent Trends

About the Author

Share this Post

Recent Ensembles

Recent Trends