The following four patterns are true modern classics and don’t seem to have an expiry date. Sometimes they become more trendy and fashionable, like bold horizontal stripes over the last few seasons, or the polka dot rage of a few years ago. But after the trend passes they retain their importance. They look equally good on men, women and kids every season, across all colour combinations, fabrications, and wardrobe items. They are also the easiest patterns to mix with other patterns. 

Stripes

There’s the bold high-contrast horizontal stripe, which has a graphic flair. The more low-contrast narrow stripe is chic and subtle. The diagonal stripe can be very slimming. The variegated stripe is interesting and sporty. The shadow stripe is pretty, and the pinstripe is retro and masculine. 

Polka Dots

There is something about the repetition of a perfect circle that is fun and pleasing to the eye. There are large bold dots and dainty pin dots. Dots that are equally sized, or change size across the pattern. Some dots are equidistant while others are randomly scattered. Some are high contrast and some are low contrast. Abstract dots are fun too.  

Animal Print

Cat prints like leopard and cheetah are very popular. Wild animal prints like zebra, and reptile patterns like snake, lizard and crocodile are also popular. Pony and cow patterns provide more variation. Giraffe patterns are less mainstream. And if you don’t like to wear animal print on clothing, sport the pattern in a bag, belt, scarf or shoe. 

Checks

In the US checks are called plaid. Tartan and gingham are the most popular check designs. Houndstooth is pretty popular too. Glen plaid is a slam dunk in men’s suiting, but has become mainstream for women too. Checks can be large or small scale, and in high or low colour combinations. 

I was going to throw in the ditsy floral as a fifth pattern with a high longevity factor but decided to leave it out because it’s not quite in the same league as the other four. Although florals, and the ditsy floral in particular are pretty classic, floral patterns can look dated at times. 

I have very classic pattern preferences because, of all the patterns in the world, I like these four patterns best and never seem to tire of them. I do tire of other patterns. I used to prefer dots to stripes, but moved over to Team Stripe last year. I rarely wear animal print clothing but love animal print footwear, belts and bags. And tartan makes me smile. I also love the occasional water colour floral because it’s fresh, pretty and reminds me of my late Mum. 

Over to you. Do you like and wear these classic patterns?

Basic T-shirts are often a staple in my clients’ wardrobes because they’re terrific layering pieces and easy to launder. But we also venture out and purchase not so basic tees because the silhouette generally looks better when worn on its own. Here’s a roundup of tees with a little or a lot more detail. Look through all the colour options. 

• Gap Drapey Fluid Tee: It’s soft but not clingy, and long enough for Team Long Torso. The diagonal sleeves are flattering, and the front looks great partially tucked. The curved hemline adds a little structure. The neckline might be a little wide for narrow shoulders and a slight frame. Also available in an assortment of stripes. Read the rave reviews. 
• Unit-Y New Girl Rib V-Neck Tee: A longer V-neck tee with a welt looks fresh. The welt adds a  bit of structure. Great for Team Untucked. 
• Painted Threads Drape Front Tee (Juniors): It’s not the best quality, but it’s super soft and the oversized fit is unique with its front crossover detail and high-low hemline. Might run a little large. 
• Vince Long Sleeve Linen Tee: Stylishly chic and drapes like a dream sans the cling. Luxurious quality. 
• J.Crew Prima Jersey Drop Shoulder Tee: A modal-rayon blend with an on trend high-low hemline. 
• J.Crew Saint James Slouchy Tee: Another trendy tee with dropped shoulders. 
• Loft Shadow Striped Linen Cotton Tunic: A little extra styling on the shoulder and neckline. Fun shadow stripe. Great on broad shoulders and a larger bust. Read the rave reviews.
• Loft Raw Edge Shirred Neck Tee: A prettier style, and more rave reviews. 
• Free People Weekend Layering Tee: A girly tee with a bohemian edge. Fun asymmetrical hemline. Cute over relaxed skinnes and a nice change for casual Mums on the go. 
• INC Plus Size Three Quarter Sleeve Tie Dye Top: An interesting tie-dye pattern for Team Boho. Love the black and white. 
• Elementz Plus Size Three Quarter Sleeve Printed Henley Top: Fluid, non-cling and no need to wear a camisole because the V-shape of the henley provides ample coverage. 

Bonus Bootie

• Latitude Open Toe Bootie: I’m also throwing in a Summer bootie because I was amazed at the comfort of this ped despite the higher heel, caged leather style, and peep-toe. Buttery soft and gorgeously modern.

Do you like to wear tees that are a little more than basic?

Jackets that are gathered or pleated on the crown of the sleeve at the shoulder point are a fringe trend. This style of jacket was popular almost a decade ago, in long and short sleeve versions. The short sleeved styles looked extra puffy because of the rounder shape of the sleeve. Versions with gathers on the crown of the sleeve were also quite popular in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. 

Puff sleeve jackets look especially good on narrow shoulders and pear shaped ladies because the volume of the puff extends the line of the shoulder, thereby creating visual balance between the top and bottom parts of the body. If the shoulder seams are set in closer towards the neck, then the style can work for broader shoulders because the shoulder merely fills out the puff section of the sleeve. 

Most styles of puff sleeve are thought of as stereotypically girly and pretty. They can also be perceived as more playful and less strict than a regular modern classic blazer with sleek set-in sleeves. To some this adds up to a style that is overly juvenile, twee, precious and frilly. 

My clients run the gamut on the puff sleeve blazer. Some love the silhouette because it looks more creative, arty, interesting, feminine and whimsical than a plain, masculine blazer. Some love how the style extends their narrow shoulder line. And others stay away from the style because they don’t think of it as a chic and sophisticated look for a grown-up. Too childlike and the absolute opposite of tough. 

I’m a yay for this trend but have strong opinions about the versions I think look best and would fit into my style. I much prefer the visual effect of the pleated crown as opposed to the gathered crown because the former is more architectural, subtle and less frilly. The length of the sleeves must be long so that they don’t create a “ball on your bicep”. Furthermore, the lapels must be narrow and the stance low for a modern effect. I love the light blue Zara and red J.Crew versions below and would absolutely wear them. They appeal to my narrow shoulders and activate my pretty gene (I bat for Team Pretty and not Team Tough). What’s your verdict on the puff sleeve jacket?

Here’s an assortment of bags, sandals, casual bottoms and tees, many of which are winners on my clients. Check out all the colour options. 

1. Brahmin Mini Tote: A dressy and crisp wardrobe pet to celebrate Spring and Summer. Structured and beautifully made. 
2. Dotted Zip Back Cotton Sweater: Soft, cozy, 100% cotton and machine washable. All four colours are fun. 
3. Via Spiga Delsy: Trendy, well made and soft leather. The peep toe is a nice size and the wedge not too high. Covered yet ventilated. Also available at Nordstrom. Read the rave reviews.  
4. Easy Spirit Corales: A comfort shoe with arch support in a versatile metallic that is available in wide widths. Might work with bunions. 
5. Clarks Orlena Chutney: Here’s a slightly more refined version than the Easy Spirit Corales and also super comfortable. 
6. Printed Combined T-shirt: A fun fluid silhouette with dropped shoulder seam. Great over a pencil skirt or partially tucked with boyfriend jeans. Great layered under a moto or blazer. Runs small. 
7. Leather pouch: Subtly embossed with “Stressed” on one side, and “But Well Dressed” on the other side. Use as a clutch or iPad cover. 
8. Flexx Band Together Sandal: Soft and very forgiving as you stride. Could be a good walking sandal. 
9. Eileen Fisher Sport Platform Sandal: Chunky and simple. Trendy, buttery soft and cushioning. There’s quite a lot of toe exposure, so personally I like the style best on feet with short toes. 
10. Vince Camuto Eliana Bootie: A repeat style cage sandal that needs little introduction. Read the rave reviews. 
11. VC Signature Salette Pump: Comfy soft suede in a d’Orsay style that stays securely on the foot. The heel is lower than three inches although the website information says otherwise. Runs half a size large. 
12. R13 Crossover Jeans: A fashion forward slouchy style that is an acquired taste. 
13. Alice & Olivia Smocked Crop Cargo Pants: A flattering length in a roomier fit on the thighs. Pantaloon-esque and distressed. 
14. Leith Oversized V-Neck Tee: Cotton-rich and best worn partially tucked, just like the model. 

I hope that the weather warms up chop-chop so that we can enjoy our Spring and Summer clothes as soon as possible.