Mixing patterns in an outfit is an acquired taste, and some versions of the look are more subtle than others. The more hectic and maximal versions clash in colour, pattern size and pattern type, which is in itself a trendy look. Combining bold, bright and big patterns in different colours can clash to such an extent that they create visual harmony. Subtle pattern mixes are tonal, neutral, and the patterns are usually small. Either way, there’s a pattern mixed look for each of us.

I thoroughly enjoy wearing and looking at pattern mixed outfits, and like almost every version of the vibe. Sometimes my pattern mixed outfits are maximal, and sometimes more subtle depending on my mood. To refresh your memory, here’s how to pattern mix if you’re trying the vibe for the first time. Here’s how to do pattern mixing lite. There are four patterns that are easiest for pattern mixing, and here is something for advanced pattern mixers.

Some pattern mixed looks to get those creative juices flowing:

1. Stripes & Florals

Combining a simple and small scale geometric pattern like a gingham or stripe with any floral is compelling. The cream and black in both patterns here are what allow the eye to rest and pull the look together. The black bag further complements the outfit.

2. Chevron & Dots

It’s effective to combine a quiet pattern (the dots) with a loud pattern (the chevron). Polka dots are generally easy to pattern mix with when they’re two-toned, small, and subtle. Here the black in both patterns is what pulls the look together. The blonde hair of the model picks up the cream in the top, while the silver boots pick up the metallic in the skirt. The eye can rest because it can see colour repetition.

3. Spice it Up

Wearing two busy patterns in the same palette creates hectic harmony. Here there’s almost a positive and negative pattern effect that works well. The colour-blocking on the lower legs of the pants creates a third pattern, which is quite jarring. But the jarring effect is grounded by the black boots that complement the black of the colour-block.

4. Checks & Florals

The floral and check patterns are big, but not awfully bright. The low contrast of the buffalo check makes it just about pass for a false plain instead of a pattern. The hues of the check are repeated in the floral which makes them gel. The cream boots further strengthen the cream in the patterns which unifies the components. The unexpected blush bag is delicious.

5. Tartan Squared

Both tartans are neutral and earthy. The geometric repetition as well as the white and black present in both tartans are what bind the patterns together. The white top matches the white in the patterns. The black boots match the black in the pattern and bookend the model’s hair. The effect is a very friendly clash because there is enough common ground and repetition between the elements of the outfit.

Who else likes to pattern mix? I’m looking forward to seeing lots of pattern mixed outfits on the forum.

Here’s my annual cold-weather loungewear post for those who like to incorporate lounging comfies into their style. Some wear pyjamas, a robe, or yoga separates as loungewear, which can work well too. I prefer to wear soft, floppy and ultra cosy fleece loungewear when it’s cold. I layer a sweatshirt and sweatpants over boy shorts and tee first thing in the morning, and after my evening shower at night. Loungewear is a workhorse, and I have lots of it.

Here are some personal favourites, and basics that have worked well on my clients. They make practical Christmas gifts too. Browse through the size and colour options, and lounge in style.

1. Flared & Floppy Lounge Pants

These bottoms are tried and tested winners, which is why Nordstrom repeats and replenishes them every season. I’ve had most of them at some point because I tend to prefer a wide leg sweat pant for comfort. My favorites are the “Lazy Mornings” lounge pants. I order a size up and they wash and wear well.

2. Make & Model Lounge Around Pants

I tried something new when I bought these, because the legs are tapered and I usually wear flared lounge pants. I bought them to wear with an oversized Simple Minds sweatshirt that I got at their concert last month. The sweatshirt needs a narrower pant to offset its volume. These are the SOFTEST and coziest lounge pants of all time. They fit really well, and I didn’t size up. I’m sold and getting another pair.

3. Boden Cosy Woven Pyjamas & Pompom Slippers

These are the prettiest and most well-made flannel pyjamas I’ve seen this year. The patterns are darling, and the fit is roomy, but not overly so. Classic and fabulous. Read the rave reviews. The slippers are a lot more sturdy than I expected. They’re very soft and fuzzy, but have thick soles. I’m not tripping up in them like I thought I would. I may or may not have the Graphical Dog with matching slippers in my closet.

4. Brunette the Label Sweatshirts

I’m in one of these if I’m not wearing a Seahawks or Simple Minds lounging sweatshirt. I wear the “BLONDE” and have both the hooded and crew neck styles across a spectrum of colours. They are fabulous quality, last for years, and fit well. They look trendier and more flattering than classic sweatshirts, and are very comfy.

5. Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Lite Coastal Hooded Cardigan

I have many, many happy clients in this robe style cardigan. Some even wear it to and from yoga practice. It’s EXTREMELY soft and cosy, and wears quite well. Size down a size.

6. Sleep Shirts

Some like to sleep in long shirts instead of separates, and these are a few of the best right now. They are a good idea if you run warm, and don’t like pyjama bottoms riding up your legs at night. Read the rave reviews.

7. The Cat’s Flannel Pyjamas

The whimsical patterns alone might pull at your heart strings. Party Pups, Saucy Cats, Sushi, Cafe au Lait, Merry Moderns and Haiki Kitties can make you smile. Nice quality, classic roomy fits, and very soft and cosy to wear. The colours are lovely too.

8. PJ Salvage Lounge Tee

These tees are best suited to a larger bust and/or broad shoulder line. The long tapered sleeves are extra insulating. Super comfy and easy, and fun for either a dog or cat person. Read the rave reviews.

As a bonus, here are two beauty finds:

9. Music Flower Liquid Eyebrow Pencil

I used to be a die-hard Anastasia classic eyebrow pencil fan for years because the effect looks very natural. Just last month I stumbled across this waterproof liquid eyebrow pencil on Instagram, and the ad was compelling. I ordered a pencil and haven’t looked back. It’s AMAZING how well it fills in and defines the brows, and lasts throughout the day. It does not come off at all – not even after hot yoga practice. The effect is natural enough for my tastes too.

10. Library of Flowers Hand Cream

And last, if you like scented hand cream that moisturizes without the grease, try this. I received it as a gift from a friend and loved it, so much so that I have an ongoing stash and buy it as gifts for my friends too. I like the “Field of Flowers” best.

This is part two on how to incorporate white boots in outfits. Last week I covered white boots with pants and jeans. This weeks it’s dresses and skirts. 

Repeating a few upfront comments I made in the previous post on white boots with pants and jeans: 

1. Platinum blondes, light silver, and white-haired people naturally bookend white boots in outfits. If the white boots match nothing else in the outfit, they will effortlessly create a complement with their light-coloured hair.
2. It is not essential to bookend the look. You can have ANY complexion and hair colour and rock white boots.
3. When you wear tops and toppers in shades of white, white boots look more integrated into the outfit.
4. Create a two or three item complement with white boots using a belt, a scarf that picks up some white in the pattern, a handbag, or a an item of jewellery. My white pearls do a good job of picking up the white in my footwear.
5. Don’t worry too much about mismatching white boots in an outfit. Their jarring and bright effect as a stand-alone addition is in itself a trendy look, although an acquired taste

Some visuals to get those white boot outfits rolling:

1. Super Hero Dress

Combine short white heeled booties with any dress, walk out the door and feel like a super hero. Finish off the look with a topper that works with the outfit. The pattern of the dress does not have to have a white component. White works with any solid, and you don’t need blonde or silvery white hair to bookend the outfit.

2. De-Bombshelled Mini

I liked how the short skirt is combined with a fluid blouse that’s tucked for structure instead of a tight top that would create a body-con look from neck to hem. The tailored flat booties further de-bombshell the outfit the same way a pair of sneakers would. The tailored low-contrast booties lengthen the leg line, as does exposing the waistline which offsets their flatness. The white in the tartan of the skirt picks up the white of the boots.

3. Sharp Neutals

Combine a neutral top and bottom and finish off the look with white boots because it’s as neutral. The cohesion in the outfit comes from the repetition of the cognac bag, toffee top and ginger hair of the model. Of course, you can wear any neutral, but the earth-toned repetition here is interesting.

4. The ‘90s

Black and white matched with bright red is the most classic palette of all. Combine a black skirt with a red top, and finish off the vibe with white boots. Here, the black soles and laces of the boots work well with the black skirt. The blonde hair of the model bookends the white of the footwear. Of course, black pants and jeans work just as well.

5. Prairie Fabness

Midi dresses are very fashionable, and flouncy ones like this are a nod to the Western trend. Tall white ruched boots with high heels are a fringe trend, and look fresh under the longer length of the dress. The light background of this dress complements the white boots, which pulls the look together. Tall white cowboy boots could look fabulous too.

I wear white Western shooties instead of white booties with my skirts and dresses at the moment, and insulate with sheer barely black hose or black micro fishnet hose. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe. I add a pair of cropped flares to the short Zara dress and wear it as a tunic.

You might have noticed a larger assortment of corduroy items at retail over the last few seasons. We see corduroy skinnies every season, but at this point you’ll find corduroy pants, jackets, coats, skirts, hats, dresses, overalls, jumpsuits, bags and footwear too. Most of it is solid, but patterned corduroy is available too. 

Here’s a range of corduroy items across many colours and styles.

Most of my clients wear corduroy skinnies because they are an excellent casual alternative to jeans. A very comfy, practical and cosy option. Corduroy bottoms tend to feel warmer and softer than jeans, and come in lots of colours. I find that corduroy tends to look richer in non-neutrals than denim, which is all about the texture of corduroy fabric. The wales create an iridescent effect in the light, and that’s visually interesting.

Some of my clients will wear just about any corduroy item. Some like to stick to corduroy pants and skirts. Others will throw on a corduroy jacket or coat. And some won’t touch corduroy at all.

I have a complicated relationship with corduroy for my own style. I’m not a huge fan, but it’s by no means poison eye either. I’m not overly fond of the casual integrity of the fabric, and the potential bagging out at the knees after you’ve crossed your legs. These things happen more frequently when the wales are very narrow, the corduroy is thin, and there’s a high stretch content in the fabric.

I DO like the ‘70s integrity of corduroy because I love the fashion era. I like the look of a tailored and crisp corduroy blazer in a thick, broad wale. I also like the look of wide crops and a midi skirt in a thick, broad wale. Combining corduroy with dressy fabrics like silk and cashmere appeals to me too. But invariably what happens is that I fit on a velvet blazer and bottoms – no textured wales! – and prefer that to corduroy because velvet is a dressier fabric. I LOVE my floral velvet blazer from Boden that I got last year. Maybe velvet is “my corduroy”.

Over to you. Do you like corduroy? If so, which items do you like to wear in corduroy.