https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:09:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet/page/2#post-2142523 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:11:31 +0000 anchie 2142523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not very analytical about patterns, and I am mostly attracted to colors in a pattern than to a pattern itself. I don’t like ditzy patterns and paisley but anything else is fair game. But I also get tired of patterns more easily and they don’t last in my wardrobe as long as solid items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet/page/2#post-2142520 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:51:56 +0000 Staysfit 2142520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer solids to patterns.... &nbsp;My patterns tend to be abstract, asymmetrical, geometric and medium in size. &nbsp;I like low contrast, pencil line thin, horizontal stripes. &nbsp;I like chevrons and argyle, &nbsp;I like patterns that have sharp or spiky edges, like stars, feathers, fireworks, and diamonds. &nbsp;I like long elongated shapes. &nbsp;My best patterns are low to medium contrast. Florals can sometimes work if they are asymmetrically placed and not on every aspect of the garment. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet/page/2#post-2142483 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 07:47:03 +0000 The Cat 2142483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just a tip: Be aware that self-patterns will often be perceived as textures rather than as patterns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet/page/2#post-2142038 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 23:01:00 +0000 Mainelady 2142038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love patterns! &nbsp;Stripes and leopard prints always catch my eye and have a tendency to follow me home. &nbsp;I like mixing patterns. For some reason I like a little leopard with my winter plaids. I like leopard and florals, florals and stripes or polka dots make me happy, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141994 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 20:22:58 +0000 Helena 2141994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have an excellent selection of patterns in your closet Carla, and you are queen stripe!</p> <p>I do love pattern (and a good pattern mix) and have been judiciously adding it ... lately, what I am enjoying are patterns (generally) that are smaller in scale, fairly classic, neutral, and provide contrast. I am *generally* not feeling larger, more colourful, or bolder patter, although there are always exceptions!</p> <p>I've included a bunch of my patterned piece below; it's missing my classic Breton stripe, a red floral scarf, and my new snakeprint belt to name a few ... I really need to update my finds!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141845 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 03:08:04 +0000 Barbara Diane 2141845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my patterns are in tops, although in the last few years I have added some patterned skirts and pants. Most of my outfits include a patterned item. Occasionally I wear all solids, often to showcase a necklace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141814 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:44:54 +0000 unfrumped 2141814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like patterns, and am very drawn to them especially 3+ color combinations, but have to watch out for having too many and not flattering enough. </p> <p>I find Imogen Lamport’s articles on one’s individual color palette and especially “ value” very helpful in trying to be more intentional about what to look for in both solids and patterns and how to combine them, where and in what proportions, including shoes and accessories. With this approach I really look at how much dark to light ratio ( negative and positive space), how clear or muted are colors, and so on. </p> <p>I find that more helpful than just the color “ seasons”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141803 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 21:29:44 +0000 Sal 2141803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great to see the pattern out there.&nbsp; Lots of variety.</p> <p>I also like the self pattern/texture look Carla.&nbsp; I do love florals and stripes and polka dots - I don't have much other pattern aside from the "big three" and I don't think I have any checks/tartan/plaid any more (I lie - I have a hat).</p> <p>Carla - a floral skirt or pants would be a great addition for you to pattern mix with your striped tops.&nbsp; Easier in spring or summer I suspect but something to consider.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Suntiger- you have a very cohesive wardrobe!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141788 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:43:16 +0000 DonnaF 2141788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the variety in print preferences. It’s what makes the world go round! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141779 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 18:35:02 +0000 Kate 2141779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the most part, I’m not a big fan of patterns and pattern mixing in my own wardrobe, though I do love to look at patterns, and enjoy seeing how other people wear patterned items. </p> <p>What I have realized in doing a mental tally of my wardrobe is that 95% of the patterns I do have are part of my summer wardrobe and that I mainly wear patterns on the bottom. My RipSkirts are patterned (small patterns only), as are 3 pairs of running shorts, two camo, one a small print black &amp; teal leopard, and a camo sleeveless tee (old) and a two breezy short sleeved shirts, one with thin vertical stripes and the other a window pane plaid. That’s it.</p> <p>Even most of my scarves are solid colored or tonal patterned. </p> <p>I also have plaid jeans and joggers that I enjoy wearing.</p> <p>I rely a lot more on texture than pattern in my wardrobe, especially in my fall and winter items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141764 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 17:08:22 +0000 Angie 2141764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE pattern. I love pattern mixing too. They give me energy and pack a punch. I bat for Team Stripes with you, <b>Carla </b>:)</p> <p>As much as I love patterns, I am very fussy about them. I stick to the classics because I do not get bored of them. Stripes, dots, checks/micro checks, and some floral. VERY occasionally a novelty print like my "fish 'n chips" and "doggie" shirts from Boden.&nbsp;</p> <p>EVERY patterned item in my wardrobe:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141718 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:02:18 +0000 RobinF 2141718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with about everything you say about patterns. I love that they will tie colors together and look more cohesive than just wearing two unrelated colors. And in summer they add lots of interest without a third piece. I'm not sure that I consciously add pattern though. I pretty much go by if I like it and it works in my closet, then it's a contender for purchase. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141708 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 12:00:21 +0000 Star (Lise) 2141708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like patterns, but specific ones; stripes, dots, geometric, some dark florals.&nbsp; &nbsp;I also like an outfit with no patterns.&nbsp; So I guess I am 50/50.&nbsp; I like to pattern mix within the same colors, ie.&nbsp; I have a rust floral blouse that looks fabulous with a chevron skirt that has some rust in it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141704 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 11:31:19 +0000 lyn67 2141704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some beautiful patterns here, Carla-love them all!<br />My mantra was learnt here from Angie: -"Pattern, texture, color, shine" and love my items to have some interest, say:-at least one of the forth above! So, I quite love a patterned item-in tops, dresses and even skirts -as find the easiest to introduce new color scheme-or to ground with it&nbsp; an otherwise boring scheme. <br />Then, I am very picky about how much(less is more, at least on my frame, complexion&amp;personality) and what exactly pattern I love-usually mono- or bi-chromatic-animal, camo, geometric, ikat, water-color (say splashes:-)) and moody florals (usually no ditsy or liberty).&nbsp; Scale is also important. Love me a slightly bigger scale&nbsp; with a good amount&nbsp; background&nbsp; in between and if possible a bit of asymmetry in the placement also wins!&nbsp; <br />Love scarves-and there&nbsp; I am much more brave in pattern choices.<br />Pants and outerwear&nbsp; is another story. Nowadays, I don't wear jeans (except white ones) but love and wear dark plaid cigarette or wide leg pants instead. <br />Outerwear is usually neutral, dark, and no pattern for me (other than one camo, to be fair-I think) but if possible more texture or some other details.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141699 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:55:59 +0000 Anonymous 2141699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the tone on tone patterns that read as texture too!<br /> Aside from that- low to medium value contrast, though high color contrast (orange and purple or teal) works.<br /> Medium dark tie dye, ombre, paisley, natural motifs (birds, medium florals), subtle camo, curved lines, watercolor prints, low contrast snake/leopard, batik, sari prints. I like the colors to gradually blend together.<br /> I don't like to wear stripes, checks, graphic prints, very large or ditsy florals, or black and white. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141683 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:12:12 +0000 Anonymous 2141683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like patterns especially to pull an outfit together. I love pattern mixing for the interest it creates. You could wear the bottom #6 with a black and white stripe or leopard print top Or a floral. I use print tops and scarves especially to pull colors together. I had a long hunt for a scarf or top with navy and black and red and dark brown. Now I am looking for black and pastel blue, maybe with white in the print. I bought a top because the floral print on soft yellow includes rust and olive and some denim blue. A few pieces of floral on navy that included blush and rust and a bit of mustard caught my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141643 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 23:45:04 +0000 nemosmom 2141643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FI - the open weave cotton cream cardi/gilet/thingy is Michael Stars brand that I picked up secondhand last winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141471 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:10:33 +0000 Jaime 2141471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question and I like your pattern collections and thoughts about pattern collecting. I do like patterns, am somewhat fussy about them, and do wear them both top and bottom, and love a snakeskin shoe. I like patterns that have either black or blue element so they go with my jeans. I generally don't like the patterns too large but other than that it is a very individual, case by case preference. I will pattern mix if the mood strikes me, and definitely consider some patterns (like those snakeskin shoes) a neutral.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141470 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 02:05:18 +0000 rachylou 2141470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lean heavily on pattern and pattern mixing. And as I’ve been contemplating the matter, it occurs to me many things are cut in a pretty basic way and it’s easier to amp interest with pattern than to find that solid that needs to provide interest thru cut and construction. I’ve got pieces like that but not as many.</p> <p>I like florals, big florals and calicos and abstracts. I’m a little leery of ditsy florals and graphic pattern, but I *do* like them as support acts for the other florals.</p> <p>Lol. I guess I’ve thought about it more than I knew... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141466 Sun, 30 Aug 2020 00:28:55 +0000 DonnaF 2141466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I very much consider Angie’s color-pattern-texture-shine when putting together outfits. But with a small face, glasses, earrings, and salt’n’pepper hair I find that patterns on top can be Just Too Busy. I love stripes, however. Other patterns are on the bottom (jeans and skirts) as well as shoes. For and on me (only) I have a hard time with most florals. I wonder why that is? Maybe something to do with my straight hair? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141460 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 22:10:57 +0000 Anonymous 2141460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie’s blog questions have had me thinking about pattern choices. My favorite are prints that are nor repeated like a water color or even color blocking. I like prints that are curved or arranged in curves to fool the eye that I have curves where I do not. I really dislike ditsy florals and prefer the big florals but will give in to a small floral pattern that will pattern mix well with a large one. I like city scapes and landscapes but only have one scarf left of this style. I also will not wear Camo pattern. It makes me think of guns and killing.<br /> Lately I have been speaking out patterns in colors that can pull my solids together. Usually a scarf or top. Example: tomato red with dark brown, black and navy. For black and navy in the same print I have stripes and a floral and a color block in scarves as well as a beaded necklace of half dark blue and half black and shoes that are dark blue with black soles. I welcome the addition of white or other colors. Like the tomato and brown scarf includes green ( mostly olive) leaves.<br /> I hope this gives you some ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141444 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:42:20 +0000 The Cat 2141444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, I bet you look gorgeous in soft animal patterns like #3.</p> <p>I often think about pattern when curating my wardrobe. For example, I have realized that SOME b&amp;w patterns do not look great with my present colouring (including silver hair). So I have purged large b&amp;w patterns and also white items with black stripes etc., as these patterns tend to wash me out or look a bit harsh. (White items with deep blue or charcoal stripes etc. look softer and work better.) I still wear b&amp;w patterns, but have found that in order to work well for me the pattern must be small or medium, and at least 50 % of the pattern has to be black.</p> <p>If in doubt whether a pattern harmonizes with your colouring, I can recommend to drape the fabric around your face and hair, take a look in the mirror and be honest. :-)</p> <p>Polka dots, paisleys, stars, butterflies, small/medium checks and diagonal stripes are among my favourites, but I like several other patterns too. And I have always enjoyed pattern mixing. However, I want the patterns to have one or two colours in common and to look great when combined. Many of my patterns include white, which gives the pattern some "space" and "air" and kind of echoes my hair.</p> <p>Around 70 % of my items are solid, and that's fine. I don't feel the need to include one or more patterns in every outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141435 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 17:56:56 +0000 Style Fan 2141435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, patterns look lovely with your hair.&nbsp; What Angie said makes sense.&nbsp; I rarely wear patterns.&nbsp; I do have some patterned scarves, a striped jacket and a swirly skirt.&nbsp; I did have a camo pair of summer pants but they are mostly worn out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141434 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 17:15:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2141434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nemosmom, I’m looking for a cardi or shaped cape like your creamy gillet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141430 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 17:03:58 +0000 nuancedream 2141430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE patterns and pattern mixing. Most of my wardrobe consists of patterns. Stripes are the predominant pattern followed closely by polka dots and animal prints. Plaid and floral comprise a smaller percentage. I prefer floral patterns to be larger in scale and in a darker color pallette rather than pastel, ditsy florals. Most of my patterned items are tops, dresses, and skirts. I do have some patterned pants and joggers, but I typically prefer solid bottoms.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141426 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 16:36:18 +0000 nemosmom 2141426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's odd - I feel like prints wear me and not the other way around. I find that my preference has slowly migrated away from patterns, in favor of low-contrast patterns that read more as texture. </p> <p>I used to live in high-contrast stripes and plaids but now, the only obvious patterns are found in (all but two of) my scarves, one old-but-warm sweater, and a pair of snake boots. </p> <div><br /></div><div>I have lots of actual and perceived texture in the form of open weave toppers, mottled or woven belts, corduroy, graphic tees (do those count?), and low-contrast print accessories (including my incredibly gorgeous mask capsule!).&nbsp; My holding zone has a couple of striped and plaid shirts and the above-mentioned leopard sweater. Most of my closet is solid. I am boring!</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141423 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 16:22:44 +0000 Bonnie 2141423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your patterned garment photos are so nice to look at and what an interesting project. I checked through my last four year's purchases and found that about 1/4 of my items are patterned. I found it interesting that this was true for every year.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141416 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:56:09 +0000 SarahD8 2141416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love patterned items and love to pattern mix!</p> <p>Florals, fair isle, certain paisleys, Breton stripes, and subtle plaids are all in my wheelhouse. Nothing too graphic or geometric.</p> <p>I’ve long said that animal print isn’t for me but lately I find myself intrigued by leopard print in “non-traditional” colors. And I do love a not-too-twee print *featuring* animals.</p> <p>Most of my patterns are in tops, scarves, summer skirts and especially summer dresses. I do have a few patterned cardis and they are SUPER useful for pattern mixing.</p> <p>Some possibilities that come to mind for you:<br /> -a dark floral or animal print skirt that you could wear with your striped tops.<br /> -a striped hoodie to toss over floral tops<br /> - a fair isle or argyle topper/sweater, could go over either floral or striped tops.<br /> - A plaid shacket (like, heavier than a shirt but not really a coat per se) could be a fun transitional topper. Maybe sourced from the men’s department?</p> <p>ETA: textured, tweed, or marled knitwear (or tweed jacket) can also function as a subtle pattern and open up possibilities for mixing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141414 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:37:35 +0000 Liesbeth 2141414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pattern is something I've more consciously added to my wardrobe since joining YLF. Still, patterns are very emotional purchases for me: I tend to love or loathe them.<br /> Traditionally I've added pattern in tops and dresses because I like to draw attention to my top half. Since learning a bit about pattern mixing I've discovered how useful traditional checks and houndstooth are for that as they read quite neutral. And it happens that I love many traditional patterns so I have not hesitated much to add them in the bottom and topper category too. (Collection here: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=7894" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=7894</a>)<br /> Still pattern mixing is an exception to me, and wearing pattern is often a conscious and emotional choice.<br /> Edit: my favorite patterns are a somewhat elusive 'organic abstract' pattern. I've tried to add some examples. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/pattern-in-my-closet#post-2141409 Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:28:38 +0000 Bijou 2141409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a lot of patterns in tops, skirts and dresses, far less in other items. My main patterns are leopard print, spots and florals. I have added these patterns to my wardrobe in 2020. </p>