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My summer wardrobe insight: patterns needed!

Ariadne

Veteran

Almost all my summer tops are solid jersey. This week, I realized I need PATTERNS! I rarely make it through the day without needing to change, because solid colored tops (black excepted) show every little bit of dirt, oil, sunscreen, food, etc. With my kids the age they are, it turns out summer is a very messy, dirty time of year. I'm not a big pattern person, but the few patterns I do have are so much more forgiving when it comes to this issue. I must remember this next year and while checking the end-of-season sales. In particular. I'm wishing I had a drapey animal-print tank, something with watercolor type florals, and... I don't know what else, actually. A photo print? Not sure. Open to suggestions!

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from T-Rex

Mellllls

Veteran

Interesting. I'll have to notice whether I tend to stain my solids more than patterns.

SandyG

Veteran

I added more patterns and graphic printed tops and pants for the same reason. Blotting coffee spills and carrying on through the day sure reinforced my love for leopard, ikat and floral print tops. Good for travel, too. And in hot weather with fewer layers, they give a pop of color and texture that I crave. Maybe try abstract florals and muted prints first to see if you like the change from solids?

Anonymous

Camouflage ?

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I am much more solids person, but I believe in the pattern being the wise choice around kids.

I propose another strategy - which patterns don't you like? When you know that, filtering through the available options will possibly be easier than looking for specific patterns.

Also, I'd suggest to stay within the colours which you already have in your wardrobe. Anything will match jeans, but you'll probably still want to be true to your style persona and it ill be easier to match your toppers or e.g. scarves when you need those.

Adelfa

Veteran

I've gotten into patterns over the last year. I find that they help make an outfit look pulled together.

anne

Veteran

It is a good realisation. I am trying to add some patterns too,after noting nearly my whole wardrobe is solids. Is stripes pattern enough?

ClaraT

Veteran

Yes, patterns are *much* more forgiving in general, and my patterned shirts are much better for travel for this reason. The drawback is that it is not always easy to find a pattern/color combo you like.

Anonymous

I love patterns, but I'm super picky about them (well, lately anyway). There is nothing better to soften a few colors or neutrals that might be a little too strong for my complexion, to camouflage lumps and bumps around the midsection, or like you mentioned, hide little spots and stains. They also add some interest to plain, two-piece dressing in the Summer heat.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm queen of patterned Summer tops, for many of the reasons you mention, although my kids are 11!

Where do you usually shop for tops?

Lisa

Veteran

Great insight here. I also like patterned tops, I don't have to accessorize them, the pattern does all the work.

suzyq

I've come to this conclusion myself. My girl is 24 but my tops are solid color cotton or linen. My outfits look pretty plain as I dress low contrast. I should try neck candy but it feels off to me. What to do, what to do?!

Ariadne

Veteran

Joy, LOL! I actually just bought those GAP camo skinnies. My DH loves them. I have a camo sweater (same F21 one Una has) and would happily own more camo pieces.

Anne, I love stripes - that's the one pattern I have plenty of.

Ornella, great idea, although I think it's easier for me to say what I *do* like and go from there. I only abstract, pixelated, jagged, watercolour, or otherwise skewed and edgy or avant-garde florals. I like stripes and have a ton of them, ikat, animal print (although I'm very picky about that, too), and Japanese-inspired prints. Basically, I like edgy, ethnic (hate that word.. not sure what else to use), avant-garde, and artsy prints, as well as just about anything a steampunk or UWP would wear. I do not like anything girly, romantic, ditsy, country, or straight-up sweet. I've tried to get into polka dots but I don't htink I've found the right item yet because they never feel like me (too retro, maybe?).

I own this sweater (purchased at a steep discount) and it's one of my favourites: http://www.shopbop.com/lina-sw.....656280.htm

And this loud ikat hobo has been my everyday summer handbag:
http://oliviajoy.vaesite.net/_.....c2abe1.jpg

Claire, I'm super picky about patterns too. I've noticed the patterned items I do own get worn constantly. It's just a matter of finding the right ones.

All the comments here are making me realize I should look for more patterns for other seasons too. I like simple, minimalist outfits but I get bored with solids + solids + solids.

Ariadne

Veteran

Oh, and I would LOVE this silk tee Angie just pinned:
http://www.shopbop.com/brushtr.....4302023845

And how could I forget my floral pants?!

http://www.clubmonaco.ca/produ.....d=17849926

And this blouse:

http://aritzia.com/Wilfred-MAN.....lt,pd.html

Ariadne

Veteran

Beth Ann, I shop anywhere I can access! I'm in Canada and rarely get to actual stores due to my schedule, so the ON/Gap/BR trifecta and their free shipping and returns see a lot of my $, but I am craving more interesting items that they don't tend to stock so I may need to branch out a bit.

JamC

Veteran

I love geometric prints, am drawn to the patterns in stores, and wear them often. Right now, I am buying a few solid color button shirts and dresses. Seems like I am seeking a balance of solid and print tops.

Betti

My love of cooking clashes with my love of solid tops. I finally realized it this year after throwing out another pile of stained tops. I'm trying very hard to only look at patterns when I shop, but it's hard for me. I think I also need to invest in a couple of aprons, and actually wear them.

Ariadne

Veteran

Betti, aprons are the best! Buy some. You will not regret it.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

The right snake print hides a multitude of sins

T-Rex

Veteran

I also love patterns, for the ability that some have to camoflage stains. However, I also love patterns because they can provide inspiration for putting together my outfits. Pick the pattern first, then use the colors in the print and the general "mood" of the item, if it has a particular mood, to pull together the rest of the pieces.

You definitely need a few prints in your wardrobe.