Question on pattern: fab or drab?

I'm very very very bad when it comes to patterns, which means most of my clothing is plain (all sort of colours but no pattern) or, if any, it's normally flowers (small ones -liberty). But I got these two tees from my mum -hand me downs, they don't fit her anymore- and I am in need of some tees for summer, so I don't know. Besides, they are free! They fit me quite nice, although they are a bit short -they were meant to be-, they hit the hipbones, but I'm used to suuuper long tanks that just don't fit, so that may be why I've noticed this. They are orangie, and it's a color I really like and that suits my skin tone, so that's ok. It's just the patterns I'm not sure about. Maybe it's because I just can't imagine any of my friends wearing them? Like, maybe they are too 'mum-like'?

PS: I just noticed there's a hint of animal print in #1 lol

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14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think you can pass on the fruit pattern... it reminds me of old kitchen wall paper, but the pattern in #2 should work really well. Could you see yourself wearing it with white jeans and a denim jacket? white skirt and gold bangles?

Beth

Agreed with Kim...yay for #2, pass on #1:)

celia

We agree so far, #1 you can pass but #2 should work beautifully.

Irene

Thank you so far, girls! I'm really clueless about all this... I can totally see #2 with white skirt/shorts

GetYourStyleOn

Member

I agree with others pass on #1, and the orange one is SUPER cute!

RoseandJoan

Tank 1 reminds me of Stella McCartney (with added tiger grrr)
http://www.matchesfashion.com/.....ANGE/45927

I like both prints but if you feel uncomfortable I would pass. Regarding the length, the proportions may be better with skirts or you could try tucking.

Lisa

I don't mind #1 actually, it reminds me a little of anthroplogie style. But if that is not your taste I vote pass. #2 looks very easy to mix in with outfits, certainly a keeper. Nice tanks!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like both prints too, and what Julie said

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

I like both patterns also. #1 is so retro and funky I quite like it, but if that's not your style pass.

#2 would be easy to work with, I think. But agree with Julie - skirts or tuck due to length.

Maya

I could only see 1 working if you had some sort of ironic, humorous, quirky twist to your style. #2 has potential though.

Kari

#2 seems much more versatile - with denim or white bottoms, maybe even candy apple red...

#1 reminds me a lot of a pattern on a pair of capri pants that I wore when I was in high school. It's probably much better suited to a tee shirt than a pair of pants!

Lynne

Airin, can you post pics wearing them? I like both of them :).

san

I like both. The first one would be for just the right summer day going to a bar b que, when you feel summer festive.

MNsara

Agreed that #2 is a sure bet.

#1 is quirky and a little retro and a bit of a challenge to not look mum-like, but it could be very eclectic if done right.

If you are up to it, try tucking it into a brown cottony summer midi skirt. Throw a cropped bright cardi (from one of the colors in it) or white cardi over it. It doesn't seem to have much black in it - to wear with black i.e. Stella McCartney.

rae

Hm, I like #1. It looks retro-edgy to me... if it were me, I'd probably wear it with cutoff denim shorts and neutral leather accessories. I think any edgy/current/trendy/young bottom might make it work, though. But khaki chinos, for example, are definitely going to bring out a dated vibe.

MsMary

I am totally in love with #1 and its Stella McCartney vibe!! LOVE!!! And #2 is super cute, too.

Anonymous

#1 might be fun to use for pattern mixing. I could see it with polkadots, stripes or a check in red or green or black and white or a plaid with the right colors. You might play with what's in your closet.

krishnidoux

QM you completely crack me up! I nearly chocked reading your comment.
I agree with it personally.

Debora

I like both and would definitely keep! I am always looking for tanks and tops that end at hip length to wear with skirts.

The length and shape of #1 reminds me of my Tracy Feith for Target top that I sometimes wear with my olive green linen skirt. I could see that top with a similar style skirt.

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annagybe

Agree with others that #1 reminds me of Stella McCartney.

Oh, wow, thank you all I think I'll try to work with them -with what I've got, guess it's SYC time for me?- before I make a decision. I'll try to make them 'look modern', I'm curious about the funky/vintage vibe many of you see in #1! I'm more with QM on that it looks like kitchen paper lol

suzanne

Active Member

I was a bit surprised that #1 didn't resonate with most... It caught and held my eye. I think it would be fantastic if you pair it with simple, soft trousers and perhaps a light jacket? (you know, in the way Angie wears it - sleeves a bit scrunched up) or, with jeans and a more structured jacket. Both are lovely and FREE - Jippee!!

Jjsloane

I think 1 would work if you keep the rest of the outfit very neutral (tan/white) and sophisticated. It reminds me of Tommy Bahama patterns but does border on a little too much but it's fun and a nice way to introduce something unexpected in your wardrobe. I love orange too so the 2nd is easy.

nancylee

I think #2 is a definite keeper. #1 is questionable unless you have mad styling skills. It has definite ironic hipster/vintage cool potential if you style it exactly right....but it could also look very "mumsy" if it went wrong.

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