WIW: Bold Pattern Mixing (ETA open jacket pic added)

I'm so far out of my comfort zone right now that I can't even SEE it from where I'm standing! Some time ago, Angie made a passing comment about pairing my polka dot silk jacket with my floral frock...at the time I thought "no way...too brave for me". However, this morning I was feeling brave and decided to go for it. And then if that wasn't enough, decided I may as well "go all in" and added my new polka dot pumps (Jem - here they are!). Well I must say that Angie seems to know what she's talking about 'cause i think this works and I love it! To tone down the loudness of the outfit a bit, I'm using my black/white leather handbag and no jewelry.

What do you think? Proportions and patterns work? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Jacket: vintage (no label)
Dress: Cleo Petite
Shoes: Aerosoles
Handbag: Danier Leather (thrifted)

(P.S. On the happiness scale, this outfit is an 11!)

ETA: a few have asked about seeing the outfit with the jacket open to show more of a column of colour with the dress. What is your preference - done up or undone?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Squeal-worthy, Shannon! Just nitpicking now, but suspect I'd like to see more of the dress with the jacket left unbuttoned. Think the proportions might be even more flattering that way too.

Sona

very cool advanced pattern mix. LOVE. and of course the fact that it is 11/10 on the happiness scale makes it a hands down no questios asked winner!!

Jaime

(website)

I couldn't begin to explain the whys or hows, but this works beautifully!

Deborah

I was on my way to bed but had to log in to say how fabulous this looks Shannon. I have no idea how this works, but it does:). I do think the colors flow beautifully between the dress, jacket and shoes (those shoes!! Love!) and I think the proportions here are excellent. I bet you got some smiles today at work. A+ for advanced pattern mixing

jayne

Oh you are a brave one! I love the bright colors! great for you!

Sara L.

Great outfit! I love the matching polka-dot shoes! I want, want, want those shoes. I'm still adjusting to advanced pattern mixing but I think this looks really good. I really like florals with polka-dots or stripes lately.

Jilly

Active Member

Angie's suggestion was right on the money! I would have been too scared to mix a bright red jacket with the dress, but it totally works!

Ana

I think this is so cute, Shannon! I love the shoes and the pattern mixing. Bright, fun outfit! You look fabulous!

Jem

Yay for pattern mixing! I'm glad Angie suggested that combination because I LOVE It! I'm glad you were feeling brave because you look amazing! Your new shoes are adorable, too! They are even cuter on than I expected! Would your green shoes work, too? So many cute combinations! This is a fab one, for sure!

ETA: that's a great purse, too! It is the perfect finishing touch! (note to self: get some new purses--in June)

modgrl

How much fun!!!

Did you practice your work script yet?

CW: You're kinda bright
TS: I'm wearing color to brighten a dreary day

CW: You're wearing a lot of patterns
TS: I know, isn't it great?!

Transcona Shannon

You all are great to help calm a gal's nerves! I must say I do feel like I'm "standing out" in this one - definitely no hiding in the background! I had to laugh at hubby this morning as we were getting ready to leave the house - "You're very bright today. We certainly wouldn't lose you in a snowstorm" (lol)!

Jem - yes, the green shoes would also work. Have I mentioned I love shoes? I believe you have that same problem!

Rita - so far I've had "you're brave" and "I can't get my eyes to adjust to that". My response to both has been "I'm trying the new pattern mixing trend - I'm liking it".

A problem? What problem...

Angie

Fashion Stylist

*chuckle*

I am humbled that I sparked off the idea for the ensemble, Shannon. And even more impressed that you were so brave!

You pull this off to perfection and look every bit cool, retro and lady-like

Didn't think I had it in me did you Angie?

rute

WOW! Love your outfits, your smile and your energy!

MNsara

You ARE so fun and stylish today!! It does go right along with your smile and energy, like Rute said ^^

Your CW comments sound rather tame. Are they getting accustomed to your stylish surprises?

Did you try unbuttoning the jacket to get a column of dark? I'd like to see that too -- if you're up to an extra picture. . . ?

Tanya

Love this Shannon! Bold and striking, and you pull it of beautifully.

Anonymous

Squeeeeeeee! I love this Shannon! Look out, pattern mixing is seriously addicting. It makes me very happy too, and happy to see this on you. And you managed to have matching shoes? Amazing! I think your black and white bag is the perfect grounding element, and I find myself leaving off any significant jewelry when pattern mixing too. You look super-fabalicious! Woot!

MsMary

Another squealer-with-joy here! This is definitely an 11 on every scale I can think of!! LOVE!!

And how about this:

CW: Wow! That's bright!
TS: I KNOW, RIGHT???

Jonesy

Welcome to a new episode of "The Bold and the Beautiful"! What a show-stopping pattern mix--love it!

HelenInCanada

Wow - this is advanced pattern mixing! You pulled it off with flair - you go, brave gal!

kellygirl

Fun! You look radiant in this : )

Unbuttoning the jacket makes it even better! Did you try cuffing/scrunching the sleeves too :)?

rae

Squee! Now that's how to do matchy-matchy shoes and jacket! Lots of verve in this outfit, Shannon, and that's a good thing in my book.

Meredith1953

*LOVE*! You really hooked me with the polka dot shoes to bookend the jacket! Wowza! You are one styling lady!!!

Jonesy/Manidipa/MNsara - this is so interesting to me. I just undid the jacket, scrunched up the sleeves and walked out into our reception area, where my dear friend/photog Kristin sits. She took one look at me and said "ok...you looked great this morning with the jacket done up and now you just look uber cool and relaxed, like you know you've got it going on but you're not obvious about it".

I thought that was very interesting - keep these fab suggestions coming ladies.

He he, Kristin is awesome! "Got it going on" is a fab compliment :).

Kristin = wise beyond her years!

I personally love it but this is the kind of thing that I never do, because I know the " world around me" will not get it. For that reason, you are my inspiration of the day, Shannon. I just realized I care too much as to what people think. I just had a mini ephiphany.

Category