Interesting about summer vs winter patterns. I love patterns and summer dressing, but have no polka dots and hardly any stripes. Summer pieces with menswear or geometric patterns might be an easy start

https://www.scotch-soda.com/gl.....#038;sz=36

https://www.scotch-soda.com/gl.....v2=Checked

https://en.zalando.de/holliste.....0-q11.html

https://en.zalando.de/bruuns-b.....8-k11.html

https://en.zalando.de/usha-day.....o-q11.html

https://en.zalando.de/stradiva.....m-c11.html

https://www.only.com/de/de/on/.....one_837773

We each have our own fashion journeys, but I wonder if I’m on a bit of a road you’ve already traveled. My berry burst a couple years ago was a response to learning about analogous color mixing, and I’m now thinking about the black and white pattern mixing you’re so good at and have moved on from. Sloper and I have been talking about the possibilities for my “new” silk pants that used to be joggers. I’d love to try some pattern mixes, but haven’t come up with any yet. One issue is that most of my patterned pieces are bottoms.

Such an interesting visual to text analysis! Stripes are easy for me, they add a little interest to my otherwise very simple warm weather outfits.

They also de-intensify solid colors, which I like, and I've been trying to appreciate other prints for this same quality.

I appreciate hearing how you think about patterns in your wardrobe; very helpful perspective. Your outfits are all compelling; deliberate, authentic and just beautiful. Inspirational!

Thank you Eliza, that’s a lovely comment. I’m glad you found it helpful. I find understanding why I like a particular look helps me to recreate it and to avoid mistakes. Many times I’ve copied someone else’s look and wondered why it didn’t feel right for me.

Phoebe, thanks. That’s interesting about de-intensifying a solid. I’ve never thought about stripes in that way. As another way of muting a colour.

FI, I do still enjoy a black and white colour mix from time to time. They look very sharp and graphic. Essentially no 4 is a black and white mix. But these days I tend to prefer softer and earthier colours. If you mostly have patterned bottoms, I would look for patterned tops in similar colours. I think it’s easier if the pattern in the top is a little different from the pattern in the bottom, but on a similar scale. Keep in mind you could also do a patterned bag or scarf with the patterned bottom. Doesn’t have to be a top! I find the addition of a belt can sometimes make a combination of patterned top and patterned bottom look more intentional. The belt is the glue between the 2 items.

Wow you make patterns look so effortless!! These all seem so true to you (as I “know” you) - I love how you play with scale and organic lines combined with geometric shapes… must study this more - I am terrified of pattern!

Phoebe, yes, I very much agree—pattern can really break up a whole big expanse of color. Like you, I’m much more interested in that softening effect than in adding more colors for their own sake.

Brooklyn, you are so generous sharing your strategies

My mind is boggled by analysis that goes deeper than simple outfit formulas, which is why I settle for what’s easy, but I so enjoy the visuals of your gorgeous and artful combinations, Brooklyn. It makes sense to me that your thoughtfulness is part of your style success. Such beautiful balance in your combos!

Killer amazing looks, Brooklyn! And such an interesting (and valuable) thought process. As always, your analysis helps you refine your fantastic style even further.

You really are a pattern queen. It's not just that you wear them; it's that you choose so carefully and look for such specific factors that work with your colouring and your overall fashion goals. I love every one of these outfits on you!

You make patterns and pattern mixing look SO elegant. I love your style/color and pattern choices. Stellar--all of them. SO gorgeous!

I agree with your pattern analysis! Your outfits are very chic and eye catching, and I love your color palette.

This is a silly detail, but if you see this, I'm curious: I have noticed in your mirror WIW pics that the door handle behind you is at shoulder height for you. Is this the world's largest door :), are you extremely petite, or is the handle just positioned much higher than doors in the US? (E.g., our door handles in our house hit me at my hip.)

I struggle with both patterns and skirts because I'm really short waisted and never know where to let the top sit, but you look fabulous in them and have a real signature style. Not really much to say apart from wow you look fab.

Your outfits, both part 1 and 2 are lovely. You really know what works for you. Best of all: ombre jacket!

Wow! These are stunning and #1 and #4 blew me away. They reminded me of movie posters for some reason. I guess you would be the incredibly gorgeous and chic investigator/lawyer/forensic specialist? Ok you can decide which roles you take . Anyway, I appreciated your thoughts on pattern. I have not thought it out that way, but it makes perfect sense.

Thanks all. I’ll come back and respond to your comments a little later, but I just wanted to add this visual for anyone still following this thread.

The first pic is an outfit from Trenery. I think it’s a perfect example of what I would call a colour blocked look (all solids). All blocks of colour are of comparable size. It’s lovely, simple and chic. I have worn similar outfits. Pic 2 is from last year. But even in that case I’m drawn to making the outfit look more complex (eyelets on the boots, buttons on the sweater and skirt, fishnets, colour blocked bag). It’s useful to know I prefer this because when I shop now even for simple essentials I look for added “features” like self pattern, buttons, ribbing, cables, studs etc.

Again, just to reiterate, not saying my choice is any better than the Trenery version. Just different! Also, the Trenery version would be a great back drop for fantastic jewellery (earrings or a necklace). Whereas pattern can compete with jewellery.

Thanks for the Trenery example - very chic! I think you just hit the nail on the head re: why I don't wear a lot of pattern - I prefer statement jewellery instead! Tiny studs & delicate chains tend to get lost with my long, dark 'wavy-curly' hair. Probably why I usually pin it up, too

So a chunky bib necklace or dangling chandelier earrings with a busy print would feel overwhelming, but on a solid top they become the focal point instead.

Zaeobi, thanks for chiming back in. Yes, I definitely think a solid top is a better backdrop for a necklace. I like chunky jewellery too. Sometimes that can feel too busy with a patterned top.

Nemosmom, you don’t have to like pattern! If you wanted to get some of the effect of pattern without the “busyness” of colour variation, you could look for self patterned items (like cables, lace, broderie anglaise). Like this top that I overdyed teal (of course). That might suit your style preferences better.

JAileen, thanks for the ombré love

Shevia, fun! I just want to be Lauren Bacall in any role. I don’t ask for much

Sally, I’m sure I’ve seen you wear a patterned skirt with your docs. It’s a great look on you. You have nothing to fear!

KG, thank you!

Suz and ChristelJ, I definitely think I’ve become more analytical since being on YLF. Like many of us, I’m trying to be more mindful about my purchases. I’m attracted to a lot of looks and it’s really helpful to me to understand why some work for me and others don’t.

Jonesy, good eye! Our door handles are indeed at shoulder height not the usual hip height. Our house is over 100 years old and this was the fashion of the time. The ceilings in our house are very high, so it may be something to do with the visual proportions that the original designers wanted to create. We consciously chose to keep them that way when we renovated a few years ago (we tried to keep or reinstate most original features but we did instal more modern handles).

https://www.doorstop.com.au/bl.....-australia

Fascinating! Your house must be charming.

I love that Trenery example and your version--very useful comparison! I love how analytical you are about your wardrobe, and how well you know yourself and what works for you. And it's fab that you alter garments (dress to skirt, dyeing, etc.) to make them work for you as you evolve. It results in a unique, chic, genuine, confident style.

Totally agree with you about the scale changes and cohesiveness that pattern can offer. Lately I really dislike the blocky effect of two items in different colors. It just feels….dull. Although a very simple outfit, like the Trenery example you give above, can look totally chic, clean and minimalist on the right person. Somehow I never end up looking “clean” in this kind of ensemble, but instead just boring!

Love the outfits. Were they worn to work? What level of formality does this represent to you?

Thanks Jonesy!

Jessikams, that’s how I feel too when I go minimalist in an outfit. And it took me a while to learn that because I really enjoy minimalism on others. I’m a more is more person! I WFH so none of the outfits are work outfits but I’d probably wear no 3 (the pants outfit) to work. The first one was worn out to dinner, so it’s the most dressy (and maybe a little too va va voom for work). The second two are my day time versions of “going out” outfits (worn to have lunch with friends, go shopping in city). The last one is a dog walking outfit. It’s also the sort of outfit I’d wear for routine activities like running errands, grocery shopping etc.

Looking good for going out!