When I ask my clients what their dressing or styling challenges are, this one comes up often.
Wearing, choosing and styling prints and patterns can be a challenge for many. Like most things, it’s all about learning how to make it work for you.
There’s often a reason (or many) that you put something on and take it off again – something about it isn’t working and doesn’t suit you.
The trick is to be able to identify what those reasons are! When you do, you’ll be able to make the decision about either leaving it and not wear it, or know how to wear it so that it does then work for you and suit you.
Here’s three things to consider when choosing prints and patterns:
Colour
There’s a reason that colour analysis consultations are my most popular service!
Being able to identify that the shade of colour isn’t right is easier to do when you know what your best shades of colour are and how best to wear them.
When it comes to pattern and print, the main or dominant colour in the pattern is what to focus on. This will have the most effect as to whether it compliments you or not.
For example, in this first dress, the main colour is green and in the second dress, the bulk is purple. Both colour tones compliment me well and suit my features. They harmonise with my characteristics and don’t cast any shadows or overwhelm me.
If they were in a shade of colour which didn’t suit me, then they would cast shadows against my features, stand out and overwhelm me and make me look tired, older or unwell. (and nobody wants that right?)
Style
The second aspect to consider is your individual style. Even if you can’t identify or articulate it, you’ve still got style! It has nothing to do with fashion. Or age, or size come to that.
If something feels too ‘fussy’, it flaps about, feels uncomfortable or doesn’t feel ‘you’ then it doesn’t sound like it’s suited to your personality type. However you try, it just won’t work (and that’s ok). Picking, prodding and pulling at things which aren’t working for you won’t make you feel good so consider what items you feel your most comfortable and happiest in.
Identifying your personality is the key to wearing pattern in my view. In the case of the flowered dress mentioned above – it was actually an unusual choice for me. I often find floral patterns are all a bit too much, fussy and ditsy for me. Due to the style of the pattern, the colours and the size of the print, this particular dress (from Rae at Next) has worked so much better for me and my style. In terms of pounds per wear, I’m less than £3 already!
Shape
Most people who come to see me have an idea of their basic body shape. What they struggle with is knowing how to dress their specific body.
Being able to identify specific cuts, designs, fabrics and styles which flatter your shape and proportions is the key to being able to dress with confidence. Knowing that what you’re choosing and wearing not only fits, but it flatters you.
It has nothing to do with size!
Your underlying shape and body lines will also determine whether a specific pattern or print will flatter you or draw attention to bits you’d rather people not focus on!
Consider the size of a pattern. Is it too big for you? Too small? Does it appear to ‘warp’ when you wear it, or does it look like it was made for you?
Conclusion
In my experience, these are the three things to consider when it comes to choosing and wearing patterns with success and confidence.
All these areas are discussed during a consultation so that you’ll learn and understand how to dress to suit you so you can look and feel good in what you wear.
You’ll find more information below:
transformation package (colour, style and makeup lesson)
Appointments are available virtually and in the studio in Wakefield.
