3 Ways to Wear Pattern this Fall

jancynbindman
Nov 29, 2022
2 min read

As fall winds down, I am forcing myself to stay in the fall color palette even with temperatures dropping into winter temps. Before heading into winter style, I wanted to make sure we chatted about the use of pattern. Using pattern correctly can really alter your proportions, and vice versa. It can also wake up an otherwise "ho-hum" outfit.

All of these outfits can continue to be worn in the winter with the addition of tights, as well as additional sweaters and jackets to keep you warm.

OUTFIT 1

This has been one of my favorite fall sweaters this year. Every time I wear this outfit I get compliments from strangers. Why does this outfit work? If you have a bigger lower half that you're trying to balance with a smaller top half, then a sweater like this can be very useful. The eye is drawn up to the face because of the stripes and the colors. You are making your top half bigger because the stripes are going horizontally. Also, because I've paired this sweater with a darker, no pattern, skirt there is no competition and the eye can travel straight to the wearer's face.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT

Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT

Boots: Sam Edelman

Necklace: J Crew

OUTFIT 2

A very chic outfit for fall and winter. Perfect for anywhere really. Having a maxi or midi skirt can to a nice change up from shorter skirts or pants. This type of skirt allows you to move and sit like you are wearing pants. I chose this skirt because the pattern is in a muted color palette. The eye doesn't stop on the skirt because the sweater I paired it with is in the same darker tone. The eye can travel up and down without anything stopping it. This creates a cohesive outfit and one that will also win you compliments. Pair this with other color sweaters, and you've got three outfits to wear with one skirt.

OUTFIT DETAILS

Hat: Brixton

Sweater: Ann Taylor LOFT

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: J Crew

OUTFIT 3

A great option for anytime you are feeling a bit festive. This patterned blouse has silver and gold threads running through it so it goes with either type jewelry. The pattern is small, floral, and doesn't overwhelm the body. The peplum detailing adds a little visual interest as well. Pairing this blouse with colored pants instead of jeans makes this outfit feel fresh, modern, and fun. As always when pairing colors together find the item of clothing that has multiple colors and grab the same color or something in the same color family to find a good fit.