Pattern Mahem! Mixing it up for Father’s Day without creating visual confusion.

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate

Men often tell us they have difficulty mixing patterns in their shirts and ties.  They’re not alone.  Where to start and how to mix patterns presents problems for women as well.  Mixing the patterns in an outfit can add interest, sophistication and flair, but it’s difficult to do harmoniously.  Keep in mind the following guidelines:

1. Start by finding a pattern – plaid, stripe, or print – possibly a shirt, which you really like and feel like you could wear forever as your source of inspiration for the color scheme of the outfit.

2. Select other pieces of the outfit that have one color in common with your original favorite.

3. Select only one strong pattern, then a softer – more subtle – pattern, and finally a fairly neutral pattern or solid color.

We have featured a suit, shirt and tie – above.  All three pieces have the same color, blue-gray, in common.  The suit has a very narrow pin stripe and the shirt has a small check print.  Both of these are less attention getting than the wide striped tie, which is clearly dominant.  Putting together a look like this is slightly advanced, you may want to start with a simpler approach.

Pattern mixing for the beginner -

If you’re not sure what you’re doing, you’re smart to start by separating two patterns with a solid color.  Try a brown pinstripe suit worn with a light tan shirt and a small polka dot or check tie in brown, beige, and red for a beginner.  For a bolder look, opt for a more widely spaced rep-striped tie.

Intermediate -

Advance to wearing a solid-colored suit, a patterned shirt and a patterned tie.  This works more easily if both patterns are traditional and if one pattern is non-directional – that is, an all-over print.  Try wearing a charcoal gray suit, a cinnamon stripe shirt with a rust and gray print tie.

Advanced -

If you really want to make a statement, try wearing a medium check sport coat, with a small check vest, a stripe shirt and a diamond textured tie with solid colored slacks.  The look is terrific!

No matter your experience level with mixing patterns, consider our 3 guidelines and don’t be afraid to experiment.  Practice makes perfect!

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Three Components for an Excellent Pattern

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM with Sarah Ward, Conselle Affililate

You may have noticed how these days it’s difficult to find harmonious high quality pattern designs.  Exhibit A:

Problematic Patterns by Conselle

Because in the last several decades we have gone through a period of minimalistic design in dress with lots of solid colors and few patterns, many of the young designers coming up the ladder have never been exposed to quality patterns or taught the proper characteristics of good design.  At the same time, Gen X and Gen Y consumers have never worn patterns and tend not to appreciate them (because Mom and Grandma wore patterns, they won’t dare!). 

In an effort to re-interest the young women of today in new patterns, you’ll see the retail locations bombarding consumers with pattern clothing.  But it doesn’t mean they’re all fabulous.  Not all patterns are created equal.

If you look at the red, white, and blue skirt on the bottom row, second from the left, you’ll notice the large floral print is right over the crotch area. 

Of course, not all patterns are problematic.  Here are three components for an excellent pattern:

• Three Components for an Excellent Pattern #1: The best patterns integrate human colors, in other words, colors that are present in an individual’s personal coloring such as brown (eyes or hair), blue (eyes), green (eyes), ivory (skin), pink (cheek color), and so forth.  The most popular colors compliment your natural coloring. 
  

  Notice the human colors present in this Gucci scarf: brown, green, red, and taupe.

• Three Components for an Excellent Pattern #2: If two or more patterns are integrated into one item of clothing, there needs to be a dominant pattern and subordinate pattern, made harmonious by a common color.  This is what we have taught at the Conselle Institute of Image Management for decades.  In evaluating a pattern, the eye needs a resting place. 
• Three Components for an Excellent Pattern #3: Within a pattern, the motifs need to feature a shapes that progress in size from small to medium to large, and not skip from small to large. 

Since we showcased several less-than-desirable floral patterns, here is a harmonious, widely spaced floral pattern for your viewing pleasure:

Trashy Diva Floral Print Dress

If these three components of an excellent pattern have inspired you to learn more about patterns, through Conselle we teach a full day seminar on pattern selection and coordination in dress.  If you are a designer or even an image conscious individual who would appreciate further education on high quality harmonious patterns, this is a terrific course for you.  For more information visit www.conselle.com, email us at kathy [at] conselle [dot] com or call 801-224-1207. 

As a closing note, be sure the print doesn’t take dominance over you.  Above all, your face — where you communicate — should be the main focal point of your ensemble. 

Copyright Conselle L.C. 2010

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and would love to educate you on pattern selection and coordination!  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

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