Check, stripes, patterns. How to use them?

Checks, stripes, pinstripes and other patterns

Although the first thought about patterns brings usually to mind checks, stripes and pinstripes, they are just a tip of the iceberg. It's always worth to appreciate geometrical patterns and fancy overprints with expressive themes. Another important thing is the fabric. Herringbone, knitwear or braid patterns on a jumper and quilted elements of jackets, hoodies or vests may blend up in interesting patterns which can be matched variously. The ability to match different patterns together is hard. However, this time it's only required to follow basic rules to create unique and expressive stylings that are eye-catching and surprise with every detail.

Patterns at first – ideas for fancy stylings

There are plenty of methods when it comes to matching patterns. However, this time, colours also matter. It's good to specify the background colour of patterned clothes and the dominant one. Knowing that, we are able to choose other elements of a styling. It would be nice if the common element was colour or the pattern, however, you can also place a bet on contrasting patterns. Dark and light patterned clothes may create an unbelievable look. If you are not sure, use proven stylings. For example, a red checked shirt may become a great choice for khaki camo-patterned trousers. Another interesting idea is to match clothes in a similar pattern and colour. A red men's checked shirt fits amazingly to navy blue trousers and a vest. Something unique and extremely fancy might also be added by details, e.g. a checked lining of a vest's hood.

While matching together different designs, you should try at least a few options. The safest are match-ups that blend small patterns. But, fitting large patterns with small ones are also a decent idea. However, be careful while matching large designs together. Another worth appreciating thing are clothes that mix various size patterns. A checked long sleeve shirt may have e.g. a breast pocket in an argyle pattern. The original detail can also be a fastening or a collar in the same pattern but in a different size or colour. Striped and pin-striped shirts in different colours, shapes and pattern sizes are also original. The geometrical patterns fit amazingly to casual stylings in which expressive colours are represented by vertical and horizontal stripes in various thickness.

The real challenge is to create a unique styling that blends up stripes with check. Instead of choosing the same patterns, place your bet on different fabrics. A checked shirt looks gorgeous matched with a quilted jacket or vest, in which the quilted pattern is striped or argyle. When a styling consists of clothes in toned shades like white, grey or black, the main role may is played by various quiltings on a monochromatic jacket. It's worth to remember that unique and expressive quilted elements, e.g. on the arms provide not only edgy look but also underline the line of the arms.

How to select the best accessories?

If you want to match a patterned styling with details and accessories, do it carefully. They may correspond to patterns in terms of colour, contrast with them or play a background role. A backpack, a bag, a hat, shoes or a shawl in a neutral colour are amazing complements of a styling and at the same time provide an edgy look to all patterned clothes.