How many articles have we read about color? Are we a Spring,
Summer, Winter, or Fall- and are we wearing the right colors to suit us? It is
important to know which colors look good on us, because we don't want to buy
things and not wear them. That is a waste of money. Color is one determining
factor.
Not as much is written about pattern. Not all our clothes are a
solid color. Many have patterns. We also need to learn which patterns suit us.
There are 3 things to remember with pattern:
1. Color
2. Scale
3. Design
Let's talk about Color first. Most pieces of fabric will have an
overall color. If you have trouble seeing it, do the squint test (or if you are
as nearsighted as I am, just take off your glasses!) When you look at the fabric
and squint, you will see the dominant color in the fabric.
The color you see should be in harmony with the colors you know
look good on you. Some people look terrific in prints on a white background,
others look better with a cream or black background.
Scale is how big the print is. For instance, I am crazy about
plaid. I'll wear it anywhere on my body. However, it has to be a very small
checkered type design or it overwhelms me and I look like a lumberjack.
The same thing is true for floral prints, geometric designs,
etc. Whether you look better in small or large prints will depend on your facial
features and your body structure. You can be drawn to an item of clothing
because of the color and style, but if the scale of the pattern if wrong, it may
end up not being worn.
When I talk about Design, I am talking about the lines in the
garment. Are they straight or curved? In plaids they are always straight. Floral
prints can have gently curved lines, or be very round, depending on the design.
Geometric prints vary (circles, squares, triangles, etc), and abstracts can be
anything.
Again, what you will look good in will depend on the lines of
your body. Is your face angular or round? Is it both? How about your body?
Again, do the squint test if you are having trouble trying to determine you body
shape.
- Develop your sense of pattern. It is just one more tool
that will help you to avoid those costly buying mistakes that hang in the
back of your closet.