PATTERN Fashion Strategies
Pattern A combination of several design elements – lines, shapes, colors arranged in or on textural material
Building a wardrobe with pattern Rely on solid colors and classic patterns, in small to medium scale prints, stripes, and plaids Look out for patterns you absolutely love, that feel like you could wear them forever, and seem to reflect you well.
Classic Patterns Retain their fashionability, and thus their wearability for years. Classic patterns are always in good taste and do not detract from you.
Recognizing classic patterns Classic patterns look familiar Are almost always available Are in style despite trends Are small to medium in scale Are more often rendered with wardrobe neutrals and combine with a wide range of colors
DO NOT BUY OR BUILD A WARDROBE EXCLUSIVELY FROM ONLY SOLIDS OR ONLY PATTERNS!
Trendy Patterns Have distinctive lines and shapes Are larger in scale Are bold in color – bright or strong contrasts Limited in the places it can be worn comfortably or appropriately
Trendy
Benefits of pattern Adds interest to plain surface of fabric Helps coordinate two or more solid colored items Create a point or area of emphasis Create illusions (enhance or disguise) Become a visible expression of personal style
Sources of inspiration Nature Man-Made
Types of motifs Realistic Imitate or duplicate nature Appears photographic
Types of motifs Stylized A conventionalized impression or interpretation of natural or man-made objects Simplified detail Objects are still recognizable
Types of Motifs Geometric Strict use of lines in recognized geometric shapes Stripes, checks, plaids, Dots and circles Squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds
Types of Motifs Abstract From artists imagination Appear as a blur or splashes of color Unrealistic, free-form, or flowing lines
Arrangement of motifs All Over Appear the same from any direction you look at them
Arrangement of motifs 4 way arrangements Appear the same from four directions given a 90 turn
Arrangement of Motifs Two-way arrangements Appear the same from only two directions
Arrangement of Motifs One-way arrangement Appear right side up from one direction only. Has a recognizable top and bottom Words & numbers, people, animals, functional objects OOPS!
Arrangement of Motifs Border arrangements Appear right side up from only one selvage edge. Dominant motif in the pattern create a specific border along that edge