Building on the solid colors discussed on the last post, it's time to add the next element: pattern.
When it comes to pattern, a little goes a long way. The same rule applies to the use of pattern as what I previously mentioned about the use of white - sparingly and judiciously. Done right, adding a little pattern to your otherwise solid get-up will kick-start your spring style into high gear.
The warm season is especially conducive to pattern-wearing. Depending on the pattern type, size, and/or color, something about its ease or playful attitude goes well with the spirit of spring and summer. However, there are distinctions to be made for what patterns suit which season. When choosing patterns for spring, stick to the classics: plaids, checks, and stripes - there's plenty of variety within these three categories to satisfy every personality and taste level.
As the air and temperature in spring are still on the crisp, fresh side, choose patterns that compliment those same qualities. This means simple, clean, clearly defined patterns in non-fussy weaves like gingham and solid stripes. The same applies to colors: clean, clear and bright. By bright I'm not just talking about bright colors such as bright orange and green (which, by the way, are great for spring), but I'm also referring more to the feeling of brightness.
For instance, the shirts below (all by J.Crew) have medium blue and dark blue yarns - if you saw just the blue yarns before they were woven into each cloth, you'd definitely say they're not bright. However, they feel bright and light because of the white background. That's what I mean by bright - in a more general context - a sense, a feeling of lightness.
In this way, you can more or less wear any color, as long as it's grounded with a light background. And as I've mentioned on the last post, white is the king of backgrounds for spring patterns - it single-handedly lifts anything you wear into a spring-appropriate ensemble. If the pattern's background isn't white, in which case I recommend off-white or light cream, be sure that there's still some white incorporated into the overall pattern - just a little white somewhere will still be able to brighten the entire pattern.
Colorwise, again, keep things simple. Two-color checks and stripes such as the ones pictured above are virtually goof-proof. They always look great and go with just about anything, and they certainly pair well with all the colors I've mentioned on the previous post. If you go for a multi-color pattern, stick to as few color combinations as possible, and make sure the pattern is defined and clean, not muddy. But do experiment with all the varieties of colors available in these types of patterns - this is the right season to play around - just make sure that the colors work with your skin tone. (I'll cover skin tone analysis and color later).
Keep the size of spring patterns literally in "check" - smaller and on the tight side, but with clean and defined lines to offset the smaller scale of the pattern. Again, it's always about balance - in this case, between subtle and graphic.
The easiest, obvious way to wear pattern is to wear it as a shirt, keeping the rest of your gear solid. If you want to up the ante though, try using patterns as accent pieces, such as on pocket squares and ties. Just make sure the accent piece and the area it lays on has some kind of relationship, either by sharing a part of a common color, tonality, etc. I'll get to the subjects of adding accents and the art of layering pattern-on-pattern on future posts, but for now, if you're in doubt, don't go there.
Take these tips and make them your own. Try out some colors and have fun. Spring is an uplifting season, so cheer up, brighten up, and add a bit of flair to your style!
