A Guide on Pairing Patterns
There’s no doubt that patterns have emerged as a fashion staple in 2024: whether it is the newfound love for gingham, trendy animal prints, classical stripes and polka dots, or even daring lace. But with this rise in patterns comes a bigger question: how do we pair these patterns? How do we make sure our patterns are cohesive, elevating our outfits rather than overpowering and confusing them? Well, what you need is an up-to-the-minute guide, and you’re in luck. I’m going to give you all the tips and tricks to ensure that you rock your patterns this fall.
One of the simplest ways to pair your patterns is to ensure that a colour in the patterned piece matches another item in your outfit! Take, Luisa Bokor, ‘26, for example - she’s basically the queen of matching accents. While strolling out of the Main Library at St Andrews, listening to music, and looking effortlessly chic, I (Ceci Todd) chased her down to snap a photo of her perfectly paired pattern outfit. She’s rocking a monochromatic brown color scheme, with her sweater, skirt and shoes all similar shades. The checkered mini skirt is the star of the show, but the brown accents tie the whole look together. As Alice Cary wrote in her 2021 Vogue UK article, “ Sticking to a single colour palette is a foolproof approach, and will prevent you looking as though you simply failed to switch the lights on before getting dressed. Think of it like you would furnishings: you don’t want a matching three-piece suite – but you do want your sofa, stool and accent chair to complement one another.” Louisa doesn’t just stop there, though - she adds a bold pop of colour with a bright blue belt, which breaks up the browns and adds a fun twist to the outfit.
Boys, take notes because Franek Kusiak, ‘28, has mastered pairing patterns in a casual way. Franek’s all-black ensemble with a chic checkered jacket shows how you can still make a statement by matching your accents. The black sweater and pants tie in perfectly with the black accents in his jacket, while his shoes match the jacket’s white accents. His checkered jacket has been effortlessly draped over his shoulders to add a fun accent to his outfit ensuring that his look goes from ordinary to eye-catching. While more casual, Franek’s outfit emphasises how to pair your patterns in a timeless way: simple, but so effective.
Now, let’s talk matching sets - a classical way to nail pairing patterns. Picture this: Ava Palermo, ‘27, wakes up on a rare sunny day in St Andrews, realizing she has a garden party with her friends that day. Panic sets in as she struggles to find a cute, trendy outfit to debut, until her eyes land on her secret weapon: a pink floral Frankies Bikini matching set, almost like it was placed in her closet by an angel. Matching sets offer a cohesive and effortless look that simplifies styling, and matching sets can be extremely versalite. You could wear your matching set together for a bold look, or you could wear just the top or the bottom and pair it with a more casual piece of clothing (you basically get three different outfits for the price of one). Palermo also pairs her set with black knee-high booties, a black Christian Dior crescent bag, and an oversized black jacket - perfectly balancing her set. As Ava demonstrates, matching sets ensure your patterns are the star of the show without feeling overwhelmed!
Although I’m a big fan of matching sets, every now and then I’m just walking down the street and encounter an outfit that reignites my passion for fashion - mixed prints and patterns have that magical quality for me. There’s something undeniably playful and striking about pairing vibrant stripes with plaid, or florals with lace. Yet, when we try replicating it ourselves, the task can get a little tricky…
It’s safe to say the titular star of the TV show ‘Emily in Paris’ is the queen of clashing prints - but not always in the best way. If you’re bold enough to rock a clashing patterned outfit, here are a few guidelines to make sure you look more stylish than chaotic. When it comes to clashing prints, it’s all about balance. Think of it like this: you’re embracing your inner child, mixing and matching with playful, fearless energy. The trick is to pick one pattern as your main event, and then find other complimentary patterns. For Instance, you could keep a cohesive color palette while wearing a black and brown checkered mini skirt with a pair of black lace-patterned tights. Or you could try mixing horizontal stripes on a top with vertical stripes on a button-down. Accessories are your secret weapon: chunky jewelry, fun belts, or a fun pair of shoes can help tie your clashing prints together. Remember, clashing patterns is about having fun, so embrace the uniqueness of your look. So what does this all add up to? Before you dive headfirst into your closet to start pairing patterns like a pro, remember that fashion is about expressing yourself and having fun. Whether you’re sticking to a simple, monochromatic look with a subtle pattern, or going all out with bold clashes that turn heads, the key is to feel confident and comfortable. Matching accents help ground your outfit, while clashing patterns can unleash your creativity. And of course, a matching set is your best friend when you need an effortlessly chic look in a pinch. So, take risks, trust your instincts, and most importantly, let your personality shine through your style. Fashion should never be boring, and patterns are a playful way to keep your wardrobe exciting and fresh.
With these tips in your fashion toolkit, you’re ready to strut St Andrews in your perfectly curated patterned outfits. Whether you’re mixing stripes with polka dots or a sleek matching set, there are endless possibilities to explore. So go ahead—get creative, experiment with textures, and let your patterns tell your story.
Photography by Cecily Todd