SUITS
Matching patterns is an art form and a skill that can be built over time. With a little practice, a little bit of courage (yes, get out of your comfort zone!), and the guidelines below, you can learn how to build a versatile wardrobe composed of pieces that can be mixed and matched in a variety of impressive ways. So how do you match your pinstripe shirt with your plaid double-breasted suit? Is there a golden rule to follow? What should you look out for?
The simple answer is: less is more. When you are just starting out on this stylistic journey, be sure to introduce patterns into your wardrobe slowly. The patterns you wear should not overpower your total look. Be courageous and leave your comfort zone but admit to the limits of your creativity. One who is a conservative dresser will want to take extra care when introducing a new look. Menswear theory, and the theory of clothing in general, dictates that everything about your attire should bring attention to you, and more specifically, to your face. Your outfit is meant to hold people’s focus but you want them to see and remember you, not just your outfit. You are the main character of your life, your family, your career, and of course, your wardrobe. Your attire is not working for you if it steals the show.
Style How To:
PATTERN MATCHING
By: Andrew Lock
for the Sophisticated Mocher Learning to match patterns successfully can be tricky. This is especially true for those who grew up wearing nothing but dark suits and white shirts. Go too bold and you risk looking silly. Dress too conservatively, and you can miss an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
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MOCHERS
Imagine this: You are the host of a party. Everything is perfect, from the decor to the wine. You are dressed to the nines, sporting a custom suit paired with a perfect tie, pocket square, and elegant black oxfords. You look great and you feel great too. There is only one small problem. Your black shoes have light brown soles. Ouch. That’s all anyone will notice. The contrast drags the eye down to your feet instead of up to your face.The same rule applies to pairing patterns. Your patterns don’t need to match, but they certainly should not compete. A cohesive look is one where no pattern fights with another. In high-end style, everything you wear should work in harmony to bring the eye upward to your face. Did you know that you can match plaids with stripes? You can, and perhaps you should. The rule of patterns is to match different kinds with each other. There are four basic families of patterns: checks, stripes, repeat prints (polka dots, paisleys, or whimsical), and textures such as herringbone. Any two of these patterns can look smart when paired together. Even three different patterns can be layered in one outfit but that should be the limit. What to avoid? Do not combine patterns that www.mochers.com
