Which patterns (& pattern sizes) are best for you?
Find out which pattern styles best complement your lovely body shape
Choosing the right pattern styles and pattern sizes all depend upon your shape and height.
In this blog I will share what’s best for every primary body shape as well as your height.
The illusional effect of patterns is that they get the attention of the eye. Similar to why lighter fabrics capture our eye contact ahead of a darker hue.
Patterns are particularly powerful for balancing primary shapes that are already unbalanced – like a Pear and Inverted Triangle shape.
Patterns for your shape
Curvy Shapes
If you are an Hourglass, Apple / Oval shape or Pear shape, it is best to choose patterns that are similarly rounded and curvy, like florals, spots, circles and swirls.
Hourglass shape
You have more flexibility than other body shapes. You can opt for an all over pattern or just your top or bottom half. The trick is to make sure the size of pattern is right for your height.
Apple / Oval shape
Patterns on your bottom half are best as these will draw attention to your amazing legs. However, if you do choose to wear a patterned top, make sure it is the right size for your height.
Pear shape
Wear patterns on your top half only. The exception is in the area of your skirt hemline. Once again, choose a pattern size which complements your scale.
When choosing dresses or jumpsuits, focus on the right style as you are seeking to make your shoulder line appear broader to balance with your wider hips.
“Patterns are particularly powerful for balancing body shapes that are already unbalanced – like a Pear or Inverted Triangle shape.”
Straight Shapes
If you are an Inverted Triangle, Column or Lean column shape, it is best to choose patterns that are similarly lined and structured, like diamonds, squares, rectangles and geometricals (like these examples).
Inverted Triangle shape
Only wear patterns on your bottom half. The exception is a pattern or contrast on the hemline of your tops.
When choosing dresses or jumpsuits, focus on the right style for your shape which is to broaden your hip line to balance with your shoulder width.
Column / Straight shape
When wearing a pattern on your top half, complement with lighter / brighter colours on your bottom half. Or reverse this for the same, great effect.
Follow the pattern size for your scale.
Lean Column / Lean Straight shape
Similar rules to a column shape above. You also have more flexibility to choose patterns that are specifically located along your shoulder line, your waist or your skirt hemline.
How to choose the right pattern size for your height
Petite Height
Which I define as less than 1.6m (5ft 3in):
– You’re best off wearing one colour from head to toe
– Two colours can be worn as long as neck to floor proportions are either 1/3 or 2/3
– Avoid wearing too much volume as it will swamp you
You should and can wear:
– Smaller print patterns (i.e. below an inch in size)
– Smaller accessories
– Minimal texture and bulk (i.e. avoid heavy fabrics)
Average Height
Which I define as between 1.6m to 1.7m (i.e. 5ft 3in to 5ft 7in):
– You have the freedom to wear all pattern sizes, although medium size patterns will look the best
– Focus on styles which complement your body shape
You should and can wear:
– Accessories which complement your scale
– Medium sized patterns (i.e. 1 inch to 2.5 inches in size)
– Either a ‘wow’ piece of clothing to make a statement or a single ‘wow’ accessory such as a bag or piece of jewellery
Tall Height
Which I define as over 1.7m (5ft 7ins):
– You need to use colour to break up your height
– Understand that a single colour will make you appear taller
You should and can wear:
– Larger, bolder prints. (i.e. 2.5 inches and above)
– Statement accessories
– Heavier weighted fabrics
Look out for my next blog on outfitting your patterned garments
When I explain how to incorporate patterns into outfit creation and share the do’s and don’ts – so you always get compliments.
In meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Cristina Holm
Cristina Holm is one of the UK’s leading personal stylists. Cristina is based and operates from her studio in Warfield, Berkshire (United Kingdom). She serves clients locally and internationally.
Cristina is also the founder of My Secret Stylist, the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret. For only £35.99 per year, you can find and ‘see in seconds’ clothes which complement your body shape across all the popular brands. For more information, go to www.mysecretstylist.co.uk