The grown-up guide to wearing print and pattern
Photo: Clara Molden for The Daily Telegraph
I always think that I’m not a print person; that I’m someone who is far happier in my discreet uniform of classic navy and olive green than shouty florals and high-impact graphics, but maybe I’m mistaken… A quick review of summer outfits for my Telegraph column proves that there has been a small outbreak of pattern. Suddenly my wardrobe is peppered with statement prints tucked alongside hard-working not-so-basics and neutrals. The bold newcomers have been introduced gradually: navy Breton stripes swapped for more colourful parallel lines, polka dots for swirling paisleys and while I’m not really a fan of ditsy florals, I dig a retro-fabulous pattern or graphic design. Worn in this low-key way, outstanding prints make perfect sense, and more importantly, they feel like me.
When you’re wary of bold prints, a top is a good starting point for some pattern play as it can easily be tempered with faded jeans, track pants or a maxi skirt. This eye-catching blouse from La Double J is an absolute winner, and the elegant black maxi skirt from COS makes the perfect backdrop. Pairing print with simple, wardrobe staples avoids an outfit descending into Grey Gardens territory…
Wearability is also down to the colour combination. I feel comfortable and at ease in my favourite hues, so by going for a familiar colour palette the fear of pattern ebbs away. The dark green base of this Marimekko shirt feels gorgeous and grown-up, and it blends perfectly with the Me+Em track-pants. While the print might be new, the slouchy silhouette is a tried-and-tested favourite. By keeping things simple and faff-free, I’m well within my Casually Glamorous comfort zone.
Photo: Clara Molden for The Daily Telegraph
Now, tell me, how do you wear print?
My favourite shops for print play: Essential Antwerp, La Double J, Boden, Scotch and Soda, Stella Jean, Pink City Prints, Kemi Telford, Phoebe Grace and Rixo.
STYLE NOTES:
The gorgeous blouse I’m wearing in the top picture is from LaDoubleJ – it’s called the Happy Wrist Bell-sleeve blouse in Peacock – from Matches (now sold out). The skirt is my own from Cos, similar HERE. The sandals are from Joseph, last few sizes available HERE. The earrings from Bar Jewellery.
In the second outfit I’m wearing a blouse by Marimekko, from Fenwick. It’s now sold out but there are some ace prints in the ‘new in’ section HERE. The satin track-pants are from Me+Em HERE, the knotted sandals are from Russell+Bromley HERE and the jewellery is from Bar.
All items except the skirt identified as my own, were loaned and returned after the shoot.
*Please note: That’s Not My Age uses affiliate links to gain a small commission on items purchased through the site
Discussion (20 Comments)
I’ve always been a bit nervous of a bold print but have dabbled over the years with various success. I did recently make a dress from a very bold African fabric that I bought in Tanzania a few years ago and wore it to my nephews wedding. Feeling emboldened I then bought a dress from Damsel in a Dress for my friends 50th, with a bit of a 60’s vibe, and felt really good in it. Maybe I’m learning! Love the green outfit and am coveting the Me+Em trousers.
Andrea says:
OMG The floral high tops!!! I need them in my life and they don’t have my size… I could simply cry.
I do however have a lot of beautiful vintage patterned fabric that I have stored for year. I always knew one day I would be the right age/time to make them up into classic ‘wear it for years to come’ tops.
Getting my sewing machine out MIGHT take my mind of the ConverseK says:
Welcome aboard! I have always enjoyed patterns and other forms of textile art, whether that be prints, woven patterns, sewn in patterns, embroidery, or whatever. By the way your MEandEM photo shoot was both very attractive and very me, which made me feel very good about my own choices 😉
Ellen says:
I have fun buying print trousers. Remarkably versatile when, as you recommend, one stays within your usual color palette and sophisticated rather than trendy patterns.
Caro says:
Another beautiful print: https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/product/robert-graham-elizabeth-paisley-print-blouse-0400014683064.html?dwvar_0400014683064_color=MULTI
Mrs Tonia says:
Lovely photos of you Alyson in these chic outfits. I really like all of the Double J prints but they are not in my price range. I have patterned clothing Marimekko several as well as Liberty prints and some Paul Smith and other silk shirts. Like you have done these are worn with plain colour trousers or skirts on the bottom half. The trick for me is to find prints of the right scale. Those that are too big I tend not to wear.
It is good to mix things up adding prints and if not a blouse or dress than a scarf. Today I wore a chartreuse hoodie with olive linen trousers with a lovely coordinated coloured paisley scarf old silk/wool one from Etro. That made these separates feel like a special outfit and pulled the whole thing together. In sum adding colour and texture and pattern with scarves and shawls is a good way of experimenting with print and splashes of colour even in very simple basic garments.Janet Ellis says:
Wow what an amazing look for you! The LaDouble blouse looks outstanding on you – keep those prints coming. I almost put a Zara print shirt in the charity shop bag this morning and then changed my mind. I do have the confidence to wear it! And now I’ve seen yours I’m even more sure I can make the most of it the right way. Gorgeous
Boadicea says:
Love both tops with their gorgeous colours and patterns, but couldn’t be doing with either the pussy-cat bow or the floppy cuffs. Five minutes in – or on, even – and they’d have swiped themselves either across my Marmite and toast or into my paints!
Louise says:
La Double J is permanently on my wishlist! That blouse is gorgeous, and very much your style. My wardrobe is both print and colour heavy, but I have realized that I don’t find it overwhelming, because my colour palette is roughly limited to four or five colours (sometimes all together!), and I tend to wear simple, straightforward shapes, which repeat in my wardrobe, and my accessories are quite limited. I think pattern is always a balancing game 🙂
Love the Marimekko blouse on you! The wildest I go with print is small geometrics that don’t look like prints until you’re right close up. Although I will wear bright block colours. Hmmm I wonder why the resistance.
Susanna says:
You inspired me to pair a Marimekko tunic with white cropped jeans yesterday, and I couldn’t believe the number of compliments I received on the bold navy, white, and coral print. Thanks for reminding me!
Yvonne says:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE La Double J blouse. Such a beautiful blouse! and I love the Marimekko as well. I wear bold prints and I am 5′ 2 and in my sixties. There’s no stopping me. Life is too short and I receive a lot of compliments wearing my tops. You look gorgeous !
Jayne Johnson says:
All the outfits look great on you. I love pattern and colour and wear any print or colour I like. When I was in my 40s (62 now) I had an inkling I was going to get bolder and brighter as I got older and my inkling is turning out correct. I also had an inkling I would be drawn to sparkle and glitter as I got older and that’s correct as well. I absolutely love lurex, shimmery fabric, brocade and metallics. I would really like to see an article on wearing some of these. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but a bit of sparkle and shimmer can light up a person, or mood.
Rach with an E 
Anna 
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You look stunning Alyson! I especially love the green combo. Shame I can’t wear large prints at only 5′ 1″ and shrinking.
Keep these fab posts coming please