It’s no surprise that with the evolution of trends in the fashion industry, the debate over which patterns are actually cute versus just a micro trend is always a priority when choosing the best pieces for your wardrobe. With a little bit of insight on which patterns and prints work the best (and for which occasions), you will be an expert in no time on the best options for you!
Picnic Blanket or Christmas Pajamas?
Starting off with two of the most controversial patterns, plaid and gingham can provide two completely different aesthetics based on the kind of outfit you are trying to go for. Now, you might wonder, “what’s even the difference between plaid and gingham?” Plaid is generally worn in the colder months on either a cozy flannel during fall at a pumpkin patch, or on your favorite Christmas pjs by a crisp fire with a cup of hot chocolate in the winter. Aside from the season, plaid differs from gingham because it incorporates at least two colors whereas gingham only has one color and a neutral base (usually blue or red with a white base). As opposed to plaid, when I think of gingham, I think of spring and summer, wearing a babydoll gingham tank top while on a picnic with my friends in warm weather, eating berries and sitting in the grass. Personally, plaid reminds me, a little too much, of the Stone Ridge uniform kilt that is a source of contention in the Upper and Middle schools. I prefer gingham’s light, breezy, warmth that brings to mind the joy of spring and summer instead of the blustery winter months. While I enjoy gingham more than plaid, it’s a personal preference. Depending on the season, your inclinations, and the outfits you are wearing, one could make more sense for you over another.
Smell the Roses
Another debatable print trend is the loud, floral patterns. This one can be hit really hard and be worn extremely well or miss completely depending on how you wear it. This pattern is not my favorite as it really depends on the pieces that contain the pattern and how loud the pattern is. Personally, I love a dainty floral top with tiny little flowers that seem purposeful paired with a flowy, long, white maxi skirt in the spring and summertime. Even a pretty floral skirt with a white tank top or a colored top that matches the print. When doesn’t it work?? When there’s too much going on. Florals should only be put on base pieces like tops and bottoms. It really does not belong on outerwear. Your outfits should be a gradient of sorts, meaning that you put the lightest colors and patterns on the innermost part of your outfit (in this case a tank top or t-shirt), and the darkest pieces should be your outerwear. That’s why black trench coats and puffers work well with almost any outfit. Your eyes like gradients because they look cohesive. Florals as outwear seems too busy causing your eyes and brain to feel overwhelmed and making your outfit seem a little “off” or random. Loud florals can be fine, as long as they are the star of the show and are not competing with another part of your outfit.
Horizontals, Verticals, & Diagonals
Whatever the direction might be, all types of stripes are a fun way to add a simple pattern, yet still keep your outfit classy and put together without being too much. With the trending long sleeved shirts that come in all colors, stripes are here to stay (at least for a little bit longer than most patterns). They are a great base top that can add a little depth to your outfit and make it look interesting and cohesive without being too loud. For example, pair a long sleeve striped shirt underneath a black vest with a pair of blue jeans and there’s a cute new outfit. While it may seem basic, stripes are the best start to patterns if you want to incorporate them into your style. What you should not do with stripes is put the different directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal) all together in one outfit. You can place stripes in a few different spots of your outfit but don’t mix the directions. It starts to become too loud and looks like an optical illusion.
Is Cheetah Print Really Still In?
Cheetah print was all the rage in 2023 and 2024 with the rise of the printed jeans from Ganni and Damson Madder that were absolutely everywhere and then transferred to platforms like Edikted and Pull&Bear. The jeans turned into tops, shoes, jackets, even accessories like phone cases. As it has started to phase out a little bit, it has made way for other brands to start experimenting with different animal prints like zebra stripes and now cow print. In my opinion, cow print is one of the most hideous patterns on clothing that I have ever seen, and should be avoided. There have been good additions with the zebra print tops from Edikted, but besides that, I say we should stick to the cheetah print. With animal prints, they are really cute for a small detail within an outfit (like a printed scarf around the neck or as a belt on a pair of jeans), but besides the occasional going out top or sweater, it is a little too loud and confusing for a staple piece
Polka Dots or Polka Nots?
Finally, we arrive at the hottest trend of 2025: polka dots. Here’s my verdict –they are absolutely adorable! If you have seen my nails, you will know that I am a huge fan of this trending print. Do I think they are here to stay? Honestly, probably not for much longer…BUT I do think they are worth the purchase for a cute going out top or a summery set. My favorite versions of polka dots have been a navy blue or brown background with white dots as they pair the best with any outfit. Brown and pink have been an extremely popular color combo as well and one I hope I continue to see as this trend evolves.
Regardless of whether or not you like the idea of wearing patterns or you are starting to incorporate them into your personal style, there’s no reason not to try to assimilate them into your wardrobe!
xxxx
Maddie
