Style is what you make of it. Some people prefer dress A down business attire for a casual, office appropriate vibe, while others are happiest in a suit and tie. There is no wrong way to approach fashion. However, there are fun ways to step outside of your comfort zone without completely annihilating the confidence you’ve built into your closet. We’re talking patterns and prints here, that should be in every wardrobe.
The Squares: You’re probably very familiar with this category. It’s where checks, ginghams, and plaids live. The beauty of adding a few square patterns to your wardrobe is that they are universal. They work in office settings, casual outings, and everything in between. The squares are great for breaking up the monotony of solid-colored suits while remaining tastefully elegant. They’re also super simple to dress down with chinos, giving the wearer a casual appeal that can take on any workday in style.
The Rounds: Of course, by rounds we mean your polka dots, florals, and paisleys. Unlike the aforementioned squares, florals and paisley patterns have taken a backseat in the fashion world. Especially where men’s dress shirts are concerned. But all that is changing again. Trends tend to be cyclical, and those of the fashion variety are no exception. Polka dots and paisley prints offered a peacocking effect back in the 80s and 90s. Now they’re making a resurgence to lend a little flash in the 2020s style. Use these patterns to draw the eye. Hint: paisley, polka dots, and florals work very well as accents on solid-colored pieces.
Clashing Patterns: Let’s say you’ve taken the leap and already have a couple of polka dots, ginghams, plaids, and paisleys lying around your closet but are looking for a way to make them stand out without going full-on fashion week. The simple answer here is to embrace the clash. Clashing patterns may seem counterintuitive, but it works. We’re sure you’ve heard it before – never mix plaids and stripes – but that’s old advice. Times are changing. And these days, a polka dot dress shirt and paisley tie can be a showstopping combination when done right. So, don’t be afraid to experiment.
At the end of the day, your style only needs to appease one person: you. Being comfortable in your own skin goes a long way to boost confidence, but for those who would like to switch things up a bit, playing with patterns (and colors for that matter) is a relatively easy first step. Why not give it a shot with a custom fit dress shirt? Not only will you look great, but you’ll feel amazing in a shirt of your own design!
At Original Stitch, we offer a fully customizable collection (yes, even the collar type!) of premium quality shirts. Customers can create a shirt completely unique to them. Our high-quality yarns are hand-selected from and tailored in Japan to be extra resistant to wear and tear while maintaining a softer feel than regular button-up shirts.
