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Mixing Up Bold Patterns: Plaid and Paisley

October 3rd, 2014
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Bold patterns can often be challenging to style. That’s true when you’re talking about a single pattern, and even more so when dealing with multiple bold patterns. How well you work with patterns has as much to do with your style experience as it has to do with confidence — one is often a product of the other. If you’re just starting to explore pattern mixing, here are a couple tips to help you along.

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| WEARING | Suit c/o Reiss (last season, similar HERE), Shirt and pocket square c/o Ermengildo Zegna, Tie c/o Bows-N-Ties, Tom Ford glasses, Tiffany cufflinks, David Donahue tie clip, Shoes c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

You can create the best balance with patterns of different sizes and densities. Here, the windowpane plaid is large, but thin. The paisley, on the other hand, is smaller and very dense. They work well together because one is not “competing” with the other. Think about pairing patterns together in the same way you’d choose a pocket square or tie for an outfit — they should always complement each other, rather than match too closely.

And remember that mixing patterns should be fun. Whether you’re working with two or even three different patterns, don’t be afraid to have one of them be slightly over the top. Done right, it looks confident and says that you’re in command of your style. Paisley has been my flashy pattern of choice recently.

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Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian
He Spoke Style

Brian Sacawa

Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.

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