Suzanne Carillo

I am a sucker for a big, bold, colourful pattern. Many of my fashion friends eschew patterns in favour of solids for more versatility in their wardrobes. I am the opposite. Solids bore me. Patterns are an invitation to play. They lend themselves easily to multiple combinations.

My wardrobe is made up of 80% patterns, 20% solids and I seem to manage just fine thank you.

Bold patterns are like dance parties for the eyes.

Unlike those unforgiving solid colours a pattern can disguise just about anything. They delight and confuse the eyes until they can no longer tell what part is convex and what is concave. It is like wearing Spanx on the outside without any of the discomfort.

Bigger patterns can be tricky to wear for those of us that are vertically challenged. Sometimes the pattern can overwhelm the body.

As a general rule, the smaller the body frame, the smaller your pattern should be.

NOT.

This is where confidence steps in. I find, the bigger your confidence level and the bolder your personality, the bigger and bolder the pattern you can wear, no matter your height.

Kind of a great rule for anything you want to wear in life really.

A good example is this groovy late 1960’s dress that I bought at the Toronto Vintage show. This is easily the largest pattern I own.

I’m not a shy person and this dress clearly states that.

This dress screams across the street to strangers,

“I’ve got an opinion and I intend to be heard!”

I may only be 5’4″ but I’ve got 6’4″ in attitude and you better believe I’m serious buster!

Ha! Don’t you love that word buster? It is so old school.

Maybe that is another reason I prefer patterns over solids. I mean…truly…what does a solid have to say?

“Yawn…go get me another soy-milk-no-sugar-too-fing-fancy-and-expensive-for-you-yuppy-drink while I mind numbingly scan my Instagram feed and count how many likes I have trying to make my vapid completely staged online existence feel meaningful.”

Solids are pretentious bastards.

Look at me! You don’t have to think to wear me!

Patterns are the improvisational jazz of the fashion world.

They stimulate your brain and stretch your creativity.

Next time you see a big bold pattern don’t turn up your nose and think you’re too timid, petite, sophisticated to give it a try. Why not be the cherry, chocolate sprinkles and caramel instead of just the vanilla?

Slap on some confidence, pull up your personality by the boot straps and stride around like you own the place.