Imogen, thank you for the great post on how to interpret prints and patterns. I wonder what floral patterns are considered classic, what are the criteria to consider a pattern classic in order it won’t date quickly? Thank you again
Florals are never really Classic in their personality and will date. When I go through wardrobes I notice that I can carbon date a garment by the floral print. Even though florals are a common print, they change with fashion cycles and aren’t static. There are many different sorts of florals from the graphic and abstract to the realistic and the natural.
Because of the way florals change, they are never really classic. Only stripes, checks and houndstooth are truly classic patterns. There are some more ‘traditional’ and conservative florals – such as the Liberty print floral which changes less over time, but can appear very dated when it’s unlike the current fashion floral print.
If you don’t want a print to date too quickly it needs to:
- Be small to medium in size
- Be medium in contrast
- Be fairly simple in its design
- Be a stripe or an animal print that are not too large or obvious
Hi! Great post. Question: What is a conservative “Liberty print floral?” Illustrations would help. Thanks!
The strapless floral dress on the right hand side (orangey kind of colour would be down the Liberty print side. Also have a look at this http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/departmenthome/dept/fabrics
Would love to see a follow-up of this post that talks more about how some prints can make you look older … or too young. Some of it will depend on how the fabric is used (style of garment) I suppose. But, for example, I picked up a Max Studio drapey blouse in a dense print and perfect style for me … but will be returning it because the density of the print ended up making me look older. I think I need more “white space” (not necessarily white color) in between the print elements for a bit of youthfulness.
Some patterns are more youthful and others can be ageing https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2014/07/prints-and-patterns-natural-vs-stylised.html there is a little information there – I thought I’d written another post on this topic too – just can’t find it at the moment!