There is something about fall that makes me want to actually get dressed again. Maybe it’s the return of jeans. Maybe it’s the boots. Maybe it’s the fact that I can finally put on more than one layer without immediately regretting it.
But this year, I keep noticing one other thing in my closet: pattern. Lots of it.
Plaid, stripes, argyle, florals, polka dots…. apparently my fall wardrobe has decided subtlety is overrated.
And surprisingly, I’m into it.
The good news is you don’t have to become a professional pattern mixer to get in on this. Some of my favorite outfits below use one statement print with really simple pieces. Others mix a few patterns together in a way that probably shouldn’t work…. but somehow does.
Here’s what I’m wearing and a few easy ways to bring a little pattern play into your fall wardrobe.
Paisley that POPS
Paisley is having a moment, but this isn’t necessarily the paisley you remember. This season’s version has a cool Western, bandana-inspired feel with deeper reds, chocolate browns, black and cream. I love that it can go a little boho, a little Western or even feel surprisingly polished depending on how you style it. And if an all-over print feels like too much, look for it on a sweater, scarf or smaller accessory for just a hint of the trend.
Start with Stripes
Stripes are getting a fall update, and I am very much here for it. Instead of the classic nautical stripe, we’re seeing richer color combinations, mixed stripe widths and slightly oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys silhouettes. A striped polo sweater might be one of the easiest pieces to add to your closet right now because it works with the jeans you already own and instantly makes the whole outfit feel more current. Minimal effort, maximum fall outfit potential.
Left// Cardigan
Right// Sweater
Plaid Perfection
Plaid is obviously no stranger to fall, but this year it feels a little softer and less traditionally preppy. Think washed-out color combinations, unexpected pastels, muted browns and blues, and plaids that almost blend into an outfit rather than taking it over. I especially love it in easy dresses, lightweight jackets and feminine tops. It still gives you that quintessential fall feeling…. just without screaming flannel shirt and pumpkin patch.
Dots for Days
Polka dots are sticking around for fall, and I love seeing them mixed into darker, moodier palettes. Brown and cream dots feel especially fresh right now and are an easy way to wear a print without feeling overly printed. I also love dots paired with another pattern…. a striped sweater tossed over a dotted dress is exactly the kind of slightly unexpected combination that somehow just works.
Polka Dot Midi Dress | Stripe Sweater | Shoes
All about Argyle
Argyle might be the pattern I’m most excited about this fall. It has all the nostalgic, preppy charm you expect, but the new versions feel much cooler. Cropped cardigans, oversized sweaters, polo collars and unexpected color combinations are taking it far beyond the traditional country-club look. Wear it simply with denim and sneakers or lean into the pattern play with stripes or plaid. Apparently grandpa sweaters have entered their cool-girl era…. and I have no complaints.
Lots of Love for Leopard
Leopard is back in a big way this fall…. although I’m not entirely convinced it ever left. The easiest way to wear it is to stop treating it like a statement print and start treating it like a neutral. Leopard pants with a simple cream sweater and flats make an everyday outfit instantly more interesting, while a leopard midi dress does all the work for you…. just add boots and a bag. It also looks especially good mixed with all the chocolate brown, camel and suede we’re seeing this season.
