2020 Winter Style Guide, Part I: Layering Patterns and Textures

All photography by Kim Thomas

Although the world has changed quite a bit since 2020 commenced, and we’re not on-the-go as much as we once were, style and getting dressed are still very much essential parts of everyday life!

Whether you’re simply stepping out to get groceries and other essentials, are in a profession that requires you to report to the office, or you work from home and have Zoom meeting upon Zoom meeting, waking up and putting on real clothes makes you feel more productive! And let’s face it, it’s only a matter of time before we become a victim of the “half outfit” worn during virtual meetings. Sometimes, those cameras just don’t shut off! Just imagine, right when we think we’ve turned off our camera to go and sneak off to grab a snack during a very important Zoom call, the camera is in fact still on, and we’re caught wearing a dress shirt, a tie, and . . .sweats.

So, in this two-part series, I’m going to share a few tips to help you curate your own style so that whether you’re going through your daily routine this winter, hopping on a Zoom meeting, or preparing for when outside safely opens up, you'll have pieces in your wardrobe that will aesthetically stand the test of time. And for part one, we’re gonna talk about patterns and textures, and how layering them will give your look depth, detail and is a pretty solid way of showing off your personality.

Patterns

Whether it’s stripes, houndstooth, floral, or animal print even, when selecting patterns, you’re giving attention to the all-important details that don a look its signature. And don’t think that you have to limit yourself to only one pattern per outfit. When done right, pattern mixing can take your look from “You know what? I like this” to “Y’all not ready for me today!”.

Take this casual winter look for example:

Two patterns that are easy to incorporate into an outfit and that just work well together are stripes and polka dots. You can either layer them on top of each other, as I’ve done here with the t-shirt and cardigan, or, you can place them in the fun details like your socks, or in a tie even.

I promise you, pattern mixing is easier than it seems! Simply pick two or three that speak to you and what you like. Then select in which clothing article you’re going to add a pattern - socks, a button-down, or shoes, even. Try gradually incorporating those patterns in, one-by-one, into your outfits during the course of a week or two. As you layer them in with your solids, you’ll see how adding in a little print here and there will never overwhelm the overall look.

Try this: if you’re a little hesitant about mixing patterns, pick a funky one that speaks to your awesome personality and incorporate it in your socks. This is a small way to still try out a pattern without much commitment. Too, they’re basically tucked away for most of the time until you take a step or cross your leg . . . when you reveal just how awesome you are!

Texture

Simply put, this is how the fabric feels. This element is the easier of the two to layer into your look. And even though we may not give textures a second thought when we choose what to wear, paying attention to this detail really gives your look depth and shows you took just a little more time in picking the day’s fit.

Some common textures in (winter) clothing are:

• Corduroy

• Cable-knit

• Waffle Weave

• Faux fur

So, for this look, I decided to combine cords and a mix of cable-knit and waffle weave in the sweater. This is also an example of how you can layer less conservative patterns like animal print and florals into practically any look when placed just right.

With textures, again choose what feels right to you - and with winter clothing, generally the more texture a fabric has, the warmer it’ll keep you. V important!

You can try exactly what I did here, and pick a chunkier texture in a sweater while opting for a finer, and more subtle texture for your trousers. This will give your look balance, and when mixed with the right pattern, will elevate your fit that much more! (Ok, and you’ll definitely stay warm).

Give it a Try!

For your next virtual meeting, a quick (and safe) trip to the store, or because you simply want to let your real clothes know you’ve not gone missing, give the tips a go when choosing your next winter look! As you do, you’ll begin perfectly curating your style that will translate from season to season!

In part two of this series, we’ll be adding color into the mix to give your look the mood boost you need during the dull winter months! Get ready!