June Challenge: Week 1 (Patterned Tops)

Week One - Patterned Tops:

(Thanks Anchie for the Challenge; I may add more as the week goes on but this is what I’ve worn so far)

I tend to prefer solid clothes and add contrast and pattern in small amounts with shoes, accessories and bags, but I want to try some of my patterned tops to see how I could be comfortable wearing them. I often feel like it’s too much and want to put something solid over them which doesn’t work well in hot weather  

1&2 - blue and white floral cotton top with interesting sleeves.  This is not the best shape for me, but it’s cropped enough that it works.  I may see if I can get the side seams curved a little to show some waist definition. I like it best with the white jeans, but for practical reasons wore it with blue jeans at home.

3&4 - WHBM reversible silky shell with jeans and light gray duster, platform Sorel sandals. I feel really comfortable i this and like the watercolor feel of the top. 

5&6 - another silky shell in pale lavender with ruched gray mermaid tail hem skirt. I think there is too much going on here for me and would prefer the top with plain bottoms.  In the end I switched to a plain solid smartwool hiking tee and light bag and shoes. 

7&8 - sheer black, white and gray blouse with silver waxed jeans, snakeskin sandals and magenta bag, bracelet and lips.  I think I could use almost any color bag with this outfit. Silver orchid earrings and necklace.

Conclusion:  I need to stick with tops that skim my waist and show some curve, I prefer misty watercolor patterns or more subtle florals, only one pattered or textured item per outfit with everything else fairly simple is my comfort zone. I much prefer the soft patterns in the two shells than the more precise ones in 1&2 & 7&8.

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26 Comments

  • replied 1 year ago

    Great analysis of your style! I think you look awesome in patterned tops. The subtle, floral prints match your artistic personality. Brava :)

  • cat2 replied 1 year ago

    Fun challenge. Why not full tuck for waist definition?

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    Cat2 thanks, my waist is so short it looks strange when I do a full tuck. I also like the diagonal of a side tuck.  


    Nikki, thank you, I think you hit it on the head, the more subtle patterns are more “me”. I will probably be donating the black and white one. 

  • Brooklyn replied 1 year ago

    Great outfits. No 4 is my fave.

    I wonder if it’s the small scale of the pattern in the first and last outfit that makes it feel too much (rather than the definition/lack of softness). Small scale pattern can feel “busy”. Of course, it’s all personal, just something to think about.

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    That’s my favorite too Brooklyn!  I feel good in that one, feels like me. That could be it, that I need more background space.  They do feel busy to me, to the point it’s uncomfortable. Now that I look at #5 it has definition but it’s larger scale with open space. 

  • Angie replied 1 year ago

    It's great to know what you like, and like less. Great analysis, Lana

    #3, 4, 5 and 6 are my KILLER faves! I slightly prefer you in grey and white patterns, to black and white patterns. But you wear both well. The lilac is awfully pretty too!

    Is the top in #1 less shaped than the top in #5? 

    #6 looks very Dutch and Scandi to me. LOVE you in grey :)

  • LJP replied 1 year ago

    You’re very pretty Lana and have a lovely wardrobe . I agree with Angie that you look great in grey . I’d change the footwear in then grey t / skirt combo but that’s just my eye reacting to the photo . Everything looks great !

  • Jaime replied 1 year ago

    Very nice outfits! You really look great in prints and have selected some winners. I also love how white and silver really make your hair and face pop!

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    Thanks Angie, I think I’m donating the black and white one — too busy too precise too high contrast. The top in #1 has a very boxy shape whereas #5 has curved side seams which I think I need. 


    LJP thanks for your help, what shoes would look good with the great outfit do you think?

    Jaime, thank you, you’re right, I really need that light element. ,

  • Zaeobi replied 1 year ago

    The one thing I noticed about the first & last patterns (other than the small size) is that they're very symmetrically arranged. E.g. #1's ditsy florals are arranged in diagonal rows & #7's white lines run horizontally across.

    Could it be that you also prefer the patterns in #3 & #5 because their less geometric placement gives a more 'fluid' (organic) feel? The 'peasant' blouse style (tassel tie) neckline on both tops suits you though :)

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    Zaeobi yes that’s got to be it.  Why this is so hard for me I cannot figure out, but they are too precise and organized, arranged, not organic. which is strange because my personality craves organization in other ways — lists, planning, charts, etc.  

    I don’t want to keep making the same mistake with patterns so this has been very valuable. The first blouse is ok, but I think it will eventually be replaced too. Black and white one will be donated. 

    I’m adding Organic to my style words. 

  • Star replied 1 year ago

    All fab!  My favorites are 6 and 7.  I actually like the black/white contrast on you.  The more misty patterns suit you too.  Angie is right, you wear both well.  I agree the solid top looks way better with the ruched skirt.

  • RobinF replied 1 year ago

    I think we have the same aesthetic regarding prints and busy-ness. I like prints but lately have realized that I much prefer (on me) the larger, moodier prints. They are hard to find! I also agree that the ruched skirt is a lot with the print top, looks great with the tee. Love the tank with long cardi - I would copy this in a flash :)

  • SarahD8 replied 1 year ago

    Wow! You look great here and I concur with others (and you) — the organic, watercolor type prints suit you especially well. Impressive that you’ve converted this challenge into more general insights about your style so quickly!

    Also, I think elsewhere you mentioned being self conscious about your arms, but I think your arms look great and in fact I prefer the sleeveless tops on you — maybe because the cut is so sleek and unfussy?

  • rachylou replied 1 year ago

    3 and 6 are my favourites. It’s funny. It’s not that other things don’t look good - but the solids and watercolours feel true.

  • Janet replied 1 year ago

    I think these all work really well on you! I especially like the grey and white prints -- so harmonius with your hair. You wear prints well, but I understand that things need to *feel* right too (I wear some bright colors well, but usually don't like wearing them head to toe).

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    Janet, it’s funny isn’t it? Everyone says I look great in red or magenta but they’re difficult colors for me - seem too aggressive sometimes so I have to be in the mood.

    Rachylou you nailed it — is it the true me? If not it’s got to go.

    Sarah thank you, your comments give me more confidence.

    Robin, I need to browse your Finds! Those type of prints are hard to find. I see lots of ditsy prints out there right now.

    Thank you Star! The black and white is not horrible for sure, it just doesn’t feel right.

  • anchie replied 1 year ago

    Love your style. You have some really nice tops. And I can’t get over it how great you look in gray. Now I think I need more gray in my wardrobe too.

  • Joy replied 1 year ago

    My favorites are#1 and #3. I agree that grey is a great color on you. I like it with your white hair and accessories. It makes the white glow.

  • CarolS replied 1 year ago

    You look great in all these outfits, Lana, but 3/4 is particularly outstanding to my eye. (I really love that grey cardigan -- such a perfect colour for you!)

    I've enjoyed reading the analysis of why some patterns feel more 'you' than others -- it's so amazing to have the experience and perspectives of this group to help us better understand ourselves.

  • kellygirl replied 1 year ago

    These colors are all so pretty on you. My faves are 4 and 6--I totally get what you're saying about a hint of waist definition but all of these look great. Can you semi tuck the more blousy ones? That would be easier than tailoring.I use that trick for my fuller blouses and seems to work as long as the pants rise is high enough. 

  • cat2 replied 1 year ago

    Interesting, I like having a wider range of prints, so that my wardrobe isn’t static. I would keep the black and white and wear it for events where having something a bit Western is in order.

  • Lana replied 1 year ago

    Thanks Anchie - and thank you for the challenge!

    Kellygirl, those are my favorites too, they feel like me.  I just ordered a cardigan clip from a seller on Etsy that I’m hoping I can use to add some waist definition at times.  

    Cat2, I hear you on that, and I haven’t gotten rid of it yet, but it’s been so interesting to see how I felt in each pattern. 



  • Bijou replied 1 year ago

    My favourites are #3 and #5, the skirt in #5 is a wonderful piece and fits you beautifully.

  • Star replied 1 year ago

    After some more thought on that particular patterned top, maybe because it is not overtly gritty or glam, it does not feel like you.  Sure looks good on.

  • replied 1 year ago

    I like #1 and #3 most too!

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