How to style patterned pants: which top goes with them?

A good top for patterned pants is a plain one in a color that appears in the pattern. A formula that almost always works: one patterned piece, plus two calm, plain pieces.

Patterned pants hang in many wardrobes and rarely come out. You like them, but then the question follows: what do I wear with these without it becoming too much? The answer usually lies in color. The article shows which top goes with patterned pants, how to style black and white patterned pants, when you can mix two patterns and which color goes with what.

Which top goes with patterned pants?

Patterned pants are a large continuous surface that you wear. They draw the eye downwards and set the tone for everything else. What is meant to stand out has already been decided.

That gives you the formula: one patterned piece, plus two plain ones. Everything else simply has to give the pants room. You will find a selection of styles in the pants.

The picture above shows exactly that: striped pants in brown and black with a plain top. Two quiet pieces, one loud one, and plain tops for that are in the basics.

Picking up a color from the pattern

This is the one trick that almost always works. Look at the pattern, pick out one of the colors in it and use exactly that one for your top.

Why it works: the shade appears twice in the outfit, once across a large area and once as a detail. The eye connects the two, and the look feels planned rather than thrown together. Which other colors go together is covered in the guide “Color combinations for clothes”.

The photo further down in black is built exactly this way. Matching shades are in the tops.

How to style black and white patterned pants

Black and white is a very graphic pattern and at the same time an easy one, because there are only two colors to pick up. A black top makes the look crisp and evening-ready, a white or cream top looks lighter and more summery.

The picture below shows white pants with large black dots and a black sleeveless ribbed top. The top picks up the dot color. A third color, such as red or camel, works well as a small accent on a bag or shoe.

When you want to mix two patterns

It can be done, and it is less tricky than its reputation suggests. Three things decide whether it looks calm or restless.

• A shared color. Both patterns should have at least one shade in common. Without that common thread they sit next to each other instead of together.
• Different scales. One large pattern with one small one. Two patterns of the same size compete for the same attention.
• One pattern leads. The pants take the large surface, the second pattern stays small. Fifty-fifty rarely looks good.

An easy pairing is dots and stripes, as long as both share the same base color. If you would rather stay with one pattern, the post how to style a striped shirt covers the calmer option.

Stay with no more than three colors in the whole outfit. That is the point where it starts to look busy.

Dots, stripes and leopard print compared

Not every pattern behaves the same way. That changes how much calm the rest of the outfit needs.

Dots. A friendly pattern: small dots read almost like a texture, large ones set a clear accent. A plain top in the dot color is quite enough.

Stripes. Vertical and horizontal stripes give the outfit a clear direction. Both are easy to combine, because stripes go with almost any plain piece.

Leopard print. A loud pattern. It needs little around it and looks elegant with black, lighter with cream. You will find styles in the leopard print pants, and styling ideas in the post how to style leopard print pants.

Which color goes with which pant shade?

Brown. A warm, straightforward shade. It takes the edge off any pattern and goes with cream, white, camel and all sand tones.

Black. Makes the pattern crisp and evening-ready. A black or cream top goes with it.

Beige. A light, calm version. Here the top may be a little stronger without becoming too much.

Bordeaux. The shade for the cooler season, which carries an outfit on its own and works well with cream, black and soft browns. Fine knitwear to layer over it is in the sweaters.

Proportion and shoes

Many patterned pants are cut wide. In that case the same rule applies as with any wide pants: if the waistband sits high, the top ends at the waist or is loosely tucked in at the front.

With shoes, it comes down to the length of the pant leg. If it rests on the floor, the hem drags. A flat strappy sandal like the one in the photo above is a simple solution, and a narrow heeled sandal is the more elegant option.

How loosely and airily cut pants should sit is covered in detail in the post slouchy pants: styling and proportions.

Matching pieces in the shop: polka dot fashion for women and striped fashion for women.

Frequently asked questions

Which top goes with patterned pants?

Preferably a plain top in a color that appears in the pattern. That ties the pieces together without adding anything that competes for attention.

How do I style black and white patterned pants?

With a black top for a crisp look, or with white or cream for a lighter one. Keep a third color to a small accent on a bag or shoe.

Which patterns can be combined?

Dots and stripes are an easy pairing. What matters is that both patterns share at least one color and differ in scale.

Can dots and stripes be combined?

Yes, that is even the classic combination. It works reliably when both patterns share the same base color and differ in scale.

Which color goes with patterned pants in brown?

Cream, white, camel and all sand tones are calm choices. If you want an accent, take a stronger shade that also appears in the pattern.

Which shoes go with patterned pants?

With wide, long styles, flat strappy sandals or a narrow heeled sandal. What matters is that the pant leg does not rest on the floor.