Pattern-Phobic

By Beth

Hi, my name is  Beth, and I'm pattern-phobic.  I'm also 36 and just now making an effort to learn how to dress myself.  To date, my "style" (and you can only just grudgingly call it that) has consisted almost entirely of putting on a pair of pants (jeans in blue, slacks in black, cords in grey, capris in khaki) and a solid-colored, completely plain shirt and calling it a day.  It is is boring as it sounds.

But, last weekend I went through my closet and attempted to remove every article clothing that did not make me feel great when I wore it (holla, Jennie!), and it left me with a surprising number of weather appropriate pants, capris, shorts and shirts, and roughly three shirts.  So, I ran out to do some emergency shopping, and while I was able to force myself to get some embellished t-shirts rather than just finding one plain tank top that fit and buying it in every color, every single thing I bought was a solid color.  I didnt even try on anything with a pattern or a print.  I think it is time for me to branch out, but I don't know how to start.

This is where you come in.  I chose Old Navy mostly at random but also mostly because it is cheap and so I can afford to be brave and buy a thing or two and then discover I am afraid to leave the house in it and let it moulder until the next closet clean-out.  So here are some choices that may be ok and may be hideous and I have no idea which or how to tell the difference.  Won't you please tell me which they are?  I need you all to save me from myself.

Option 1, Women's Ruffled Jersey Top in Electric Youth:

Option 2, Women's Metallic Print Tunic in Brown Print:

Option 3, Women's Rolled Cuff Jersey Tee in Olive Combo:

Option 4, Women's Smocked Top in Pink Print:

 

Option 5, Women's Graphic Boatneck Tee in Bright White:

Ok now, tell me what you think.  Are there one or two of these that are objectively better than the others?  Are they all awful?  I'm more looking for pattern advice than shirt advice, but feel free to tell me that one option is a great print but a horrible style so I'd better not buy it.  Anything you have to offer though, I'll take it.  I'm a pattern-phobe, and I'm desperate.

(Photo credit: oldnavy.com)

Comments

[Christina]

I like #1 and #5. I don't do patterns either. I like to punch things up with accessories, maybe I need to branch out a little too?

[Josefina]

Personally, I'd steer away from #2 and #5. I think #3 is a good option for someone who doesn't wear pattern often because it reads more like a solid, so it would take less energy to actually put on and wear. I prefer #1 to #4, but would be more likely to wear #4. That's a color issue for me. I like see other people in that pink color, but I don't like to wear it. Bottom line: #3 & #1, with #4 as a runner-up. Whew, that was a long comment. Sorry.

[Airlie]

I love all of them except for number 5. I think it's the drawstring waist that scares me. Happy Shopping!

[Jennifer]

I love option 1 with dark blue jeans, and option 4 too because that print is so fine that it almost acts like a solid! I am not fond of the cut of the shirt in option 4. That's just my personal taste though; those types of shirts remind me of maternity-wear. ;)
Good luck!!

[Jennifer]

Amendment to my previous comment... I meant to say that I love options 1 and 3. Not 4. I am not a fan of that one. Just had to clarify. (Instead of spell check, I could use a brain check...)

[Katrina]

I love 1 and 3!

[d]

Definitely a yes on #1 & #5...the others are just bleh...ok. #4 is my 3rd choice..it is a little above bleh.

[Kate]

I actually really like #1 and #2 (pattern and style although I'm not a huge fan of brown). #3 reads like a snakeskin print to me which I'm not a big fan of. It may well be better in person where the print is actual size though. #4 the pattern is fine but the color makes it very juvenile imo and the style of that shirt isn't helping. The pattern on #5 is ok I guess but I hate the drawstring.

[jen]

I like 1 and 5, but I think body type might change that. I think that they would flatter different types--

[Jane in Pa]

The only one I'm not so keen on is #3...#1 and #2 are my favorites...I have the same problem with having too many shirts that are striped (rugby stripe)so I may have to check out these tops too :)

[natalie (the sweets life)]

#1 is definitely my favorite! I want to go buy that shirt! :)

[Moira]

I liked Option #1, but the reviews are horrific! Maybe option #3?

[Jennie]

I think the last is great!

[Becky]

Make sure you try on #4. I love it, but the fit on it is atrocious. I looked at least 20 lbs heavier than I actually am when I put it on. Wah! :( I also do not care for #3. It's pretty blah in real life, in my opinion.

[HereWeGoAJen]

I have the gold on white version of #2 and I love it. (The brown wasn't available in my size when I got it or I probably would have gone for that one.)

[stephanie]

I like the patterns of 1 and 5 the best, but I'm not sure how I feel about the drawstring on 5... seems a little young.

One easy way to punch up a basic wardrobe is to get a few scarves... either solid color (just don't wear with the same colored shirt) or a pattern.

[Elsha]

I'm pretty sure what we need is a picture of you WEARING each shirt. I lean toward options 2 and 3, but that's because I'm a redhead and those are colors that look good on me.

[Susan]

The only one I like is #1. It's cute. In my opinion, Old Navy isn't always a great place to go. My main reason is the looks are a little older. The pictures I have seen of you show me that you are a fit, cute, young mom. Below is a link of a cute mom blogger. She puts together really cute and affordable looks. I glance on every day just to see--her style is simple and basic with a few funky things added in. A LOT of her shopping is done at H & M and Forever 21 (I know that sounds like only teenagers should shop there, but the stores have gotten SOOOO much nicer over the last year or so). I also agree with another commenter...you don't always have to have pattern, use accessories. Also, just don't buy solid colors in basic t-shirts and tanks. Go for trendier cuts in basics, then throw on a wide or braided belt, a funky pair of sandals (Target has great cheap shoes) and a chunky necklace, scarf, bangles, anything! Sorry for the long comment!

http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/

[liz]

1 and 2. The last one is way too 70's reminiscent for my taste.

[colleen]

3 and 4 are hideous! the rest? go for it. free your mind, and as they say, the rest will follow.

[Becky]

I'm not much of a pattern person myself, but I do like option 2. So much that I might look for it the next time I go to Old Navy, after I grow up, of course. I'm firmly stuck in oversized t-shirt land, but I keep trying to climb out.

[auntie]

My fav is #2, but I agree that we probably need to see pics of you IN each shirt to really know for sure :)

[Natalie]

I'm pattern phobic, and I say there's nothing wrong with it! :)

I like #1 & 2.

I blame shopping at Gap, Banana, & Old Navy for introducing me to this love for solids. I'm also trying to wear more prints. My co-workers try to give me compliments when I branch out. :)

[Kate]

I pick 1 and 4, because in this lovely weather it is ok to go with some COLOR. Grey and black and olive - they get enough play in winter. Go with color. Get yourself some red (or are those tops fuchsia?) flats, espadrilles or flip flops and enjoy!

[karen]

Same here, not much of a pattern person, but have gotten some cute things the last couple of years at thrift shops or garage sales, that way if I don't really like it, didn't spend too much. Anyhoo, I like 1 and 5 as well.
Good to here from you, I've been kinda ok now that you asked...three er visits this week, daughter 1x, ex-husband 2x... I think this constitues, just ok...lol
Could use a good glass of wine...