Pieces of different patterns in one outfit? Why not! Patchwork is one of the biggest trends of the upcoming, autumn season! We present 9 of the best proposals for its usage. Check it out for yourself!
Patchwork is an interesting way of smuggling a mix of colors and patterns into your wardrobe. In fashion, we distinguish both vintage patchwork and versions more subdued and elegant, military or modern and minimalist, cut down to a minimum when it comes to the number of "patches" and their color and pattern.
The patchwork technique (quilting) involves sewing together different pieces of fabric. It is a continuation of quilting, which is the joining together of several layers of fabric, of which only the surface is patchwork. The first patchworks originated in early China 5000 years ago and in ancient Egypt, and one of the earliest vintage patchworks that has survived to this day is a silk bedspread from 1718, which can be seen in the British Quilters' Guild.
The patchwork technique developed significantly in the 19th century, only to disappear for several decades in the 20th century (during the first and second world wars, when the functionality and speed of clothing production became significantly more important than the craft and artistic skill of sewing fabric).
In the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, patchwork clothes returned for good and have made their mark in the canon of not only design (although we associate patchworks best with bedspreads or curtains) but also contemporary fashion, focused on processing, ecology, and sustainable development. However, patchwork is not only recycled clothes, although it is a great idea for reworking unworn clothes at home.
One of the big fans of the patchwork technique among fashion designers is Vivienne Westwood. The designer often draws inspiration from typical British design. For her, patchwork, alongside check patterns, is one of the typical features of Anglo-Saxon fashion.
Do you remember Britney and Justin Timberlake's famous denim creation at the Grammy Awards in 2001? Rewind time by 20 years with a patchwork Dolce & Gabbana blazer. It will go great with a smooth and uniform skirt (pencil or flared) or shorts. You'll also look good in a total look. Try pairing it with culottes in one of the shades of the blazer. If you are looking for more ideas for wide-legged pants, you will find inspiration in the article "Wide legs in vogue – in two spring outfits" (don't worry, they will also work for autumn!).
Are you feeling natural? Opt for a vintage patchwork vest in the style of the 90s, with plant and animal motifs (Dolce & Gabbana). Pair it with a simple T-shirt and wear it with palazzo trousers, with straight legs or flares. If you are more inclined towards the romantic nature, a flowing Etro maxi dress with ruffles will be a wonderful boho proposition, also reminiscent of the 90s.
Dolce & Gabbana
Denim blazer with notch lapels
Dolce & Gabbana
Patterned vest
Etro
Patterned dress
Patchwork in a riot of colors and patterns
Patchwork has many names. If you want to introduce some color and madness to your wardrobe, but the combination of different wardrobe elements in this way intimidates you, choose one "patchy" thing: a jacket or dress, which you will "calm down" and somewhat cover with an autumn, beige or navy coat or thick cardigan.
The Salvatore Ferragamo dress, besides its patchwork pattern, is also decorated with a navy elegant piping and comes with a black belt. You can successfully wear it to the office. A much more extravagant choice is the Dolce & Gabbana jacket and strappy dress, but the jacket combined with smooth pants in one of the patch colors (e.g. cream or green) will look great.
Dolce & Gabbana
Patterned blazer with notch lapels
FERRAGAMO
Dress with belt
Dolce & Gabbana
Flared sleeveless dress
Patchwork for lovers of elegance
There are many ways to do patchwork. These types of clothes are usually casual, but what would you say about "embroidery" in a more elegant, simplified and minimalist version? Stella McCartney, who created a dress with unusually arranged and optically slenderizing "patches", couldn't resist the returning fashion for patchwork. Chloe proposes a blue shirt dress with sewn-on sleeves in a different color, as if from another dress. The third interesting proposition is a pastel, short Balmain denim jacket, in which each construction element is made of a different color denim.
Balmain
Denim jacket
Stella McCartney
Long sleeve dress
Chloé
Striped dress
Have you found your way to patchwork yet? It's high time, autumn is just around the corner! Regardless of preferences, a propensity for experiments, and the degree of skill in combining different patterns, among our proposals you will surely find something for yourself.
