A: It’s common to be uncomfortable with pattern and color–it’s just so easy to fall back on the safety net of black or other monochromatic neutrals.  Though these neutrals are easy, they’re not always the most flattering.  Even neutrals can visually drain color from your face–and they leave you as a bit of a fashion wallflower. 

How to Choose a Pattern
Be sure the pattern is scale to your own proportions.  Petites should look for small patterns so as not to overwhelm the body.  Those with larger frames, however, would look frumpy in small, delicate prints. 

How to Choose Colors for your Patterns
Choose colors that enhance your own coloring.  How do you know what colors work for you?  Here’s a simple test: Hold two pieces of construction paper under your face: one orange the other pink.  Whichever color softens your features and lessens shadows on your face is the tone you should look for.  If orange works better for you, look for warm colors like reds and oranges.  If pink makes you look better, look for cool colors like greens and blues.

How to Wear Pattern
An easy way to ease pattern into your wardrobe is through accessories.  A scarf added to a solid dress or dark suit adds a pop of life.  Look also for patterned belts, tights, and handbags. Once comfortable with pattern on accessories, you can move on to blouses, skirts, and even dresses.

The easiest way to wear a pattern is to wear one single pattern against a backdrop of solid colors.  Pick a color from the pattern to wear as your primary solid color. For example, if your sweater is red, yellow, and pink, you can pair it with a skirt that’s red.  Note that the shade of red in the solid colored skirt doesn’t need to match the shade of red in the pattern.