Written by The Strategy

Let’s face it, some things are easier to wear than others. Casual heels, red lipstick, and patterned pants are only a few of the sartorially intimidating. We all own heels, we all own red lipstick, and we all own at least one pair of patterned pants.

Patterned pants are a staple of sorts. Seen on others, they look ingenious. They spark an inspiration that begs to be acted upon. And while you do make your way to a store to select a pair you deem acceptable (AKA: not clown pants), those patterned beauties remain in your closet, never seeing the light of day again. We’ve all been there. Maybe a couple of times.

Well, we’re here to convince you to take your fancy pants for a spin, because they aren’t as scary as you think they are. They deserve a day out!

There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to wear the pants, but not knowing how to wear them. Working up the nerve to actually make it out of the house in your patterned trousers does not have to be difficult. All that needs to be done is pairing them with simple items in either neutral or complimenting colours. Especially for the faint of heart.

Mind blowing, I know.

You were just overthinking the whole deal. It makes perfect sense to pair something patterned with something plain. It’s pretty much the Golden Rule of getting dressed. For pattern novices, like myself, basics are certainly the way to go while we work up our nerve and confidence to pull off more bold pattern looks.

But really, a cream knit, a black t-shirt, a white button down…patterned pants love these things. If you feel brave, try a colour. If you want to go a couple steps further, try a pattern-on-pattern ensemble.

Take the leap. Wear the pants.

Written by Katrina Garofalo