Want a fresh new way to spruce up your fall wardrobe without dropping a bundle? It’s no math problem, the answer is simple: it’s all about geometry! Geometric prints have long been a staple in Fall runways across the globe and Fall 2013 was definitely no exception. From big and bold to small and subtle, every shape from rectangles to trapezoids have enjoyed their moment in the spotlight and we’re helping you take them from the catwalk straight to your closet.
One of the most popular ways that geometric prints have been displayed through designer collections have been through bold and splashy patterns that cover a garment from head-to-toe. Jill Stuart’s Fall 2013 collection resonated with a sort of modern day circus act as her zig-zagging stripes resembled an old vaudevillian big top. We love the drama that these types of pattern incur, but wanted to find a pared down version for everyday. This cotton-piqué and crepe dress from Tibi is just a jolt of jigsaw with it’s crisp black and white palette and partial pattern, but still appropriate for the office or any artsy-craftsy type of occasion.
The opposite approach to the big and bold effect is clearly, the tiny little print that that can be so minute, from far away it looks just like a solid color; but up close it’s still a graphic mosaic of linear lines and shapes. Mathieu Mirano — an emerging leader in the fashion presentation space where garments can be scrutinized up close — chose a cage-like cream and grey design for his knitwear in Fall 2013. We took his methods and changed squares to diamonds with this chic purple and gray cowlneck dress from See by Chloe. Toss a cardigan or blazer over this surprisingly versatile number and you’ll be best-dressed for a number of different occasion before you can say “harlequin.”
Geometry doesn’t have to be limited to dresses; some of the edgiest pieces to come down of the Fall 2013 runways were geometric-printed pants. Paired with (as seen her at Cynthia Rowley) our without a matching top, geo pants can make more than enough of a statement on their own when paired with a plain top. So we picked this groovy pair courtesy of Anna Sui for our everyday option. With the thick strips of black running along these babies, you can pair them with anything from white to black to gray as their subtle counterpart for a casual chic night on the town. And as a bonus: vertical stripes do wonders to lengthen legs!
Lastly, if the idea of a geometric pattern has you seeing double then it may be wise to keep your pattern simple, elegant and unique. Catherine Malandrino preferred her geometry to be simple, neutral swirls unfurling across across a black canvas. Sometimes less is more without bright bursts of color or bold, graphic shapes. If you prefer to keep things as neat as your games of Tetris, this chic little number by Tahari can actually take you from this season well into next. Pair it with a pair of jewel-toned pumps and a little sparkle for a holiday party and then wear it bare-legged and with nude sandals in the spring. And without the sticker shock, this geometric gem — along with all the others above — prove the formula for this trend is a no-brainer: you + geometric prints = amazing style!
1. Bold Prints
Runway: Jill Stuart Fall 2013 RTW
Real Way: Tibi Geometric-print Cotton-piqué and Crepe Dress, $465
2. Small Prints
Runway: Mathieu Mirano Fall 2013 RTW
Real Way: See by Chloe Day Dress in Geometric Print with Cowl Neck, $347.06
3. Printed Pants
Runway: Cynthia Rowley Fall 2013 RTW
Real Way: Anna Sui Geometric-print Silk-crepe Wide-leg Pants, $450
4. Neutral Print
Runway: Catherine Malandrino Fall 2013 RTW
Real Way: Tahari Dress, Three-Quarter-Sleeve Geometric-Print Keyhole Shift, now $97
-Alia Rajput
Image Layout: Second City Style
