Wearing Patchwork: A Guide to Being Trendy

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From the runways to the closets of trendy girls, patchwork style is increasingly making an appearance. In denim, on a quilted jacket, or on a simple shirt, the iconic print of the seventies leaves no one indifferent. While its bold style is applauded, it is not always easy to know how to make it your own. Are you a fan of vintage-inspired clothing with a handcrafted touch? Do you want to wear patchwork but don’t want to make a fashion faux pas? Then, you’re in the right place. In this article, we take a closer look at the patchwork trend: the colorful print that champions upcycling and craftsmanship.

What You Need to Know About the Patchwork Trend

Characteristics of the Patchwork Style

Once recognized for its outdated style attributed to good old quilted blankets, the patchwork style has never seen great success, at least in the fashion realm. But as we know, vintage vibes are totally in, giving credibility to all these inspirations from the past, including patchwork. Today, the print is being revamped in a more contemporary version. 

So, how can you recognize patchwork? 

Patchwork is simply a sewing method that involves assembling squares of fabric in different colors and patterns to create a blanket, a jacket, jeans, a top, or even accessories. In terms of style, there isn’t a strict rule, although the trend tends to lean towards light, pastel colors, or floral patterns (seventies inspiration). 

The Importance of Detail in the Patchwork Trend

Patchwork has redeemed its image. Today, garments designed with this mishmash of fabrics are sold as unique, artisanal pieces whose craftsmanship is recognized. Because yes, patchwork is primarily a technique. And brands know this. They strive to create custom pieces, choosing noble materials to produce increasingly exceptional items, luxury pieces meant to stand the test of time.

Why Wear Patchwork?

There are several reasons that might lead you to adopt the patchwork trend. The most obvious is that it’s a fashionable style, to the extent that this type of clothing has risen to the rank of a new object of desire for fashionistas. So, if you want to be stylish, patchwork is the way to go. However, there are other, less “superficial” reasons that might appeal to you. Among them: 

• Investing in a timeless piece: If you’re looking to acquire a piece that has meaning, quality, and beautiful artisanal finishes, patchwork will not disappoint. As previously mentioned, today’s patchwork garments are decidedly high-end. Brands like LSJ Studio and Jess Meany excel in crafting patchwork clothing. The jackets, cropped tops, and coats they produce are worthy of a master craftsman’s work. The pieces are designed and assembled by hand, with the utmost respect for the materials. The result is simply divine!

• Having style: Patchwork is fun and colorful. With its mix & match of fabrics, this print has a certain unique something. By wearing it, you ensure a style that few others dare to embrace. There’s no better way to stand out and assert who you are!

• Supporting ecological values: Patchwork is also based on the principle of upcycling: reusing unused materials to transform them into something new: clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc. To wear patchwork, you can buy new from committed and artisanal brands, turn to second-hand options (thrift stores, platforms, or grandma’s attic), or even design your own piece!

What Patchwork Pieces Should You Adopt in Your Closet?

The Quilted Jacket 

Coming straight from across the Channel, it’s the favorite outerwear of the English. However, the trend quickly crossed borders, as the quilted jacket has established itself as THE trendy jacket for the autumn/winter season over the past two years. 

By quilted jacket, we literally mean a quilted jacket. It is loved for its lightness and comfort. When worn, it gives a chic yet relaxed look. Even though it has been frequently seen in khaki or black shades, it is now the colors’ turn to make their entry, under the patchwork trend. Yes, for the upcoming spring or autumn season, the quilted jacket will be worn in a more folk style that highlights the combination of lovely patterned fabrics. 

Denim

Denim is a timeless staple in our wardrobe. To wear it with style and a touch of originality, there’s now the patchwork jeans trend. It is characterized by an assembly of pieces of jeans in different shapes and colors. It is then deconstructed to give shape to distinctive jeans.  

And as mentioned in our article about the vintage jeans trends of 2022, patchwork jeans are a bold piece that contrasts perfectly with a basic white top. By opting for this combo, you’re guaranteed to look stylish.

How to Dress with Patchwork Style?

Wearing Patchwork Subtly

Do you love the mix & match inspiration but prefer to take it easy? Then, disassociation is a good option. Choose a patchwork piece that catches your eye: a jacket, jeans, knitwear, skirt, coat, handbag, and combine it with the rest of your outfit, which is more understated, even solid-colored. This is a clever way to highlight your colorful garment. 

Dare to Go for the Total Patchwork Look 

Are you truly a fan of the vintage folk look and not afraid of total looks? Then, you can pair several pieces of the same print, like a shirt and jeans in the same tone or a jacket over a patchwork skirt. You can also adorn yourself with a jumpsuit that acts as a single piece. Be careful to master the layering game, and to avoid overloading your outfit, opt for similar shades rather than patchworks with opposing colors. Unlike the Color Block trend, here we focus on hues that resemble each other. 

So, are you tempted by the idea of wearing patchwork? As you might have understood, the patchwork trend isn’t a clothing style that suits everyone, but if you love bohemian folk inspiration, a taste for handcrafted pieces, and colors, it’s quite possible that you’ll fall for one of the patchwork printed pieces. 

➡️ To complete your folk look, check out our article on the bohemian dress, an emblematic piece of the 70s!

Image credit: © Sandra Semburg