How to Know If a Pattern Works for Your Color Season
By Megan Haynes ·
Ever wondered if a pattern truly fits your season? Prints can be tricky, but don't worry—I've got a simple rule to make it easy.
If 75% or more of the colors in the fabric align with your season, it's a match
When the main colors in a pattern align with your season, the print will look effortlessly right on you—like it was made for you. The key: step back and ask yourself, does this pattern match the overall feel of my season? Think about the words that define your palette—soft, bright, deep, warm—and see if the print reflects that vibe.
- Bright/Clear Spring: vibrant, tropical, energetic
- Warm/True Spring: golden, citrus, sunshine
- Light Spring: delicate, light, airy
- Light Summer: refreshing, fair, lively
- Cool/True Summer: serene, refined, cool
- Soft Summer: dusty, gentle, powdery
- Soft Autumn: natural, earthy, calm
- Warm/True Autumn: rich, earthy, radiant
- Dark/Deep Autumn: spicy, moody, deep
- Dark/Deep Winter: sultry, regal, strong
- Cool/True Winter: intense, brilliant, striking
- Bright/Clear Winter: contrasting, electric, icy
Seeing the big picture
It's easy to focus on just one or two colors in a print, but the key is to step back and look at the whole pattern. Does it harmonize with the overall feel of your season? Here are some Spring season examples to illustrate.
Spring season pattern examples
The wildcards: eclectic prints
Now, what about those rebellious prints—the ones that seem to pull from every season? These eclectic patterns can be tricky. If the mix of colors doesn't lean clearly, or if only a small portion of the print matches your season, it might not be the best fit. But if the overall feel aligns with your palette and it makes you feel amazing—go for it.
Below are some examples of eclectic prints that don't quite fit into our Shop by 12 Seasons categories.
