Patterns at the office

Start with subtle patterns

If your wardrobe consists mainly of solid pieces, there is no need to jump straight into large, contrasting checks. Some patterns only become noticeable up close, making them an excellent way to ease into something new. A tonal stripe, a subtle check or a weave with a slight visual effect can give a suit more character without compromising its versatility.

Colour also plays an important role. A pattern made up of similar shades will generally be easier to wear than a high-contrast design. A blue check against a navy background, for example, remains much more subtle than a pattern combining several distinct colours.

Use stripes to give your silhouette structure

A classic of the professional wardrobe, stripes naturally bring structure to an outfit. Fine, subtle stripes keep the look understated. Wider or more pronounced stripes quickly become one of its defining features.

A striped suit can be a particularly worthwhile addition when you already own several solid suits. It allows you to stay within a familiar palette, such as navy, grey or charcoal, while introducing something different. When putting the outfit together, a solid shirt remains a reliable choice: it gives the suit’s pattern room to stand on its own without competing for attention.

Add depth with checks

Checks offer perhaps the widest range of possibilities. Prince of Wales, windowpane, glen check and tonal patterns can be almost imperceptible or become an outfit’s signature, depending on their scale, contrast and colours.

“Prince of Wales and fine-lined windowpane checks work particularly well for suits. With thicker lines or stronger contrasts, these patterns are generally better suited to a sport coat, to keep the overall look from feeling too busy,” explains Raymond Lontoc, a stylist at the Waterloo showroom.

Checks also offer a useful advantage in a wardrobe built around versatility. A checked jacket can be worn with its matching trousers, then separately with solid trousers, knitwear or even jeans when the setting allows. It is a simple way to get more wear out of each piece in your wardrobe.

Mix patterns without overwhelming the outfit

Wearing several patterns in one outfit is entirely possible. The secret usually lies in varying their scale. If your suit features a large check, a shirt with a much smaller pattern can create an interesting contrast. Two patterns of similar size, on the other hand, are more likely to compete.

The same principle applies to accessories. Rather than looking for patterns that match perfectly, think about creating a hierarchy: one piece catches the eye first, while the others complement it. And when a suit already has plenty of character, solid pieces are often its best companions.

Choose patterns that suit your workplace

Of course, not every office follows the same dress code. Many people mistakenly believe that patterns are not appropriate at work.

“Yet houndstooth, Prince of Wales, fine-lined windowpane checks and stripes are all classic patterns, traditionally accepted even in the most conservative environments,” Raymond points out.

In a more relaxed workplace, the possibilities expand. A checked jacket worn as a separate, more pronounced textures or stronger contrasts offer more room to experiment. What matters is choosing a pattern you will actually want to wear and that suits the settings you find yourself in.