It would seem paisley has gotten a poor reputation. Now almost always reserved for smoking jackets and Heffner types, this swirly pattern has been relegated to the tasteless and tacky for no good reason at all. Contrary to popular belief, paisley, as ostentatious as it may be, can be incorporated into everyone’s wardrobe with a little creativity. Sticking to the school of thought believing an outfit can be made out of anything, only one rule must be followed: if you’re going to commit, you must be prepared to go all the way.

Outfit 1:
Paisley for beginners. If you’re not entirely certain paisley is ‘for you,’ it’s best to stick with a small accent of the pattern in a nice, bright color complementing the rest of your outfit. Exhibit A does it well by sporting a nice reddish scarf with a simple, navy t-shirt. However, since paisley is such an outrageous addition, you might as well get as creative as possible. Think cummerbund, bow tie, or belt. You’ll know deep down inside if you’re erring on the side of ‘faux pas’ but, if it’s a small addition, chances are you’re doing fine.

Outfit 2:
For those among you convinced you’ve earned your paisley laurels and want to try something a little more adventurous, Exhibit B offers an alternative: allow the pattern to be the focus of the outfit. You can either opt for a blazer or a shirt, like this guy, but we both know it better be a damned good addition. The best way to do this is by pairing a little paisley with an otherwise chic ensemble (like this neutral toned ‘business casual’ combo) for a subtle yet powerful statement.

Ladies Touch by Maggie M; a freelance writer and fashion consultant.