Pattern Is The Name Of The Game (NAPSA)—Manyofthis season’s most flattering looks make tantalizing useof traditional patterns. Whetherit’s a short Jackie Oinspired jacket in houndstooth or a flutter-sleeve baby-doll top in a lush gold-leaf floral, these artfully patterned clothes are bold, bright and memorable, especially when it comesto plus-size fashions. According to Figure magazine, these are the designs that define the season: e Argyle: This diamondshaped knit pattern features solid andoutline shapes in multiple colors. It’s adapted from the distinct tartan pattern of the Argyle branch of the Scottish Campbell clan. Floral and botanical: Stylized and realistic floral sprouted on tapestries and toiles, chintzes and calicoes and much more. Houndstooth: Two colors of wool used by Scottish weavers to create a pattern of broken checks resembling jagged canine teeth. Once known as a man’s fabric, the pattern has made a fashion comeback: Look for it on sunglasses, purses and upholstery. Paisley: Stylized teardrop pattern named for a Scottish town, it originated in ancient Persia. Weavers from India in the Kashmir region worked thescroll designs into luxurious wool (cashmere) shawls that inspired an 18th and 19th century British fashion trend. Plaid or tartan: Many checkered designs are created by intersecting stripes or bars that cross each other at right angles. The rich variety originated with the Scottish tradition of each clan having its own distinct design or = Se Aal el @ a This sexy, flutter-sleeve baby doll swings as you sway in a golden glow of abstract foliage punctuated by minimetallic dots. tartan woven into a traditional wool garment. Over time, plaid has come to be used interchangeably with tartan. Stripes are a perennial pattern derived from nature. Modern stripes deck everything from mattresses (ticking stripes) and men’s suits (pinstripes) to canvas beach huts (cabana stripes) and candy canes (candy stripes). Bright, beautiful patterns can be a girl’s best friend, especially when used judiciously to highlight her best features. Editors at Figure magazine suggest using these pat- terns in pullovers and button-ups paired with dark pantsor skirts. Check the magazines’ fashion pages for a fashion pattern to flatter. For more information, visit www.figuremagazine.com.
