Patchwork is the new SS19 trend to wear: Here’s how to make it work in the office

Photos: Showbit

Patchwork is all the rage on the Spring Summer 2019 runways, where fashion designers are reviving this ‘60s trend that used to be the hippie symbol of freedom.

Isabel Marant gives it a denim spin, showcasing stone-washed jackets pieced together with different shades of blue. Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe reassembles assorted prints in Bohemian-style dresses. And Coach 1941’s Stuart Vevers channels a dystopian American wild West down the runways with leather boiler suits.

Seems a tad intimidating to wear? Unwearable, even? Here, we show you how to easily weave patchwork into your work wardrobe.

1. Go sleek with a pencil skirt

Start with one show-stopping piece, like a pencil skirt, and sharpen the look with a black blazer (for that touch of gravitas) and a pair of flats (ballerina or Mary-Janes, you choose).  

L to R: Rosie Assoulin belted patchwork skirt, S$1,384, from Farfetch. Mango double layer top, S$19.90. Charles & Keith pointed toe Mary Jane flats, S$49.90. H&M double breasted blazer, S$74.95. Topshop bag with tortoiseshell handle, S$46.90.

ALSO READ: SWIMWEAR TO WORK? FOR S/S ’19, COMBINE SWIMSUITS WITH YOUR EVERYDAY OUTFITS

2. Tame it with a sleeveless vest

Go all-out patchwork with a bold maxi dress. Feel it’s more weekend than workwear? Layer on a tailored sleeveless vest. It covers up most of the print’s boldness with cheeky peeks at the sleeves and the lower part of the dress. A delicate necklace is all you need to accessorise the outfit.

L to R: Pomelo sleeveless buttoned vest, S$59. Zara clutch, S$59.90. Rianna + Nina vintage patchwork silk maxi dress, US$3,941 (S$5,330), from Matchesfashion. Laura Lombardi gold-tone necklace, £130 (S$227), from Net-a-Porter. Zara mules with contrast band detail, S$59.90.

3. Keep it monochromatic

You don’t have to drown yourself in crazy hues when you go patchwork. Going monochromatic is more stylish. Here, we’ve picked a pair of black and white patchwork pants as the focal point. Pair with a pressed shirt and heeled sandals and you’re done.

L to R: Ellery oversized faux patent leather-trimmed crepe shirt, £588 (S$1,025), from Net-a-Porter. Charles & Keith leather buckle strap heels, S$85.90. Missoni patchwork crochet-knit straight-leg pants, £1,460 (S$2,546), from Net-a-Porter. Lovisa silver swirl earrings, AUD$17.99 ($18). Zara mini crossbody bag, S$49.90.

4. Let it sit on your arm

Make your patchwork a statement with a bold bag, like this Christian Dior’s Lady Dior bag, which is part of the fashion house’s collaboration with African-American visual artist Mickalene Thomas. Keep the rest of your ensemble muted.

L to R: Mango viscose blend pullover, S$29.90. Zara tweed pinafore dress, S$69.90. Chloé textured leather sandals, £530 (S$924), Alighieri gold-plated hoop earrings, £350 (S$610), both from Net-a-Porter. Christian Dior x Mickalene Thomas Lady Dior Art bag, price available upon request.

ALSO READ: TRENDS TO LEAVE BEHIND IN 2018 (AND WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD)