For something that traces its roots back more than half a millennium, paisley doesn’t get enough love. Featuring a droplet-shaped vegetable motif, paisley may have an English name (from the Scottish town that recreated the designs in the Western hemisphere) but its origins are Persian and Indian. There’s no mistaking this is an Oriental creation despite the misleading Anglo name.
Personally, I like paisley. There’s something very old world and historical about it, which takes you back to the aesthetic palate of a bygone era. When you wear it as a shirt or a small accessory, it gives your look just a hint of exoticism that makes things a little more interesting. It’s also got that curious mixed vibe of maturity and playfulness that very few people can pull off. As long as it’s not too colourful, and it’s worn as the only print in an otherwise plain outfit, I’m all for paisley.
But my take on the pattern is not a very popular one – it’s common knowledge that most people born after 1980 do not like this look. There’s a lot of weird opinions floating around that are stopping people from incorporating a very unique and iconic print to their everyday attire. Here are a few reasons why people hate it and the corresponding styling solutions I’ve come up with so you can get some paisley love!
It makes you look like a granny
Looking like an oldie has more to do with the cut and style of your clothes than the print itself. If you wear a paisley twinset, you’ll definitely look like a granny. Pick out a contemporary silhouette and you’ll be fine.
It makes you look like a douche
It kinda does, especially if you wear a shiny satin button-down. But anything shiny or satin makes a man look like a douche, so that’s where the reference comes from. Wear it as a polo instead.
There are too many colors
I agree that some designs are way out there in terms of color selection, but if you’ll notice, most paisley prints are done in an earthy color family. Whenever I see the pattern and the usual hues it comes in, I am almost instantly reminded of Fall. If you’re afraid of color, look for a monochromatic print. By that, I mean being able to ask somebody else in your house ,”Did you see my maroon paisley shirt?” Some of them are done in so many colors that you can’t even describe it to somebody else without breaking out a Pantone swatch book.
It's too busy
Are you going to slip into a paisley chicken suit? If you’re going to wear it as just one piece (except as trousers, don’t do it!), then you’re probably not going to look like a clown.
Our weekly installment of Fashion Chameleon, a men’s fashion and lifestyle blog written by Jim Joquico the founder of La Moda Dubai. Read previous posts here .