Traditional pattern from all over the World are often summarized as global inspired style. This term is misleading. Actually, it is one country’s, region’s or cultural group’s traditional clothing decoration in form of a print or weave pattern. Read which of these ethnic or tribal variations or inspirations work best to look ageless in the global trend.
- Globally Inspired Looks Pop up Every Couple of Years
- What Works for Ageless Style in Global Trends
- Native Jewelry
- What Doesn’t Look Ageless in the Global Trend
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Globally inspired looks pop up every couple of years
Global inspiration is a perennial trend, almost a classic, at least for the woman with Bohemian Style. This means when you see something awesome on sale in great quality and it fits your shape and style, go for it, and have it for years to come.
Interestingly, many of these traditional pieces, prints or patterns are meanwhile mainstream. For example, we consider wearing a paisley print an element of British Classic style.
In some cases, the entire garment made it into mainstream. Just think wearing a kimono or a tunic.
The photos below show an American West favorite print on a western high-low cut. More on styling crazy print at the link.

What Works for Ageless Style in the Global Trend
The trick to look ageless in ethnic inspired clothing is to go for a sophisticated western look. Here are my secrets.
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- Go for pieces that have a clean western style like an A-line dress, sheath, wrap dress, fit-and-flare dress or shift and an ethnic print.
Then style them with western items for a sophisticated look like in the example outfits in this post.
India inspired prints


Scottish Tartan

On sales, look for jackets or coats in an ethnic pattern, but western cut. Pair these items with simple western pieces for an ageless style
Pacific Islands motifs

- When the tie-dye style is a trend subtle tie-dye dresses or skirts and accessories like scarfs are great ethnic pieces to buy.
- The former two are great for the beach and weekend, the latter can up a simple jeans with white T-shirt look on a cool summer day. More on the
history of tie-dye for outfit inspirations
- .
Tunics
- Tunics with subtle beading or embroidery are great choices too. Pair them with jeans or dress pants and pumps for an effortlessly chic look.

- Another great way to achieve ageless style with ethnic pieces is to go for an
- with pattern mix. See the examples below.
Alpine prints, pattern and stripes

Paisley

Native Jewelry
When wearing Native jewelry add one item at a time to your outfit either as accessory or as the statement piece. Wearing several western jewelry pieces at once gets you into the territory of looking like applying for a supporting role in the next Hollywood western movie. 😉
The example outfit below dons a casual neutral color outfit with some spots of color in the shoes and bag. The inlay western belt picks up some of these colors. The viewer has to look twice to realize that this Casual Friday look even has a western piece in it (see zoom-in below). However, it is the western piece that makes this classic casual outfit fashion forward and on trend.

The photo below shows another example of how to wear a Native belt. Here floral print pumps repeat the colors of the belt’s inlays. Despite in this case, the dress is a denim shirt dress, its shirt dress cut keeps the dress out of cowgirl style.

What Doesn’t Look Ageless in the Global Trend
Shapeless clothes in global prints or pattern will make you look old. Furthermore, global inspired clothes styled like in the 1970s make you look old fashioned. Do I have to mention embellishment or embroidery overload?
The same applies for dressing like you are from a specific country unless there is a reason to do so like for instance, Chinese New Year’s celebration that you attend, going to an Oktoberfest at a local brewery or in Munich, celebrating Diwali or participating in an International Friendship Day, just to mention a few occasions.
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Photos: G. Kramm
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