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.
- Global-Inspired Looks Pop up Every Couple of Years
- What Works for Ageless Style in Global Trends
- Ikat Print
- India Inspired Prints
- Scottish Tartan
- Pacific Islands Motifs
- Traditional Tie-Dye
- Tunics
- Alpine Prints, Pattern and Stripes
- Paisley
- Native and Global Jewelry
- What Doesn’t Look Ageless in the Global Trend
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Global-Inspired 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 became mainstream. Just think of wearing a kimono or a tunic.

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 cut. Here are my secrets.
- Go for pieces that have a clean classic cut like an A-line dress, sheath, wrap dress, fit-and-flare dress or shift with an ethnic print.
Then add classic western items for a sophisticated look.
Ikat Print
The ikat print is an American West favorite and looks great on a classic high-low cut. More on styling bold prints.

India Inspired Prints

Scottish Tartan, Gingham, and Plaid
Tartan and gingham are traditional Scottish and Alpine weave pattern. Plaid is an European variation thereof.

Tip: On sales, look for jackets or coats in an ethnic pattern, but western cut. Pair these items with simple classic occidental pieces for an ageless style.
More on styling tartan.
Pacific Islands Motifs


More on styling Hawaiian prints.
Traditional Tie-Dye
- When the tie-dye style is a trend subtle tie-dye dresses or skirts and accessories like scarfs are great ethnic pieces to buy.
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- 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.
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.

More on styling embroidered clothes.
Alpine Prints, Pattern and Stripes
Another great way to achieve ageless style with ethnic pieces is to go for an eclectic style with pattern mix. More on wearing dirndls.
Paisley

More on styling paisley.
Native and Global Jewelry
When wearing Native jewelry – no matter from which culture – add one item at a time to your outfit either as accessory or as the statement piece. Wearing several American West jewelry pieces at once gets you into the territory of looking like applying for a supporting role in the next Hollywood Old Times Western movie.
In the above example outfit with the denim dress the shirt dress cut keeps the dress out of cowgirl style.
The casual neutral color outfit below has 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 American West piece that makes this classic casual outfit fashion-forward and on trend.

While in the Native American jewelry inspiration the floral print pumps repeat the colors of the belt’s inlays, here the gladiators pick up the belts colors.
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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I THINK YOU HAVE PROVEN YOURSELF TO HAVE AGELESS FASHION AND WEAR IT VERY WELL! WHATEVER THE CATEGORY. 😀