You Can Look Awesome in the Patched Clothes Trend

Banana Republic silk floral coat, London Jeans boyfriends, Prada bag, DvF sunglasses, Dior scarf, Kieselstein Cord buckle, Prada bag, and Shein button-down

Post author:Nicole Mölders
Reading time:7 mins read

This article reviews the history of clothing patches, how they became mainstream and the best ways of styling the patched clothes trend in a grown-up, effortlessly stylish and timeless manner.

Contents

The Roots of Patches Are in the Military
The Use of Patches in the 1960s and 1970s
Styling the Patched clothes Trend Today
Example How to Wear a Patch Shirt the Modern Way
108^th Top of the World Style Linkup Party

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

The Roots of Patches Are in the Military

Patched clothes are It this season. They are adopted from the military – think name tag, rank indication, Nationality, unit, etc. Also many businesses use patches for their employees names, as encouragement to ask, special skills, their corporate identity, and even for display of awards of their employees. Think of the patch “I can help you” or “employee of the month”, “I speak Korean”, etc.

So why should you wear something with patches when you don’t need to cover a whole????

It's all about fashion, babe! Click To Tweet

style book author in chic floral coat — Back view of Alaska spring outfit with Banana Republic floral coat, London Jean BF, GNW socks, and Prada bag

The Use of Patches in the 1960s and 1970s

Of course, for us women over 40, patches also remind us of the jeans that our moms fixed by sewing on patches on the ripped holes. That’s

How not to wear patches!

They also remind us of our favorite bands. The tongue patch of the Rolling Stones – remember that?

It was among the favorites on denim jackets. It is still today a Go-to for many when it comes to what to wear at an outdoor concert.

Best Ways of Styling the Patched Clothes Trend Today

Since patches are worn in professional environments, this patch trend can be worn in midlife without looking like re-living the past. In other words, skip the tongue and go with new fantasy patches that look grown-up. This means skip the Kitty patch or whatever patches anyone under 14 adores.

Stylist tip: Wear a button-down shirt with a half-tuck.

stylist in a split hem shirt — Side view to show the split hem styled tucked-in in the front, but left outside in the back

fashion influencer in a shirt with patches and jeans — Shein patch embellished button-down shirt, Dior neckerchief scarf, London Jean BF, Kieselstein Cord buckle, GNW polka dot socks, and horse-bite fur mules

Also look for pieces that have a classic cut like this button-down shirt, which is the newest addition to my spring wardrobe.

Go with a classic cut when you take the bandwagon on the patch trend for an ageless modern look. Click To Tweet

Of course, you can also make your own signatue item. Just make sure that the piece plus the iron-ons do not break the bank. In DIY, it can become more expensive than a (cheap) store bought item. Thus, only DIY, when having a very unique signature piece is it worth for you.

Did you know that there is a post on how to make a great patched shirt on this blog?

Example How to Wear a Patch Shirt the Modern Way

Add other classic pieces like a fitted coat or blazer, a pencil skirt or boyfriend jeans.

street style blogger in patched shirt and coat — Outfit details: Banana Republic coat, Shein button-down patched shirt, Dior scarf, London Jean boyfriend jeans, Kieselstein Cord buckle, Prada bag, GNW polka dot socks, horse-bite fur mules, and DvF sunnies (all own)

When you like the blog, you may also want to get my book How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy your copy now.

Welcome to the 108^th Top of the World Style linkup party

Thanks to all of you who linked up in the past and make this party great and exciting with your inspiring outfit ideas. Welcome back! You are an awesome crowd!

By linking up you agree that I may feature you as Top of the World Style Winner, Top of the World OOTD Readers’ Fav or Top of the World OOTD My Fav and use a photo from your linked up post in the feature. Thank you. 🙂

#fashionlinkup Top of the World Style Winner — Top of the World Style Winner Alison at Never Die Beauty. Photo from her post

No she is not wearing my Uno Alla Volta scarf, but her own.

Top of the World OOTD Readers' Fav — Lynda H, one of the author team of Reviews, Chews & How-tos became Top of the World OORD Readers’ Fav. Photo from her post

Jen at Librarian for Lifestyle became Top of the World OOTD My Fav. Photo from her post

Congrats ladies! Please grab your respective featured Top of the World OOTD button from my Linkup Page.

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