Andie Patterson, a drama teacher and theater costume designer at Head-Royce School in Oakland, is someone who can always be counted on to light up a room with her cheerful personality and colorful attire. A style as creative and uniquely chic as Patterson’s cannot be bought off the rack. She sports truly eye-catching handmade and vintage-sourced outfits daily. For those looking to develop their personal style, Patterson shares tips based on her fashion journey.
Patterson’s style has developed by focusing on what makes her feel the most confident, even despite current trends. One of her main tips is to not be afraid to try things. In high school, she discovered her love for high-waisted pieces, even though they weren’t popular at the time. Since then, she’s taken inspiration from the ’70s with things like flowy fabric, bold patterns and fun colors, as well as actresses Maya Rudolph and Tracee Ellis Ross.
“I’m always going to like something that I find secondhand more than something I buy new,” says Patterson. “There’s something about the specialness of it, the uncommonness of it, and the effort that goes into finding it. It’s like putting together a vibe, or curating a museum. I can show my taste and my interests by these things.”
Patterson’s favorite local places to shop vintage include the Alameda Point Antiques Faire, Pretty Penny in Elmwood and Goodwill. When sewing clothes, she often thrifts fabric, or uses pre-existing pieces. It’s better for the environment, and gives the garment a new life. Her advice for folks interested in sewing is to find someone to teach it, and not go completely solo, because people are usually excited to pass down their sewing skills—just like Patterson does for her students.
