When I was in Jr. High I had a favorite pair of jeans. They were light wash flares with a giant embroidered appliqué on the back that featured a skull with a dagger piercing through it surrounded by flowers. I would wear them only on special days, or days when we were reading Shakespeare in English class. They were hideous, but the embroidery made the jeans special—unique, even—and they let everyone know that I was the Literature Girl™. Or at least that’s how I chose to see it.
Today’s embroidery is less heavy-handed than my Hamlet jeans. While pieces featuring antique inspired embellishments are also trending, the more modern (and minimalistic) way to add a bit of distinction with embroidery is with small geometric patterns, gap fillers and cheeky text. The look is subtle, but the impact is great. Some items look as if you could have done it yourself, but if you’re like me, DIY is a fanciful dream best left to Pinterest boards. I’d much rather throw my money at one of these expressive, embroidered beauties.
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Lazy Frill Sweater Sweatshirt via Lazy Oaf, $84.31
Lazy Oaf
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Forever Crossback Sweater By Sundry via Anthropologie, $121
Anthropologie
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Kimchi Blue Heart Patch Satin Slip Midi Skirt via Urban Outfitters, $69
Urban Outfitters
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Nothing Top via The Reformation, $128
The Reformation
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Ft. Lonesome T-shirt via Ft. Lonesome, $30
Ft. Lonesome
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Your Loss Babe Cap in Black via O-MIGHTY, $34.27
O-MIGHTY
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Embroidered Jacket via Topshop, $85
Topshop
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ASOS CURVE Twill Boyfriend Shirt With Embroidered Back via ASOS, $49
ASOS
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Working Girls x Hello Happy Plants Socks via Working Girls, $9
Working Girls
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Cute But Psycho Bomber Jacket via OOTD Fash, $39.99
OOTD Fash