The Thrifty Six in Geometric Prints

It was my turn to choose our sartorial prompt for this month’s game of thrifty dress up. Since we are right in the heart of the school year and my eldest child is taking Geometry this year, I decided to focus our attention on geometric prints.

One of the oldest branches of mathematics, geometry concentrates on certain properties of space like the distance, shape, size, and relative position of shapes and figures. More specifically, Euclidean geometry focuses on fundamental concepts such as points, lines, planes, distances, angles, surfaces, and curves.

The first few weeks of Geometry class were a bit of a struggle for my son. But I knew as soon as the concepts clicked in his head, he would be fine. Of course, I was right as mama’s tend to be when we make predictions of this sort. Although it is currently the lowest grade on his first mid-quarter progress report, he has a 91% average in the class. So I’m not only a mama who makes correct academic predictions, I’m also a very proud mama!

thrifted style, preloved outfit, thrifted brown maxi dress, thrifted plaid shirt dress duster, thrifted brown cowgirl boots, black cowgirl hat, fall boho outfit, geometric prints, Shelbee on the Edge

When it was time to create an outfit to suit this geometric theme, I really didn’t have a clue what I was going to wear. I have a few things in my closet with geometric shapes but none were really speaking to me or they weren’t preloved or thrifted, which, of course, is the second part of these Thrifty Six style challenges. You have to satisfy the theme in secondhand clothes!

Although I was determined to find something geometric that was already in my closet, I was on a thrifting adventure looking for a used suit for my husband’s Halloween costume (stay tuned for that) when I spotted this very dramatic long shirt dress that features an interesting combination of different plaid designs in autumn colors.

While plaid might not be the first pattern that comes to mind when thinking about geometry, tartan prints are formed by intersecting stripes that meet at right angles to create the characteristic grid-like patterns. Since a geometric arrangement is essential for achieving a plaid design, I thought this dress was a wonderful piece to illustrate geometry in fashion.

Despite my failure to find something I already owned for this style challenge, I was able to style this plaid shirt dress as a duster over a preloved maxi dress that has been sitting in my closet for some time waiting for an opportunity to be worn.

The rich caramel color of the sleeveless halter dress perfectly coordinated with the colors utilized in the plaid print. It also perfectly coordinated with my brown thrifted cowgirl boots. These boots are probably my least interesting pair of Western boots but they are very versatile and I have definitely gotten my money’s worth. I found these boots on a thrifting adventures about 3 years ago for $7.99 and I’ve styled them at least 10 times on my blog and countless other times in real life, making their price per wear well below the targeted $1.00.

Now for the rest of my accessories. In keeping with the brown, black, and white color palette, I added a preloved brown floral scarf, a newly thrifted black and bronze beaded necklace, my black cowgirl hat, an old pair of bronze and black tassel earrings, and a new brown belt that I just picked up on clearance for $3.

I was really pleased with the outcome of this dress up challenge. I love the drama of this plaid duster, the colors are so great for the autumn season, and the Western vibe suits my boho aesthetic.

Now let’s check out how my thrifty friends have styled their geometric prints. Just click on the links or images below for details about each outfit.

The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion lovers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here not only to inspire you to shop second hand but to also get creative in your closets.

Emma of Style Splash

Unfortunately, Emma is unable to join us this month. Please send prayers her way as she is grieving the recent and unexpected loss of her sister-in-law. Much love and many condolences to you and your family, Emma.

Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

Sally of Within a World of My Own

And Me!

I hope you have enjoyed all our interpretations of geometric prints. If you would like to see more preloved outfits created by this budget- and environmentally-friendly group, please stop back on November 16, 2026, to see how we style Sally’s next style prompt…Moody Maroon…a beautiful color for autumn style inspiration. Keep playing dress up, my friends. It keeps your soul young!

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee