Stripes, florals, animal print, and polka dots. Oh my!

Mixing is all the rage...brights, textures, patterns, casual with sophisticated, and vintage with high end. You are already masters on brights, so let's tackle another tricky combination: patterns.

First, let's look at some examples of how it's done.

As you can see, it's about maintaining some backbone of color, especially the bold patterns, as featured in the first and last look, where black is featured. The second and third looks are more about being a visually appealing coordination of neutrals and small patterns or rather, less contrasting patterns, such as gray and peach. The skirt's patterns of small polka dots and flowers seem to just add some texture, not even pattern. Looks easy, right? Well, it is! I found some easy to afford and to locate options.

Here we have a Lauren Conrad black floral dress and a Croft & Barrow striped fly away cardigan, available at Kohl's...yes, Kohl's. Note how the cardigan brings out the white in the flowers and that the gray compliments the black background.

This above option is a bit more adventurous. Both the python print skirt and color splash top are available at Ann Taylor Loft. The commonality hear is taupe. I would suggest tucking in the shirt and using a wide cognac or brown belt and top it off with a jean jacket!

Finally, if the Kohl's and Ann Taylor Loft outfits have you a little overwhelmed, you can simply pair a floral scarf and striped tee from Banana Republic and still rock this trend! Be adventurous, my fashionistas!