Ciel Le Blue Striped Sweater ($15) // H&M Leopard Loafers ($15) // Frame Denim Skinny Jeans ($219)

This Pinterest photo shows how to liven up basic pieces with mixed patterns and prints.  While pattern mixing takes a little bit of thought to perfect, once you get it right, you’ll love it forever.  Here’s the breakdown.

Impact. Distressed denim makes a great casual statement.  They’re totally cool.  No matter how preppy or classic your style, you can make this trend work for you.

We just discussed the trend yesterday, so I’m not going to oversell this.  But my favorite pair are the Old Navy Rockstar jeans because they’re subtle.  If you want something lighter and more distressed, these H&M jeans capture that look.

Of course, you can distress an old pair of jeans from your closet as well.  WhoWhatWear shows you how.

Patterns. This striped sweater is an all-season staple.  It pairs well with white denim or colored shorts in the summer.  In the fall, wear it with distressed jeans or a colored skirt.  In the winter, layer it under a white blazer or chunkier cardigan.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, I like this NYDJ boatneck sweater and this Mango cotton-blend sweater caught my eye.  Plus-size?  Try this ASOS sweater.

Stripes are easily the easiest pattern to mix.  I like the mix of stripes and leopard.  It’s very bold.  But you could also pair this striped sweater with a dotted skirt or an abstract print.  Or go big with a floral print.

The safest way to mix prints is how they’ve done it here, that is with the shoes.  I also like these floral print flats from Betty Mueller.  These geometric print pumps from BCBG are also worth a look.

Still need a tutorial on mixing prints?  Take a lesson from Brad Goreski.