We have a thing about mixing pattern and prints. It's a relatively new look that we think is wonderful. There's something so whimsical and devil-may-care about it. It's Bohemian without being hippie, it's creative, and it's a way of expressing your own individuality.

Why then, is it so damn tricky to get right? Stripes with florals, checks with swirls and animal print with zigzags. We put our heads together and come up with a few hard and fast rules to ensure you look like you never heed the rules...

Stay In The Same Colour Family
While this might sound horribly restrictive, it doesn't have to be. Prints are personal and they reflect your own individual taste, so start with something that you absolutely adore and from there, mix it with something with a similar background or main colour.

Little And Large
Vary the scale of the patterns, for example a large, printed motif on the skirt with a small, delicately patterned blouse or tee.

Enhance Your Curves
Once piece should have a tailored shape. For example a full skirt with a closely-fitted high waste and well-cut blouse, or a pin-striped pencil skirt with a flowing, floral patterned top.

Accessorise
Patterend scarves and bracelets work well when mixing pattern and print and so do shoes and bags. If you're worried about starting too bold, then a patterned scarf will help you start to get the hang of it. However, if you're going all out with the clothing, hold back on the accessories. It's either or here.

Create A Look
The Breton Stripe is handy. You can wear it with a pleated skirt with a seaside print to enhance the sailor feel, or go for something a little more French with a pattern scarf knotted around your neck and a pair of cropped trousers.

Play around and see what you come up with. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone a little bit. Things that previously you may never have even thought of putting together may just make up your favourite outfit this summer....