Having a perfectly matched ensemble used to be not only fashionable, but expected. Wearing chocolate brown shoes while carrying a cognac brown handbag was considered odd, and the idea of pairing polka dots with plaid would've made most stylish women break out in hives.

Now, accessories complement rather than match, contrasting brights are worn together with abandon and mixing -- rather than matching -- prints is fashion-forward. Models sauntering down the runways in plaid and florals, paisley and stripes, leopard and ikat are inspiring fashionable femmes everywhere to pile on the prints.

There is, of course, an art to pairing printed pieces. Follow these simple tips to mixing prints: