An Unexpected Pairing

On Monday I knew that I wanted to wear my argyle tights.¹  They had been languishing, unworn in my wardrobe since the last time I wore them (on Christmas day), and I just couldn't in good conscience leave them sitting in the tights drawer any longer.  I paired them with this grey dress that I love for its tremendous comfort.  I added a patterned scarf, a belt, and a pair of Fluevogs to create an outfit that had some unexpected pairings and visual interest.

1. Dress - Target (remixed)

Shirt - Target (remixed)

Tights - HUE (Filene's Basement and remixed)

Mary Jane's - John Fluevog (remixed)

Scarf - Target

Belt - from another skirt

Earrings - ???

I don't know about you, but I can sometimes still find mixing patterns a little bit challenging.  How do you mix your patterns?  Are you pattern friendly or pattern phobic?  And do you think pattern mixing is best left for library days rather than classroom days?  I'm still on the fence on this one.