There was a decent section in the March 2009 edition of Men’s Ex on how to pair shirts and ties with suits.  Some things you’ll notice:

  • If you pair up similar patterns, make sure they vary in size and scale so that they’re distinctly different from each other.
  • If you pair up similar colors such as a range of blues, pick different textures for each piece.

These should also be required reading on this topic:

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 1

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 2

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 4

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 3

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 5

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 6

Combining Patterns Men's Ex - 7