Wardrobe suffering from a case of the blahs? Patterns are the perfect way to push the envelope.

Woman cannot live by solid colors alone. Sure, making certain you are covered on fashion's basic food groups - black, navy, white, cream - is the hallmark of any well-appointed wardrobe. But spicing up your regular style diet is just as important. Fortunately, fashion has made it easier than ever to add flavor to what you wear this spring: just add patterns.

This season, there is something on the spectrum for everyone, whether you're partial to polka dots, like to say it with flowers, have a penchant for paisleys or prefer cultural motifs. After seasons of minimalist chic, designers are pumping up the volume with an explosion of patterns that range from playful (Marc Jacobs' dotty pastel tees) to flashy (Oscar de la Renta's tropical bouquets) to cutting edge (Jean Paul Gautier's mixed media tops). Each pattern has a personality all its own-think Hawaiian prints versus watercolor florals; tattersal checks versus thin pinstripes; an Indian batik versus an animal-inspired design. With so many options to choose from, you may need help narrowing down the field. To save you some time, we've done the legwork, so you won't have to!

Pattern Primer

Q: What should I look for?

A: Before you run out and load up the shopping cart, first consider the message you want to send. Ask yourself, are you buying the print for work or weekends, to make a bold statement or give your basics a subtle boost? With your purpose planned out, it will be a lot easier to weed through the wide variety of patterns on the racks.

But the decision-making doesn't stop there. The key to finding a pattern that flatters hinges on more than hanger appeal. Three key points to carry with you into the fitting room: scale, fabric and cut. Scale refers to the actual size of the pattern. Choose one that is too large or too busy, and you can wind up with a look that overwhelms rather than enhances. You've seen the worst-case scenarios - stripes or polka dots so profuse that the person wearing them looks like a walking test pattern; florals so outsized that you can't see the forest for the petals. Mistakes like this happen when someone fails to try on the pattern before purchasing.

Q: What is the best way to wear them?

A: With patterns, looks can be deceiving on the hanger, so you must try on the garment to get the full effect. A few pointers for the fitting room:

• Patterns should be graded on a curve-namely yours. They look best when they are in scale with the body. Large patterns on a large body frame will make you look likewise. The optical illusion can be a plus for petite body types who wish to play up curves.
• Vertical stripes elongate the body and draw the eye upward, making you appear taller and leaner. Horizontal stripes widen and shorten the body. Prints bordering the edge of a shirt or skirt hem have a similar effect: they stop the eye and cut the figure, making the body seem wider.
• Busy, intricate patterns look best in simple, unfussy shapes.
• Simple patterns on dark backgrounds work better than Slim-Fast, making any body look leaner.
• Medium-size patterns made up of monotone hues are flattering to all figure types.
• When in doubt, make less-is-more your mantra by opting to adopt patterns via accessories-a scarf, shoe or handbag.

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