So you think you are a pro when it comes to matching solid-colored ties with solid-colored shirts, huh? You think are but I can guarantee you that you're not. With all the latest trends coming out in recent years pushing a mix-and-match approach, you need to constantly be in the know to stay ahead of the mixing stripes and patterns curve.

Most of us simply play it safe, opting for solid shirts with a coordinating, striped tie. Wearing anything else other than that is a little too much of pushing the edge. Look around and you'll rarely see a guy even attempt anything other than the norm or they just buy what stores tell them to because it works for the store.

Fortunately for these fashion lacking men, learning how to combine interesting shirts and ties is not as difficult as it sounds. All it takes is following a few simple rules. It couldn't be easier. Here are some tips to making your shirt and tie stand out from everybody around you:

• Repeat colors in each pattern - With this piece of advice, it is best if you pick out your shirt first then choose a tie based on the color of the shirt. Choose a tie with accents that use the same dominant colors of your shirt. If your shirt is a dark brown with lighter, more subtle, nutmeg-colored stripes and the background of the tie is pink with the small, brown, art-nouveau print, then this combination of a brown dress shirt and pink silk is a perfect example of this rule.
• Graduate checks outward - The art of combining a checked shirt with a differently checked tie skillfully is one way to get a second look. The fashion rule is to always wear smaller checked prints on your body as on your shirt and save the larger checks for your tie. Pay attention to the colors because your shirt and tie need to be a similar color palette. Let's use a combination of shirt in pumpkin-plaid with small, thin checks matches perfectly with a navy-striped silk tie and its larger checks. Don't forget about keeping your trousers in the same overall color scheme.
• Different weights between patterns - The last thing you want to do is wear two color patterns which are all the same size. It comes off looking busy and confusing. Opt, instead, for a cleaner look with one piece having a chunkier pattern than the other. Lets use a classic shirt with thin gray and white stripes as an example of this. Use a bright and bold silk tie with the gray background. The combination gives your outfit a kick to an otherwise subdued dress shirt.
• Use smaller patterns with larger ones - There is an endless possibility of fantastic combinations you can wear if you just try. If your tie and shirt have two completely different patterns, follow this rule for a truly remarkable and fresh look. Choose a shirt with a small pattern and a tie with a larger one for example. The colors matter but not as much in this rule just as long as you keep it in the same color family or neutral.