The Essentials: 8 Graphic Suiting Picks to Mix & Match

One of the biggest trends to hit runways this spring is really as simple as black and white—that is, black and white checks, dots, diamonds, stripes (horizontal and vertical, or sometimes both) and other in-your-face geometric patterns.  While some designers kept it relatively clean (Dolce & Gabbana and Etro come to mind), others, like Marc Jacobs and Alexandre Herchcovitch, opted for a flamboyant no-holds-barred graphic mash up of checks on stripes, or a combination of stripes in different directions and sizes.

To up your style ante, wear a suit jacket and bottoms of clashing geometric prints—think large checks on polka-dots, or stripes on diamonds. But if that's not your cup of tea for the office, just choose your favourite graphic piece and anchor it with a basic black suiting piece. No grey area here!

Forever 21 black and white contrast directional striped double breasted blazer, $36, canada.forever21.com. Forever 21 black and white striped wide leg pants, $28, canada.forever21.com.