Comprising a repeated four-pointed shape designed to resemble and canine’s incisor, it’s often not as visually impactful as a Prince of Wales check or tartan plaid, but it can be an excellent pattern to layer with.

“Most often in a black and white weave, houndstooth (and its smaller puppytooth variant) looks good as part of a monochrome outfit,” says Thompson. “It’s most at home in tailoring, especially on suits and overcoats where the uniformity of the pattern adds to the formality.”

Given that it’s a busy pattern, houndstooth works best with simple, complementary motifs like uniform pinstripes or larger polka dots.

For a go-to smart outfit using houndstooth, put the pattern to work on a neatly cut blazer – fit is key if you are to pull off any daring outfit – and pair with a crisp white shirt and monochrome knitted tie. Winner winner, dog’s dinner.

Works best on: overcoats, blazers, suits and tailored trousers

Works best with: less busy patterns such as narrow pinstripes and monochrome prints

Paisley

All it took was four guys named John, Paul, George and Ringo to slip into some paisley shirts in the 1960s and this previously unknown Persian pattern went viral.

Many brands have subsequently used paisley, but it’s still a brave man who can leave the house in the morning dressed head-to-toe in the swirly stuff.

“Paisley is such a busy and intense pattern that in most cases it’s best to tone it down by pulling a single colour from the design and using that elsewhere in your outfit,” says Thompson.

Clashing paisley is much more of a statement, and there are two ways you can take it, each dependent on your personality: the safe way and the loud AF way.

The former calls for a pinstripe or polka dot T-shirt – both uniform patterns that don’t try to overpower the paisley. The latter involves layering with animal prints and using luxury fabrics like leather for a look that is maximalism writ even larger than usual. Go big or go home.