In the world of men's wear, the well-dressed man knows how to combine prints and patterns to create a decidedly elegant look. A little knowledge about patterns can help you avoid clothes that clash -- and going from Don Draper chic to "Napoleon Dynamite" tacky. In the world of men's suiting, houndstooth and herringbone are part of a respectable clique of understated and classic woven fabric that say a lot about the gentleman without drawing questionable attention.

Herringbone is typically a two-color combination of black and white, gray, brown or blue. The pattern is formed with alternating colors, with each color woven in a slanted line. In one column, the lines slant in one direction; in the adjacent column, they slant in the opposite direction. Herringbone is primarily woven with thicker yarns to create a more pronounced pattern. You'll find herringbone prints on sports coats, blazers, overcoats and hats.

The houndstooth pattern -- so named because it's said to resemble the tooth of a dog -- is of Scottish heritage. It's a pronounced print, similar to a checkerboard. as the pattern alternates columns of four dark-colored and four light-colored threads. Rather than the absolute square shapes on a checkerboard, however, the resulting pattern can be a diamond, pinwheel or other abstract design. In menswear, because of the tight weave, the houndstooth is often found on coats and jackets.

Pair houndstooth or herringbone jackets with solid-colored trousers in black, brown, navy or gray. Choose carefully when matching shirts with houndstooth, which is a pronounced pattern. Wear shirts that are close to the base color of the pattern. The same can be said of herringbone, although you have a bit more flexibility with this somewhat more subtle print. Do stick with a solid-colored shirt, because adding a second pattern to herringbone can look too busy.

However you choose to wear your herringbone or houndstooth jacket, remember that a little pattern goes a very long way. Wear these prints with shirts and trousers that take a back seat to the bold prints to convey style and substance. Pair a herringbone jacket with a pair of jeans for a well dressed look on a first date. In wintertime, while the rest of the business pack is turning to dark colored trousers and blazers, show up to work with a black and white houndstooth print tie against a dark colored shirt and heavy camel blazer.