Challenge Week Review: Pattern Mixing

So I thought that I'd post a recap of my week of patterns...I like seeing how I worked with this challenge over the course of the week. I daresay I even learned a few things!

1. I wear the pants. So this one isn't so much about my pattern challenge week, but I think it's important to note anyway. Pants are comfy, easy, casual, chic, etc. etc. They go with everything, can be dressed up or down, and come in all styles and colors. Obviously, my major penchant is for jeans. I love that I'm a pants-wearin' kind of gal, but I think there is something to be said for skirts and dresses, and I think I might be missing that boat. Maybe I'll have a girly challenge week sometime soon...

2. Challenges force my creative juices to flow. These were all outfits that didn't immediately come naturally to me. Whether it was a flowery top, cuffed jeans, loose tunic, or belted skirt, this pattern challenge forced me to push just outside my comfort zone. Which was nice, but it was also NICE to just pop on jeans and a t-shirt this morning. No frills.

3. Patterns are not my forte. While I like each of these outfits okay, none of them really stand out for me. Also, I really don't have many major wardrobe pieces that have patterns, so I ended up stretching to oft-unworn parts of my closet. Again, jeans and a tee felt goood today.

4. It's spring in Chicago. I love that none of these outfits fit quite right into a single season. Just out of tights season but not quite at tank tops and sandals. Oh well, we're getting there...

5. To me, patterns belong in the details. Again, I don't own a lot of major patterned pieces. Mostly because those pieces feel overwhelming, loud, and gaudy. So I'll probably keep steering clear of those pieces (although the floral top is cute, I can't handle too much of that kind of pattern) and focus on patterns in scarves, belts, socks, shoes, and accessories. That way I feel interesting but not too flashy.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. What do you all think? How did I do with this challenge week? Any major thoughts/suggestions? How do you incorporate patterns (or other rarely-worn styles) into your wardrobe?