I attempted to play around with layers the last couple of years, but I prefer the ease of pieces that stand on their own. If patterned pairings comes together that's great, but it's normally because I happened to hang two pieces next to each other in the closet and realized the colors work.
I feel more comfortable letting one piece shine, and accenting with classic accessories like the look Alexa Chung is sporting above. I'm really lusting after those shoes.
Images: Zimbio