To the 'average Joe', ducks and rabbits printed on their button-up may seem extremely out there. Even I had my reservations at first, but recently I have changed my tune. The blogosphere has been awash with patterned button-ups lately. With seemingly every brand featuring it's own version of the patterned shirt in their spring/summer collection it has become increasingly difficult not to fall in love. 

The prints work great on a short sleeve button-up for the summer and can easily be balanced out with other pieces to ease into the idea that your shirt may have cuddly little ducks all over it. Furthermore, the shirts are bold and the perfect way to lighten up your wardrobe moving into spring. Here are some of my recent favorites:

This is a Gitman Bro x Opening Ceremony button-up with rabbit and mushroom print. Yes, rabbits. Animal prints are in.

Floral prints, like this one by Paul Smith, are going to be huge this summer. Pretty much every brand has one.

In a recent collaboration between ASOS and print magazine It's Nice That, five designers were picked to create the perfect "Hawaiian Shirt." This one is by Australian artist Jonathon Zawada.

Now you might ask, “How the hell do I pull that off?”  I asked myself the same when I recently purchased a leopard print button-up from Topman and a Naked and Famous duck print shirt from Luna and Hill. After some serious consideration these are three solid ways to pull of crazy prints:

1) Under a sweater

Wearing a printed shirt under a sweater is always a good way to add a subtle pop to your outfit.

2) Buttoned up with pants/shorts

Wearing a print fully buttoned up with a pair of khaki/camel chinos or cuffed shorts offers a good balance while still showcasing the piece. 

3) Button-up on Button-Up

This is one of my favorite ways to wear the look because it works into my personal uniform. Wear a patterned button-up open over a solid button-up (denim works great) to create a contrast in textures, colors and materials.

Give it a try!

- Zach