I would avoid any pattern that is busier than a stripe. The examples given above are very good.
FYI, since I look horrible in suits, I have several dresses of one color or another, and blazers that compliment them. One of the blazers, and one of the dresses are floral, and since I don't wear them together (
), they work well.
LAblondeGPhi, I absolutely love the pants outfit with the ivory blazer with black lapels!