Even the most daring fashionistas shake in their over-the-knee-boots when it comes to mixing prints. What looks artful and thoughtfully disheveled in the glossies and the blogosphere can, in real life, look like a girl got dressed in the dark with a bag lady as inspiration.
The key for beginners is to stick with the same color family. Polka dots, stripes, florals, or tweeds can make for a functional formula as long as they draw from similar tones. A good number to start with is the Orla Kiely Ariel View Print Sling Bag. This terrific triangulation can be worn across the chest, over the shoulder, or carried by hand– but what we really love about it is its fantastic graphic print. In subtle tones of brown, black, gray, and green, the Sling can be worn with an infinite equation of black stripes or gray flowers. When you’ve mastered those, graduate to stunning splashes of cobalt, jade, or even mustard. Regardless of how you calculate it, Orla Keily is always a constant for pattern play.