13 Ways to Coordinate Your Shoes and Handbags for a Match Made in Heaven

The Gist

• When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to the wearability of a good pair of shoes and a chic handbag.

• While some may view matching your shoes and handbags as old-fashioned, we believe it’s an easy way to step up your style game.

The old-school rule of matching your shoes to your bag may feel passé, but that doesn’t mean it’s obsolete. In today’s anything-goes fashion landscape, accessories are less about rigid coordination and more about creating a look that has intentional harmony. A well-paired shoe-and-bag combo doesn’t have to feel outdated. Nowadays, it has transformed into something more modern, cool, and edgy. “I always start with either the shoes or the bag when putting together an outfit,” advises Creative Director Maj-La Pizzelli, “The clothes are the canvas, and the accessories are the actual art.”

Though this fashion rule, which found initial popularity in the post-WWII era, has gone through a slumber, it’s emerged from hibernation with a fresh new mind. This means forgoing the fashion rules and adapting matching combinations that suit your current tastes. Shoe expert Veronyca Kwan adds, “Personal style plays a big role, too. Whether you’re aiming for a perfectly coordinated look or mixing and matching for a bit of fun and personality, there are no wrong ways to express yourself.”

Meet Our Expert

• Veronyca Kwan is the Vice President and co-founder of Bella Belle Shoes.

• Maj-La Pizzelli is the Creative Director and co-founder of the leather goods brand ATP Atelier.

• Sarah Zurell is the chief marketing officer of the shoe brand Chinese Laundry.

So, if you’re looking for an easy, chic way to double up the drama of your outfit, then why not try matching your shoes with your handbags? Ahead are 13 combos to get you started on the right foot.

Head-to-Toe Hues

Picking a singular color to match your outfit monochromatically is the simplest way to make a shoe and bag combo work together without too much thought and agonizing. A neutral color is always an easy place to start, as it goes with pretty much anything in your closet. The next part to consider is matching the fabrication, whether real or faux leather, velvet, or suede. This will pull the whole look together.

Magnificent Maximalist

Some shoe-and-purse pairings shouldn’t work, but somehow, they just do. If Carrie Bradshaw is your style muse, maximalism is likely in your DNA. This outfit nails the look by combining two standout pieces in contrasting textures, unified by their complementary hues.

Texture Tango

You’ve landed on a color you want for your shoes and handbag but want to take a step further. “Shoes and handbags made from different materials or textures can look mismatched. Aim for materials that complement each other,” advises Sarah Zurell. If you have a sequined purse that you absolutely want to show off with a pair of matching shoes, then a glittering pair of heels works perfectly to complement the shimmer.

Great Gradients

A sartorial match made in heaven doesn’t have to be exact—sometimes the magic is in the subtle shift. Here, a fluffy, soft lavender bag anchors the look by nodding to the color gradient trend, serving as the lightest point in a purple palette. Its charm is courtesy of the slight mismatch.

Familiar Fabrics

Similar to matching textures is matching the same fabric of your handbag and shoes. If you have a suede hobo bag, then a matching suede slouchy boot in a similar color will tie a look together. For a formal look, a shiny patent leather clutch paired with patent leather pumps will have you ready for a night out.

Playful Pops

Have an outfit that leans more on the neutral side? Add a funky bag and unexpected shoes. The whimsical element will instantly add a new layer of visual interest that serves as the cherry on top of your look. Go for a purse with a unique pattern or a solid pop of color that contrasts with the rest of your ensemble.

Pattern Play

For looks that require accessories to bring a punch of color and energy, a matching pattern on your shoes and handbag is the antidote. A flirty white summer dress is the perfect backdrop for a pair of bright floral-printed heels and a matching floral shoulder bag. Perhaps you want to channel a bit of 60s flair with a mini skirt and baby doll tee. Adding a platform sandal and baguette bag in matching colorful Pucci-esque swirls brings the decade into the 21st century.

Logo Logic

Logomania may come in waves, but there’s no denying it’s here to stay. Plus, it’s easy to match a pair of sneakers and a handbag when they come in coordinating logo colors. Have fun with the proportion of the logo for a point of interest, whether your shoe is printed with a small-scale repeating logo or your purse features a large scale of the same logo.

Abstract Aesthetics

You’ll have to think more abstractly for a matching shoe and handbag that features similar aesthetics, but if you master this, there’s no shoe and handbag combo you can’t tackle. Look towards trending ‘cores’ like the bow trend or balletcore to guide your accessory choice. A chic satin ballet flat paired with a mini bag in coordinating colors completes the dancer’s off-duty look.

Occasional Opportunities

Occasion dressing is the perfect time to show off your matching shoes and handbag game. Weddings provide plenty of opportunities to try out different eveningwear accessories. On the flip side, a sporting event is also a great place to showcase your fashion prowess with matching shoes and a handbag. If you opt for your favorite team jersey or even a cute top and light-wash jeans, pair your look with leather sneakers and a matching leather crossbody bag to show off your team spirit.

Size and Scale

If you decide to stick with a neutral color for your shoe and handbag combo, consider playing with complementing size and scale. A pair of tough combat boots needs a large broken-in leather tote or satchel to create balance. Conversely, a medium to small structured bag couples nicely with a pair of loafers for a more preppy or collegiate aesthetic.

Weather Wear

Every day, the weather dictates what we wear, so why not use it as inspiration for our accessories? A hot summer day brings to mind beach trips and lounging outside. When paired with a light cotton sundress, a pair of espadrilles and a raffia bag capture the essence of summer. When the temperature dips in the colder months, a faux-fur boot and fur-lined tote bring cozy and warm vibes to your look.

Time Travel

Break out your vintage finds and match the decades together! A low block-heeled pump and matching 50s lady bag can bring a touch of sweetness to a casual look of boyfriend jeans and your favorite t-shirt or sweater. Flirt with the 70s with knee-high brown leather boots and an embossed brown leather shoulder bag. Your outfit can be modern or completely reflect the decade you’re channeling; either option shines with a matching handbag and shoe combo.

Read the original article on InStyle