We’re just going to throw it out there: Matching your shoes and handbag perfectly to each other is an old-school concept. It works, it looks great, and it can take the guesswork out of styling, but it’s just not a necessary guideline to follow. Especially since there are plenty of less-expected ways to cleverly piece together an outfit. If you’re ready for a new approach, too, pay attention to the looks ahead. Each of them features creative ways to make bags and shoes feel cohesive in an overall ensemble without following any hard-and-fast rules. Keep scrolling for a closer look.
Go for playful vibes all around with a cheeky handbag and shoes in a can’t-help-but-smile-when-you-see-it color.
Shop related products:
Does this bag match these shoes? Nope. But they make perfect sense in this head-to-toe, prints- and color-mixed ensemble.
Shop related products:
Instead of comparing shoes and bag, coordinate your footwear frill with the bit of ruffle by the neckline of your top.
Shop related products:
Polar opposites attract in this case with clean, white sneakers and the most fantastic rainbow carryall.
Shop related products:
When your boots have this much sparkle, you can tone down your other accessories so as to not steal the spotlight.
Shop related products:
Instead of coordinating your bag and shoes, keep your entire look within the same palette; that way your footwear can stand out by simply being a different color.
Shop related products:
If you choose a handbag that so closely coordinates with your ensemble, choose a pair of shoes that distinctly doesn’t (and vice versa).
Shop related products:
Try this: Match your shoes to your lipstick and your bag to your collar.
Shop related products:
You can coordinate shoes and bags by choosing ones in neutral colors—in this case, different neutrals.
Shop related products:
As cool as it might be to have a matching pair of holographic heels, it’s even more unexpected to wear this statement handbag with a monochrome skirt-and-boot combination.
Shop related products:
A pink bag and red shoes don’t necessarily “match,” but they’re one of our favorite clashing-color combinations.
Shop related products:
Fuzzy boots, meet fuzzy handbag.
Shop related products:
Is coordinating handbags to your twin’s (or BFF’s) coat a thing?
Shop related products:
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23Your definitive guide.
