Everyone's Been Doing This Old-Fashioned Styling Trick at Fashion Week
Matching accessories have always been a thing. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the thought of buying bags and shoes that weren’t (quite literally) cut from the same cloth would rarely cross one’s mind. Though the matchy-matchy trend went out of fashion for a bit, fast-forward to today and we certainly see the appeal. After all, we can barely muster enough energy to get out of bed in the mornings, let alone set aside precious time that could otherwise be spent sleeping to carefully select mismatched add-ons.
So yes, it’s little wonder that Kate Middleton, the busy bee that she is, takes comfort in coordinating accessories. And it seems other women share the same sentiment, as we’ve noticed matchy-matchy buys are creeping into the outfit DNA of our favourite fashion girls.
We initially dismissed it as a one-off, but when we clocked several fashion month showgoers employing the same trick, we knew we were onto something. Matching your bag to your dress is fast becoming the season’s styling hack of note, and we’re on board.
Related: The Iconic High-Street Dress Brand That Comes Fashion-Editor Approved
Be it the exact same print or fabric, or simply a complementary hue, hold your bag up to your dress and, if it blends in, you’re on the right track.
The best part? There are plenty of matching dresses and bags to be had for every occasion and budget, meaning everyone can get in on the action.
Related: We Just Found 18 High-Street Bags That Will Make Any Outfit Look Expensive
From It prints to rather extra feather detailing, keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best outfit-simplifying duos on offer. Then start thinking about what you’re going to do with all that extra time on your hands…
This frock will look the after-dark part with a berry lip and side-swept hair.
Try layering this dress over a printed tee and cropped jeans for a downtime spin.
From the fluted sleeves to the A-line skirt, this dress is easily the most flattering thing you’ll ever own.
We can’t imagine anything chicer than this top-handle arm candy.
Related: The Best High-Street Pieces We've Seen on Instagram This Week
Try varying the size of your motifs to make your ensemble even more interesting.
This is not for the fashion faint of heart. Pair it with minimal footwear—a pair of block heels, for example.
Just think how cool this will look with straight-leg jeans and a checked blazer.
Related: It's the Perfect Time to Invest in a Great Winter Coat—28 That Stand Out
We’ve never wanted to be part of the #ChloéGirls movement more.
We’ve had Faye, Drew and Nile—now meet Chloé’s Tess bag.
Now that’s your dress and bag sorted; it’s time to talk shoes.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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