Should Your Handbag Match Your Shoes?
When it comes to fashion, there are a lot of “rules.” You can’t wear white after Labor Day, metallics are only for night, black and navy don’t go together, never mix and match gold and silver, and the list goes on. We’re not sure who actually came up with these antiquated rules but at Calin, we humbly prescribe to the philosophy that there are no rules when it comes to fashion. We think you should wear what makes you feel good.
However, there is one rule that we may have to reconsider ditching: matching your shoes and handbags. Now, before you roll your eyes, hear us out. While this may feel like something more suited towards your grandmother, it can actually be a fun way to make your accessories the star of your outfit, and that’s something we can definitely get on board with.
How to Match and Not Match Your Handbag to Your Shoes
Below, we’ve created some adorable early Fall outfits (if we do say so ourselves). One version shows the look with matching shoes and bag, and the other shows the same look with non-matching shoes and bag. Take a look and let us know if you think wearing the same colored bag and shoes is a match made in heaven, or simply just too much.
Color-Contrasting Twist on Classic Cardigan and Jeans
Sweater weather is here and we’re so ready for it! We paired straight-leg jeans in a medium wash with this striped cardigan from Staud. The contrasting colors are a fun and interesting spin on a classic pattern. We chose our Margot bag to go with this look as the rich olive shade really grounds the brighter shades of the bright knit.
Matching Look: For our matching look, we chose these awesome olive croc loafers. Not only does the color perfectly match our bag, but the chunky gold detailing also ties in the bag’s gold chain.
Non-Matching Look: Keep your feet both warm and chic with these adorable clogs. The shearling adds a dose of coziness, while the high platform heel elevates the look— both literally and figuratively. We love it paired with the Margot bag for that quintessential Fall vibe.
Sophisticated Sweater Dress and Clutch
One of our favorite things about Summer is the ease of simply throwing on a dress and looking put together. But just because there’s a bit of chill in the air doesn’t mean you can’t take that same attitude with you into the Fall. We love this fitted knit sweater dress. Our Sunny Starter Kit with the removable Pearl strap provides the perfect pop of color against this creamy neutral dress.
Matching Look: These killer blue knee-high boots are not for the faint of heart. They are bright, bold, and surely make a statement. However, when set against the backdrop of this white dress and paired with our coordinating Sunny handbag, the outfit feels tied together and sophisticated.
Non-Matching Look: Sneakers and dresses are a winning combo in our opinion—not only do they make this look more casual and cool, but if you’ve ever spent a day walking in heels, you know the value of comfortable yet cute shoes. We’re big leopard print fans over here and think they add a playful element that helps the blue bag really pop.
Color-Blocking Cool with Corduroy and a Pullover
When Fall comes around we typically put away our bright Summer attire and switch over to darker shades of black, brown, and burgundy. But in our opinion, there’s nothing wrong with keeping the color going all year round. We’re slightly obsessed with this cornflower blue corduroy skirt and love how it combines a typical fall textile with an unusually bold shade. Topped with this light blue sweatshirt, this look certainly has that certain je ne sais quoi.
Matching Look: Go big or go home. We’re embracing the eye-catching color of this look by adding equally vivid accessories. Our Poppy bag and these adorable slippers are the perfect pair, don’t you think?
Non-Matching Look: To balance out the strong hues of the outfit, these tan cowboy boots are the perfect palette cleanser. They double as a nice contrast to the colorful bag and one of our favorite fashion trends this season.