How to match
bags and shoes?

Just as we choose one item of clothing over another according to the occasion, it's also important to choose accessories that suit the setting – because, after all, going to a party isn’t the same as going to work or heading out with friends. Read on for some outfit ideas.

FORMAL EVENTS
If you're attending a formal event or meeting that calls for an elegant look, a winning bet is to pair pumps with a handbag or clutch to carry only the essentials. In this case, try choosing a bag and shoes in the same colour, opting for classic or neutral hues such as black or nude. To add a little sparkle, metallic tones such as gold or silver always look stylish.

TO PARTY
Going out for the evening? Now’s time to bring out the boldest side of your style. Play with colours, considering bright and metallic tones. For example, try strappy sandals with a small, vibrant hand-bag for wallet and other night-out essentials. To avoid overpowering your look, you might prefer to go with just one statement piece: so if you opt for a brightly coloured bag, pair it with shoes in a more neutral hue. Don’t forget about textured pieces, either. Satin and velvet styles can add fes-tive, luxurious touches to your outfit.

TO GET TO THE OFFICE
When going to work, it's best to prioritise comfort – with stylish twists, of course. For a timeless look, go for monochrome combinations with neutral tones. Here, you’ll want to switch out your high heels with medium-heeled shoes or flats. A larger bag, such as a tote or tote bag, will also prove practical on the commute.

FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES
If you're looking for a more casual look, nothing beats jeans or chinos with comfortable sneakers, accessorised with a shoulder bag, tote or backpack. If you're looking for a more summery look, you can easily combine these different types of bag with a casual dress and sandals.

In the past, you might have heard that shoes and bags should always be the same colour and tex-ture – but today's trends are different. If you prefer to wear a variety of hues, here are some tips on how to combine them.

COLOURS
An outfit with matching bag and shoes always looks smart, but mixing up the colours of these all-important final touches can add a fresh feel to your outfits. For example, you could choose brightly colored shoes – in blue, green or fuchsia, for example – with a silver or gold bag to add a festive, party-ready mood to your look. If you're looking for something more understated, try combining nude and pastel tones. Or why not team navy-blue or dark-green shoes with a brown or camel bag?

To build a harmonious outfit, it's important to strike a balance by combining neutral colours with brighter tones. For example, if you opt for a dress or suit in an intense colour, it may be wise to choose a bag and shoes in a neutral tone so that the dress takes center stage. On the other hand, if you're wearing a suit or dress in a neutral colour, like black or white, then you can take more risks with your bag and shoes to bring an eye-catching touch to the ensemble.

TEXTURES AND SIZES
In addition to colours, combining different textures and materials can make a big impact. For ex-ample, if you wear suede shoes, a smooth leather bag can work well alongside them. A raffia bag – one of our favourites for more casual summer looks – will look chic alongside with sandals, mocca-sin-style shoes or espadrilles.

The size of your bag is also important to consider. For more elegant and sophisticated looks, it's often best to choose smaller bags, such as clutches. For more informal or casual styles, you can turn to large bags or shoulder bags – they’re the more practical picks, allowing you to carry everything you need for the day.

Accessories are often key in pulling together a polished look. But besides shoes, what should you match your handbag with? And how do you match your bag and shoes to the rest of your accesso-ries?
Here are a few ideas:

JEWELLERY
If you opt for a neutral-toned bag and shoes, try adding a touch of colour or sparkle with eye-catching jewellery. And if you're wearing a brightly coloured bag and shoes, then consider jewellery in a similar or more discreet hue.

BELTS
For a harmonious look, choose a belt in the same colour as your bag and shoes. If your bag and shoes are in different colours, opt for a belt that matches chromatically with one of these two elements.

A SCARF OR HAT
In mid-season, these are essential accessories. You can choose one in the same colour as the bag and shoes (or one of them). As we mentioned above, if neutral tones are taking up the majority of your look, you can use a vibrant hat or scarf to add a pop of colour.

To conclude, the art of matching bag and shoes can do a lot for creating stylish ensembles that reflect your personality. And a quick reminder from us: there is no universal law that defines how to match bags and shoes. Fashion allows us to experiment with colours and textures to find the combinations we like best. Next time you’re planning an outfit, consider a bold combination of shoes, handbag and accessories as the perfect way to showcase your creativity and style.