What Are The Rules For Co-ordinating Your Purse And Shoes?

Hi Deb,

It seems to be the style not to have your shoes and purse match. What and how do you determine what to match them with? The old way was to have black, brown, navy, or red if you felt wild, and they always checked your purse. Can you give some pointers on what is in now? –~Barbara P.

Deciding what purse to go with your shoes can be tricky. Some women buy only one purse and wear it with everything. Others collect bags and change them around all the time.

It depends on your needs and lifestyle, but, in general, your purse should be high quality, and the size should fit your style and personality.

Here are a few basic rules to remember:

1. Play with mixing colors, but keep one color neutral

You can have fun with a colorful bag if you have gray shoes. This look is more for work because of the stiffer, dressier bag. The slouchy bag at the front of this photo paired with the sandals is a good combo if you want a casual look because both are informal.

2. An outfit made up of solid colors will get a lift from a purse with some color or texture

This simple outfit is paired with these purple flats and a python clutch.

3. Don’t do a stiff purse with a casual outfit

If you like every day or soft-flowing clothes, your handbag should match the look. This purse is too boxy and stiff for this sporty outfit. This more peaceful, relaxed hobo-style purse is much better with this outfit~

4. Even a formal purse can work with casual shoes

This quilted Chanel-style bag works with these flats since they are shiny and have a dressy look.

5. Coordinate your hardware

You will feel more pulled together if you keep your shoes, jewelry, and handbag hardware all the same finish. (e.g., silver jewelry, silver buckles on shoes, silver zipper on the purse)

Here are some more general guideline to help you feel more confident.

1.  A Ladylike Dress: Structured Day Bag

This feminine fit and flare dress is lovely and ladylike. The vibe is polished, proper and classy, so a sleek, structured bag in a classic shape best complements the look. Whether it is made of leather or not a structured day bag should be durable and substantial.

Medium size is generally best for a top handle or over the shoulder style. Beautiful hardware will give your bag that elegant edge you are looking for.

2.  A Sporty Outfit: Crossbody Bag

When you’re dashing off in your jeans to run some errands or have some fun, you want a bag that is easy and no-nonsense.

A sporty crossbody bag is compact and lightweight, and best of all, hands-free. Look for practical pockets and card slots to give you even more utility out of your crossbody bag.

Pebbled leather is chic and sporty. This stone-gray bag is a lovely example of that. Another nice option: this navy Tory Burch bag with the cutout logo medallion and long, knotted tassel mark the flap of a compact crossbody bag. Then there’s this cute tan messenger bag. This style has become very popular lately.

A Casual Outfit: Relaxed Tote

Walking down by the beach while on vacation, or browsing through the shops on a lazy day off calls for a bag that is easygoing and relaxed. A large, soft tote in canvas, leather or straw is cute and casual.

Stripes, perforated leather, and raffia pom poms are fun and add personality to these bags. The wonderful thing about a tote is that it’s roomy enough for anything you want to take along, from sunglasses to a hat, a good book or even a beach towel.

Do you have a favorite type of bag, and what do you wear it with?