Dear Mattie: Should I match my shoes and handbag?
— Wondering in Westview
Dear Westview: There are so many colours trending in shoes and handbags that I would recommend playing with colours in your ensemble and matching whatever you feel like matching. This includes your shoes with your top or your bag with your skirt. More or less colour with and without contrast is really your choice this season. There is a street graffiti look with many colours that is in fashion, which gives you an opportunity to express yourself without committing to one look.
Shoes have made advances this season. There are new shoes in style. Flats are big, especially the ballerina flat. This style has been updated with a pointy toe and patent leather in many colours - from deep red to funky yellow. There are patterns featuring more than one colour that can be matched with your outfit for an ultimate fashion look or matched with a pair of jeans and a graphic T-shirt to achieve the street graffiti look.
Mary Janes are flat with one or more trendy colours. There is a heel that is popular, if you prefer a shoe with a heel. It is chunky with a retro 1970s square shape. Buckles, straps and tassels can be found on more conservative shoes, giving them a modern look with less street influence.
Sandals are always popular in spring. The trendiest sandal is called a flatform. It looks like a platform shoe except the sole is only an inch thick from the toe to the heel. It is a very cool looking shoe. It can be found in shiny solid black or multiple colours. More colours boost the trendiness of the shoe. Gladiator sandals in metallic colours with flat heels or kitten heels are also popular. The emphasis is on the laces which embrace the top of the foot and the calf. This is a glamorous look.
Elegant flat T-strap sandals are a nice option for a fashionable look that falls in the middle of the fashion road.
The handbag is where you can pack the biggest trend-setting punch. The colours are bold in yellow, blue, orange, white, and gold - whatever you like. The idea is that your handbag makes a statement before you do. There are geometric colour block designs. Your bag does not have to be one colour. But, if you choose one colour, look for texture in the leather and details such as hardware and fringe.
The handbag is not floppy; it is a structured bag. There is a large variety of styles in fashion, in all sizes, allowing for a personal touch. Clutches, totes, satchels, bucket bags and backpacks with leather handles and chain straps are all in fashion.
One of the biggest trends in handbags is suede as a spring texture, usually in a light cognac colour. This is a higher end look. Another big trend is the vintage camera bag. Since many of us don't carry a camera separate from our phone, this look is not about function. This look is about channelling the chic tourist. Spring is a great time of year to explore with colour.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page of follow her on Pinterest at Mattie-a-la-Mode.
