DEAR Mattie:
Should my accessories match this season?
Loving fashion in Lonsdale
Dear Lonsdale:
Accessories are funky this season. They are definitely a statement piece. It is a good idea to match your accessories because too many statement pieces that don't match, won't work for you. Choose one statement piece per outfit. Either your shoes or your handbag should scream out personality.
The statement accessory will probably have more than one colour, or texture. The neutral accessory can have one of those colours or match the texture. Don't worry, the neutral piece can still be very stylish.
Sandals are one of my favourite accessories for spring. After spending many months hiding your toes, it is so nice to finally let them out. I also like sandals because they are a seasonal piece, which means that they don't have to be an investment item. So wear them out.
Have some fun with your sandals. There are no rules as to which heel is in fashion. Flats are slightly more popular. As long as the wedge and chunky heels are strappy, they are in fashion. The straps can be thin or thick.
The embellishments that you will see on sandals are trendy. Shiny gold or silver hardware stand out. Shells and beads are fun and popular. The beads can be colourful or made of wood. Sandals have an ethnic flare, as though you picked them up in a foreign country.
Whereas the sandal has the funk, the handbag has the bling. Handbags are trendy this season. The shape of the bag is sculptured. It is boxy in many sizes. The shape of the bag is functional. The reason why handbags are simply shaped is because they are available in many colours, textures and have lots of bling hanging off them. Handbags look unique because of their brightness, prints and embellishments.
All the classic shapes of handbags are in fashion, from clutch to hobo. The shape must not be slouchy. Bags are shiny with two to four bold colours. There are chain-link straps and hardware in gold or silver. Faux animal textures are available in many nonconventional colours. Handbags are made of straw, wood, lucite, lacquer and satin. These textures are combined or woven creating a strong statement piece. Your handbag can be your ultimate personal statement.
Closed-toe shoes are not that popular this season. But it works. Since sandals can be funky and handbags can be outrageous, then I would recommend your shoes to be neutral.
Classic shoes are still in fashion. Oxfords, ballet flats and pumps are an easy way to match the handbag. These shoes can still be trendy. One way to co-ordinate accessories is to match the heel of your shoe to the colour or texture of your handbag.
Shoes can be a toned-down version of the handbag. But you can still find outrageous shoes, if you want to. They are out there.
Since there are so many trends to choose from, this season, you may not want to spend too much money on your accessories. Go crazy and go cheap!
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached via E-mail: [email protected] or visit her blog mattiealamode.com.
