DEAR MATTIE:
What is trendier this season? Shoes or handbags?
Curious in Delbrook
Dear Delbrook:
Shoes and handbags are both quite trendy this season. The look is new and shiny. These accessory items stand out as a statement, but not an outrageous one.
Shoes and handbags add finesse to your outfit. Many of the styles have classic lines, with subtle or bolder detail that creates a trendier look.
Shoes and bags should match, but not perfectly. Your shoes and handbag should be a part of your overall look, not stand out alone.
Although classic lines are in style, that doesn't mean conservative is in style. Classic shoes have modern lines that work fashionably for you.
The most popular shoes to look out for are oxfords, Mary Janes and ballet flats.
Oxfords have laces, tassels, buckles and stitching details that update them. Oxfords also come in every variety of heel heights.
Mary Janes must have a heel, but also have double straps, T-straps and small, but significant, hardware. Most heels are still in fashion, yet the chunky heel is making a comeback.
Ballets flats are available in suede and embossed leather textures. They have bows in front and lace-ups behind the ankle.
Black, burgundy, dark green and brown as well as leopard and python are among the fall colours and textures to look out for.
If your pants are textured go for a sleeker shoe. If your pants are plainer, go for an embellished shoe.
If you want your shoe to stand out, wear cropped pants. If you want your shoes to be subtle, wear straight or slightly wide-leg, longer pants.
Boots are always in fashion for fall. They come in casual utility styles, to traditional riding boot, to sophisticated bootie. The utility styles are streamlined. They have lace-ups and a short chunky heel. The taller boot comes in two tones, lots of textures, lace-ups and tassels with every kind of heel from flat, to chunky, to wedge, to stiletto.
The trendiest footwear is the bootie, a combination ankle boot and shoe. If you are going to wear a bootie, go for the trendier versions. Textured leathers with hardware or lace-ups really make the bootie pop. This boot should have a sleeker heel, thin and tall, or a shaped narrow wedge. This is a sleek boot that should not look chunky, which kind of allows it to look like a shoe.
Bags have a unique look because they are stylish and make a personal statement. Most of this season's bags are not solid in colour, so one of the bag's tones should match your shoe or boot.
All bags have some kind of embellishment on them. If they are not embellished then they must be structured with sculptured lines.
Clutches, totes, and doctor bags are most in fashion this season. There are many textures and embellishments in handbags this season. Consider smaller bags with more embellishments, larger bags with less embellishment.
Classics are in style, but modern it up. Whether your look is casual or professional, your pieces should be well placed together. Hodgepodge dressing is not in fashion. This is a sophisticated season.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached by email: [email protected]. Or visit her blog mattiealamode.com.
