Dear Mattie: With all the colours and patterns in fashion this season, what should my shoes and handbags match? — Loving the trends in Canyon Heights
Dear Canyon Heights: Your shoes and handbag can match each other, but they don't have to. Either your shoes or your handbag should match your outfit. The handbag commands attention this season. No matter what style you choose, the handbag is carried as a clutch, even if it has a handle and straps. The exception is the large tote.
The two trendiest bags are the crush bag and the structured bag. Both bags look expensive (but do not have to be). It is a designer look. There are elaborate metal clasps in either gold or silver. The leather can be suede, embossed, soft, as well as, shiny hard leather. The most popular colours are cognac, dark green, deep red, cobalt blue and aubergine. These bags can also have a funky pattern giving it an avant-garde look.
The crush bag is worn scrunched or flattened under the arm. It is small to medium sized. The structured bag can stand upright, like a box. Handles add a trendy element, as they have links of chain, a constructed look of a buckled belt or a faux ebony, ivory or bamboo texture.
Boots are definitely more popular than shoes this season. Leathers include suede, embossed, soft and hard. The type of leather allows you to match your boot to your handbag. Boot lengths range from above the ankle to over the knee. All heels are trendy, from flat to high, including the wedge.
The most popular style is the ankle boot, which can be worn with skirts and pants. Booties have the look of a shoe, and can be trendy, dressy or casual, with buckles, zippers or lace-ups.
As for shoes, the oxford lace-up in single colour or two-tone is making a comeback. The pump with a kitten heel is popular as an evening shoe. The ballet flat is still in fashion, but mostly as a casual shoe, updated with metal embellishment.
What's most important to keep in mind is that the trendiest looks incorporate vintage styling updated to create a modern tone.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page Mattie-a-la-Mode.
