Dear Mattie:
Should my shoes and handbag match this season?
- Trendy in Lonsdale
Dear Trendy:
Yes, no and maybe, is the best answer that I can come up with. Yes, if you are going for a sleek and minimalist look. No, if you are experimenting with the prints and colour block trends. Maybe, if you are into pastel colours and metallic textures. Whether or not your handbag and shoes match depends on what look you are going for.
Handbags and shoes are very exciting this season. There are many trends that can be mixed and matched. Overall, shoes and handbags make a statement.
I love all the handbags that are in fashion this season. There is a bag for every occasion. I am going to break handbags down into three categories: dressy, professional and casual. The trends to look out for are colours and prints, structured shapes, and detailing. The detailing includes hardware that is relevant to the size of the bag. Tassels are still in fashion.
For a professional look I am suggesting shoulder bags, cross-body bags and a carry-all work tote. All sizes of bags are in fashion, so why not have one bag that can serve all your needs? There is nothing less professional than a lady fumbling through different bags to find a pen. This professional bag does not have to be boring. Bold colours such as red, orange, green or blue will match any business suit.
For dressy, I would consider classic, structured shapes. Either clutches or satchels will do nicely, as long as they are small to medium. Evening bags are decorative and may feature quilting, painted designs, appliques with flowers or jewels and metallic textures.
For casual, I will be enjoying the bucket bag and the backpack. They are back in fashion and they are great. They can be as big or small as you like and as trendy as you dare. These two bags are the only bags that can have an exaggerated amount of detailing, especially hardware.
There is more variety with handbags than with shoes this season. Shoes don’t fall into categories as the handbag does. The new shoe styles can be worn any way you like. The interesting thing about this spring is that sandals are not the trendy shoe. If you’re into sandals, then metallic is the way to go.
Booties are the trendy spring shoe. They have a peep toe. They are a mesh or consist of many thin or a few thick straps of leather. They have a sling back strap and they cover most of the foot, but not all. Flats, chunky soles or wedges will all work as the heel is not the statement this season.
Bejewelled flats are very trendy this season, especially in darker bold colours. This shoe is feminine, but not dainty. It is a solid flat that sparkles and shines. Kitten heels with ankle straps and sling backs are a more professional shoe as they look nice with a business suit. This shoe is pointy and may have a metal cap toe.
Scuffed-up shoes and stuffing things in your pockets is not in fashion. It is in fashion to make an effort and try something new.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest at Mattie a la Mode.
