Matching bags and shoes can be as complex as finding your soul mate. While we choose our life partner a few times, we navigate the world of bag and shoe combinations daily, often several times a day. These decisions, ideally made in minutes, can feel daunting.
In the past, life was simpler. The golden rule was to match the bag with the shoes. It was straightforward and ensured cohesive outfits. But times have changed, and now, freedom in fashion is celebrated. Thankfully, some unwritten rules can guide us in harmonizing our looks, because as with everything, excess can be overwhelming.
In this article, we offer practical tips for combining bags and shoes, simplifying your life and enhancing your style. Let’s explore them together as explained by Ms. Shradha Wadhwa, CEO of Cindy Footwears, an internationally popular women’s footwear brand and one of India’s leading wholesaler shoe companies.
Bag and Shoes of the Same Color? A Classic
Fashion rules have evolved, and the once-obligatory matching of shoes and bags has become more flexible. However, there’s timeless elegance in classic combinations.
Opt for a classic colour pairing of shoes and a bag when wearing a vibrant or sparkly dress. Subtle accessories allow the clothing to shine and take centre stage. Pair a red, electric blue, or fuchsia dress with shoes and a bag in powder pink, beige, grey, or other neutral hues for a polished look.
Go for the Contrast: Bags and Shoes of Different Colors
Today, the rulebook for bags and shoes has been rewritten. They no longer need to match in colour, texture, or fabric. Some even advocate for the opposite – that bags and shoes should always contrast. When it comes to colour contrast between bags and shoes, the possibilities are endless. Let your creativity soar and experiment with diverse looks!
Accessories serve as the secret weapon to elevate basic and monochromatic outfits. Consider electric blue shoes or a lemon yellow bag to steal the spotlight. With contrasting accessories, you can inject excitement into even the most formal ensembles, avoiding the pitfalls of dullness or overindulgence.
Matching Bags and Shoes: What about the Patterns?
When navigating the realm of patterned fabrics, don’t fret. Embrace the established trend of contrast, but aim for a coherent narrative in your ensemble, whether harmonious or dissonant.
When combining different patterns, ensure they share the same chromatic base for consistency. Coordinated bags and shoes then become the focal point. Opt for a solid colour, preferably not too bold, to maintain balance in your overall look.
How to combine bags and shoes: never mix the seasons
Fashion thrives on a bit of tension between bags and shoes, but there are limits to contrasts. While mixing colors, patterns, and textures can be playful, they should belong to the same season.
The fashion police veto pairing winter bags with summer sandals or fur boots with straw bucket bags. Save velvets, tartans, wool, or faux fur for winter footwear like biker boots, combat boots, and ankle boots. Conversely, reserve sandals for light summer bags in vibrant hues, while flip flops and rope wedges complement bucket bags.
Combine bags and shoes according to the occasion
The art of pairing bags and shoes extends to understanding the occasion. Context is crucial for selecting clothes and accessories: is it a professional setting or a personal one? A festive event or everyday life? A gala dinner or a casual gathering with friends?
Formal and festive contexts call for elegance, while informal settings prioritize comfort. Here’s a final fashion tip: if you want to showcase a new bag or pair of shoes, build your entire look around them.
Size matters
Here’s a final tip for accessorizing: consider the concepts of visual weight and figure harmony. If you opt for a maxi bag, pair it with slim and understated shoes like ankle boots or ballerina flats. Conversely, if you’re carrying a small clutch bag, elevate your look with high heels and stride towards success.
Ms. Shradha Wadhwa is the dynamic and young entrepreneur of Cindy Footwears. Cindy Footwears is a top-notch Indian footwear wholesaler and supplier that facilitates footwear fashion and retail needs for every shoe retailer in India and abroad. Cindy holds all the expertise and experience needed to help footwear retailers create a niche for themselves in their respective markets. Cindy Footwear’s unique design and manufacturing capabilities enable the organization to offer tailored and seamless solutions to anyone looking to purchase shoes in large quantities.
