by Matt von Holtz.
Choosing the right clothes and handbag pairings is an art form, especially when it comes to colour coordinating. It requires a keen eye for detail and creativity. Deciding on the right combination involves understanding colour theory and how each piece interacts for a balanced look. Whether you’re dressing for a casual date or special event, selecting the perfect bag to complement your outfit can really transform your appearance. Mastering this involves focusing on colour coordinating, harmonising shapes, and drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic designers in fashion.
Colour Coordinating Basics in Fashion
When it comes to fashion, colour theory is your secret weapon for looking good and feeling right. The key is understanding how colours interact with each other and with the human eye, influencing perception, mood, and style. If you’re going for a serene vibe, cool blues and greens are your friends, but if you want to turn heads, a pop of red or orange can do wonders. You can choose monochromatic looks for a sleek, unified feel or go for complementary colours if you want to stand out. Wearing yellow might just brighten your day, while black can make you feel powerful. When deciding what feels right for you, consider your skin tone, the occasion, and even cultural vibes. Knowing these basics allows you to mix and match your wardrobe to create your own style.
Expressive Shapes in Style
Shapes are the keys to expression. Round shapes can make you seem approachable and comfy, like choosing a circle skirt or a bucket bag. If you desire a professional look, square or rectangular items, like a boxy jacket or a sharp-edged tote, are the way to go. Triangles bring energy and edge (think of A-line skirts or handbags with pointed corners). For a touch of uniqueness or creativity, asymmetrical or irregular shapes are your best bet. Above all, select shapes that resonate with your personal style or the mood you’re in. All items are on Sale!
Outfit Pairing Examples
First off, there’s this Valentino Garavani VLogo Pouf Mini Shoulder Bag in black. It’s the sort of bag that whispers “I’ve got my act together” without shouting. Pair it with a Balmain silk blouse that’s all about those vibrant prints. The blouse and bag together? They’re like a quiet nod to art in fashion. Toss in some Nina Ricci jeans for a look that’s all about letting the blouse do the talking. This combo’s perfect for when you’re wandering through an art exhibit or hitting the shops with a bit of flair.
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Valentino Garavani VLogo Pouf Mini Leather Shoulder Bag in Black
£720 was £1,200
Valentino Garavani
VLogo Pouf Mini Leather Shoulder Bag in Black
£720
Balmain Printed Silk Satin Blouse
£975 was £1,950
Balmain
Printed Silk Satin Blouse
£975
Nina Ricci High Waisted Straight Jean
£310 was £517
Nina Ricci
High Waisted Straight Jean
£310
Next up, the Marc Jacobs J Marc Mini Shoulder Bag in Cloud White is very understated. It goes brilliantly with an Isabel Marant blouse that’s got this metallic vibe going on, the contrast is subtle. Add some St. Agni wool trousers to mix textures in a way that’s intriguing but not overdone. It’s the outfit for when you need to be smart-casual but still want to stand out.
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Marc Jacobs J Marc Mini Leather Shoulder Bag in Cloud White
£160 was £325
Marc Jacobs
J Marc Mini Leather Shoulder Bag in Cloud White
£160
Isabel Marant Ulietta Metallic Devoré Velvet Blouse
£430 was £860
Isabel Marant
Ulietta Metallic Devoré Velvet Blouse
£430
St. Agni Adjustable Pleated Wool Pants
£246 was £410
St. Agni
Adjustable Pleated Wool Pants
£246
The Row‘s Sofia Leather Cross Body Bag in Ivory Plaid is for those days when you want your fashion to speak softly but carry a big stick of style. With a Christopher Esber shirt that’s all ruffles and silk, it’s a match made in fashion heaven. Pair this with some Max Mara trousers to keep everything in harmony. Ideal for those occasions where you need to look sharp but not overly formal.
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The Row Sofia Leather Cross Body Bag in Ivory Plaid
£1,875 was £2,680
The Row
Sofia Leather Cross Body Bag in Ivory Plaid
£1,875
Christopher Esber Floating Ruffled Silk Georgette Shirt
£321 was £535
Christopher Esber
Floating Ruffled Silk Georgette Shirt
£321
Max Mara High Waisted Trousers
£129 was £235
Max Mara
High Waisted Trousers
£129
For something a bit playful, there’s the Michael Kors logo pouch in acorn brown. It’s got character, right? It looks great with a Victoria Beckham blouse that’s all ruffles and summer vibes. Balance this with some Mugler jeans that give you that classic denim feel.
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Michael Kors Jet Set Charm Small Logo Pochette
£102 was £170
Michael Kors
Jet Set Charm Small Logo Pochette
£102
Victoria Beckham Ruffled Silk Crepe Blouse
£295 was £590
Victoria Beckham
Ruffled Silk Crepe Blouse
£295
Mugler Low Rise Denim Flared Jeans
£318 was £530
Mugler
Low Rise Denim Flared Jeans
£318
The Jimmy Choo Diamond Leather Bag in black with gold accents is all about making a statement with lines and shapes. It pairs beautifully with a Stella McCartney blouse that echoes the bag’s gold details. Add some Michael Kors jeans to ground the look, making it perfect for as an all day outfit.
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Jimmy Choo Diamond Leather Shoulder Bag
£766.50 was £1,095
Jimmy Choo
Diamond Leather Shoulder Bag
£766.50
Stella McCartney Chain Embellished Draped Satin Blouse
£690 was £1,150
Stella McCartney
Chain Embellished Draped Satin Blouse
£690
Michael Kors Collection Straight Leg Jeans
£390 was £650
Michael Kors
Collection Straight Leg Jeans
£390
Stella McCartney’s faux leather tote in cream is for those who care about the planet but still want to look sharp. It’s a lovely contrast with an Altuzarra sweater that’s all about texture and form. Combine this with Ferragamo jeans for a look that’s both considered and comfortable.
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Stella McCartney Stella Logo Faux Leather Tote in Cream
£510 was £850
Stella McCartney
Stella Logo Faux Leather Tote in Cream
£510
Altuzarra Dana Jersey Trimmed Ribbed Stretch Knit Turtleneck Sweater
£348 was £580
Altuzarra
Dana Jersey Trimmed Ribbed Stretch Knit Turtleneck Sweater
£348
Ferragamo High Waisted Flared
£588 was £840
Ferragamo
High Waisted Flared
£588
The Mansur Gavriel denim bag in dark blue is your go-to for a bit of denim-on-denim action. It looks ace with a Tom Ford top that’s got fringes for days, adding some luxury to the casual denim look. Finish it off with Anine Bing jeans for an outfit that’s both comfy and stylish.
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Mansur Gavriel Candy Mini Denim Top Handle Bag in Dark Blue
£215 was £430
Mansur Gavriel
Candy Mini Denim Top Handle Bag in Dark Blue
£215
Tom Ford Fringed Open Knit Top
£1,734 was £2,890
Tom Ford
Fringed Open Knit Top
£1,734
Anine Bing High Waisted Straight Jeans
£175 was £250
Anine Bing
High Waisted Straight Jeans
£175
The Balenciaga silver quilted bag is for when you want your accessories to shine. It’s a bold move with a Mugler top that’s all about colour contrast. Complete the look with some Nanushka wide-leg pants for an edge that’s not too sharp.
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Balenciaga Crush Small Quilted Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag
£1,370 was £2,290
Balenciaga
Crush Small Quilted Metallic Leather Shoulder Bag
£1,370
Mugler Draped Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top
£310 was £690
Mugler
Draped Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top
£310
Nanushka Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants
£423 was £705
Nanushka
Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants
£423
And last but not least, The Kooples leather clutch in black is versatile, with a detachable strap for that extra bit of functionality. It goes well with a Y/PROJECT satin top for a bit of professional flair and Staud metallic pants for when the night calls for something with a bit more character.
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The Kooples Detachable Strap Leather Clutch in Black
£297.50 was £425
The Kooples
Detachable Strap Leather Clutch in Black
£297.50
Y/PROJECT Invisible Strap Satin Slip Top
£216 was £360
Y/PROJECT
Invisible Strap Satin Slip Top
£216
Staud Chisel Metallic Straight Pants
£192 was £480
Staud
Chisel Metallic Straight Pants
£192
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Check out the following articles, “Colours, Shapes, and Textures” and “14 Handbags for Your Collection“
