Purse question: shades to work with optical white

Hopefully this question isn't as self-evident as the subject suggests!

I know you all think I have a fab handbag collection, and while I bask in your praise I must admit that it's pretty limited. I have the bright red bag and that lighter-coloured one that Angie described as "darker than cream" but that I'm pretty sure isn't beige (see my YLF challenge outfits to see them both). That, I fear, is it. I'll need to get a versatile fall/winter bag (black? Burgundy?), but I also want one for summer that could be more flexible than the off-white one. You've all said that particular purse isn't the best match with optical white, which it turns out I wear quite a lot of. The red bag will be ideal with some of those outfits, I know, but there are times when I want something more muted. Or when I want to introduce a white element into a colourful outfit and would like to use a bag to do it. So here's the question; what shade of bag should I shoot for? Optical white? True cream? Something else entirely?

Over to y'all, and thanks as always!

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

How about metallic silver or pewter?

Anonymous

Michelle, I second the metallic bag idea. Last year a got a large bronze bag especially for a trip and have ended up using it all year. This year I added a pewter bag that goes better with white and with my silver/white gold jewelry. Between the two of them I feel covered for neutrals. Since YLF I haven't used black very much in bags or shoes.
If you don't want metallic, how about grey patent or nude leather? I also get an amazing amount of use from an aqua bag. It looks sharp against white, beige, brown, black, navy etc. for some color...much like you would use your red bag but maybe more limited to spring/summer. I'll be interested in others' responses.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! Nice quezzie.

The gals are spot on: metallic, black and what's your favourite colour?

Michelle

Thanks, ladies, some good suggestions here as always. Just wondering... If I got a pewter bag, would it be too matchy-matchy with the pewter sandals I plan to be wearing most of the time (a different pair than the ones discussed)?

Wearing pewter bag with pewter sandals is just fine :0)

Inge

Moderator

Here's another vote for pewter Michelle, it's such a versatile colour. For Autumn/Winter I quite like the idea of a purple bag too, but I haven't yet come across one that I really like.

I've been thinking about a purple bag, too, Inge. I have a yellow one for spring/summer that I like. Those would both be good options for you, color wise Michelle.

Alecia

I was also going to suggest considering yellow. I got a yellow bag this year for my trip and have found it really versatile (to my surprise having been taught to go for black, brown, and taupe for versatility).

Category