The Flexibility of Patterned Footwear, Belts and Bags

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The Flexibility of Patterned Footwear, Belts and Bags

— by Angie

on July 3, 2012

Whether it is loud plaids and checks, or subtle snakeskin and herringbone tweed, patterns pack a vibrant punch that can add a fun finishing touch and make your outfit more interesting. Patterned footwear, belts and bags are an especially worthwhile investment because they work equally well for all levels of pattern adopters.

To use a summery metaphor, you can…

Dip your toes: If you prefer pattern in small doses, introduce it with footwear, belts and bags alone. This is a much more subtle effect than wearing pattern on clothing items.
Go for a swim: If you’re starting to get into patterns a little more, but colour is not your thing, combine solid, neutral clothing items with patterned, neutral footwear, belts and bags. You will create the next level of visual interest without compromising your preferred neutral style palette. On trend, but within your comfort zone.
Dive in head first: If you are a bold pattern mixing warrior, then use patterned footwear, belts and bags to amplify the pattern mixing that you already have going on in your clothing items. No need for subtlety if that’s not your style.

If you fancy the idea of incorporating pattern into your style, this is the year to do it. There is patterned EVERYTHING available in stores and the trend will carry through into the Fall.

I love wearing patterned belts and shoes at the moment because they make my older clothes feel refreshed and “new”. I’ve moved over to Team Tuck, which means showcasing patterned belts with a tucked in top. Patterned satchels and clutches are close to my heart because I love to hold pretty packages of energy.

As much as I adore solids, there is something about the boldness of patterned wardrobe items that energize my spirit and make me happy. I like to wear patterned footwear, belts and bags just as much as patterned clothing. Sometimes I mix up patterned shoes and accessories with solids, and sometimes with patterned clothing. I love it all!

Do you wear patterned footwear, belts and bags? If so, how do you like to mix them up in outfits? If you don’t wear patterned shoes and accessories, why not?

43 comments · Add a comment

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Angie, this is a great concept! Let’s see:
Footwear: I have leopard print pumps and booties
Bags: python print tote, sherbet colored checked tote, bold black and white stripe clutch.
Belts: zebra and leopard print.
Not much but I love to use them for pattern mix in my outfits. I find it the easiest to create a pattern mix with pattern in the bag, shoes or belt and a patterned clothing item. I do it with both colors and neutrals.
I don’t mind to get more patterned shoes or belts though…

July 3, 2012 at 3:40 am

Diane G

This is so inspiring. I already love colour and I wear patterned clothes, though I have yet to dip my toes and start swimming with regards to accessories. I love the idea of patterned bags and when I was in town this morning I was actually looking at some but nothing caught my eye today. I’m sure I would love to combine patterns In my outfits and the fact that this is going to be an ongoing trend makes me even keener to try it out.
I guess it’s time to start the hunt in earnest

July 3, 2012 at 5:33 am

Deborah

Veteran

Over the past 12 months I have been introducing color into my wardrobe by way of these items:). Bags, shoes and belts! So I definitely see adding pattern in this way to be the next step. I think doing this would most certainly bring a freshness to my multitude of black pieces:). I just did a quick check and I have three patterned bags (all black and white, one of which is a fabric not leather). I have 1 patterned belt (neutral animal print) and three pairs of patterned shoes (leopard, snake and a pretty handbag pattern). I find I am particularly attracted to patterned shoes at the moment and wouldn’t mind adding one of two more pairs if I found the right ones.

July 3, 2012 at 5:37 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

One thing I love about Angie is how she thinks about colors and pattern – her reflections on how items energize her always make me smile and consider my own wardrobe in a similar way. We all should wear things that make us happy! I want to add leopard print something to my wardrobe this fall and will think about these options.

July 3, 2012 at 5:39 am

Thunalata

I bought a snakeskin belt about a year ago (on Angie’s recommendation – I posted a few suggestions on the forum and she weighed in for that one).

It has made me feel fab all year. It has subtly transformed every outfit I’ve worn it with so YAY for this article!

July 3, 2012 at 5:41 am

sarah

Veteran

Even though I love patterns, my patterned shoes, belts and bags are limited to one pair of animal print flats and one snake-skin belt. Hmmm, why is that? I think it’s because I feel like my shoes, belts and bags need to be able to “go with” a lot of my wardrobe. It’s the practical side of me that keeps me from buying more of these in patterns. But I do love pattern mixing, so maybe I need to loosen up a bit and experiment more.

July 3, 2012 at 5:57 am

Jamie

Veteran

This is one of my favorite ways to add interest to my outfits and to freshen up something older. I love patterned belts, bags, and shoes, and I love to wear them with solid clothing, but I also enjoy patterned belts, bags, and shoes with patterned clothing. I’m not very good at mixing patterns with patterns, but I keep trying different combinations. Right now, I’m on the hunt for more patterned belts. In the right width, they are pretty tough to find.

July 3, 2012 at 6:18 am

Diana

Veteran

I love the idea of patterned accessories! I just looked though and am shocked that I don’t own more, especially given how much pattern I wear in my clothes. I’m doing OK with patterned belts at 4 and bags at 3 (all fabric, would love a leather one). With shoes I only have my gingham Simple sneakers and one pair of black/grey patterned tall boots, plus my rainboots but I consider those gear. While for some people this would seem like a decent amount, but for me (an avowed member of Team Pattern) this seems like a very small number especially considering how often I seem to ogle patterned accessories (latest example: those Liberty Doc Martens). I DO have a million patterned scarves though!

July 3, 2012 at 6:29 am

Diana

Veteran

ETA: I do have a ton of *textured* items though that I didn’t count!

July 3, 2012 at 6:29 am

Lisa

Veteran

I have much success with patterned bags, I wear a lot of solids so the bag adds a little punch to the outfit. I will also wear patterned scarves quite often, the bulk of my scarf collection is patterns. I am least likely to wear patterned belts or shoes. I’m not a big pattern mixer and prefer to wear one pattern at a time. Since I often wear patterns on my upper half with scarves or tops or a bag, I like to keep the bottom half neutral and full of solids. If I found the right blue based patterend shoe I would give that a whirl since blues are the bulk of my wardrobe.

July 3, 2012 at 6:30 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I still have to dip my toes in this! My only “patterned” footwear isn’t really patterned; it’s red with little silver studs that read as dots. So far, no bags or belts….but I clearly need to change that!

July 3, 2012 at 6:45 am

Joy

Veteran

Accept for the woven pattern of my vintage straw bag and floral beading on another bag, all my bag, belt and footwear patterns are animal prints or some sort. Most are pretty subtle and low contrast. Some I’ve owned for years but only recently have brought them out for regular use. I love the phrase “pretty packages of energy” and, now that you’ve mentioned it, do feel that all my patterned pieces add energy to an outfit. It would be fun to add more.

July 3, 2012 at 6:46 am

Kyle

Veteran

Surprisingly, after giving it some thought, I realize that I don’t have much in the way of patterned accessories, beyond an animal print belt and animal print shoes/boots. So this is an interesting post. I was especially admiring Angie’s choice of a patterned bag in her photo shoot with Rosie and I do enjoy a nice pattern mix, though I am not adept at it. A quick glance at my wardrobe shows an emphasis on solids, and when I do wear pattern it tends to be relatively bold, graphic and simple. Something to consider and be aware of moving forward.

July 3, 2012 at 6:49 am

Joy

Veteran

Please excure errors. I meant “Except”

July 3, 2012 at 7:13 am

Tanya

Veteran

What a timely post Angie! I have been analyzing my wardrobe needs and since I recently fell in love with tucking as well, decided that i need some fun belts and shoes in animal prints. First on the list are both in leopard print, but I want snake, zebra etc as well. So far I only have a pair of snake-patterned wedges. They are fairly new and I love the extra little something they add to an outfit.

July 3, 2012 at 7:17 am

Keix

Veteran

I love vivid colors and pattern mixing and own lots of patterned clothing. So why do I not have a single patterned belt or handbag, and only one pair of shoes? Like Sarah, I think I suffer from enforced neutrality when it comes to accessories, since my core wardrobe is so maximal.

I do love my one pair of patterned flats–cheapo fabric Gap Kids flats (I wear a size 5 womens or 3 youth) in navy with adorable ditsy cherries. I have been adamantly opposed to animal print in the past, which partially explains why I don’t have more patterned accessories.

July 3, 2012 at 7:21 am

cheryl

Veteran

I love patterned items and where them in every manner.

July 3, 2012 at 7:32 am

Irene

Veteran

I don’t have patterned accessories because I prefer pattern on clothes and I’m against pattern mixing (sorry pattern mixers, just not my cup of tea!).

Patterned clothes, especially dresses, is an acquired taste. I used to be afraid of them since at the beginning I always sort of found fault in every single pattern I encountered, including my mother’s shirts and t-shirts. However, once I started, oh my. Not only does it add a bit of originality to anything, but also camouflages any bumps and imperfections AND it is a great ally if you tend to transpire through your armpits because it leaves no super dark marks -it might be visible if you look closely, but not normally.

July 3, 2012 at 7:35 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It sounds like some of you need to go patterned accessory shopping!

Thanks, Laura

Jamie, you’ll find patterned belts on the NAS.

July 3, 2012 at 7:52 am

Ginny

Veteran

This is one of my fave ways to add extra patterns too!! I have tons of patterend shoes, I don’t belt really so I focus on the shoes more. I think they add punch to an outfit. But I am all about patterns on tops and dresses. I am still on the hunt for a patterend bottoms that don’t feel like PJs to me. Patterns are fun, and a little animal print is always a great addition I think.

July 3, 2012 at 8:01 am

clearlyclaire

Angie, there is something very subtle and sophisticated (to me) about having pattern on shoes, belts and bags–certainly the way YOU wear them anyway! I often have a loud pattern in my clothing and therefore have not gravitated toward patterned accessories. However, since joining YLF, I have acquired a pair of leopard flats, a python bag and a zebra belt. I’d like to experiment more with wearing solid clothing and patterned accessories. And of course I enjoy a good pattern mix, as well!

July 3, 2012 at 8:16 am

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This year I completely fell in LOVE with pattern! I love how I can wear a solid item, say my navy eyelet dress, and then punch up the visual interest with patterned shoes or patterned bag. I have patterned shoes (polka dots, animal print, floral), belts (tribal, snakeskin) and bags (snakeskin, animal print). So glad to hear it’s going to carry into fall. I’m not ready to give it up yet! Hmmmm….maybe I need to add one more belt and one more handbag…

July 3, 2012 at 8:22 am

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I am definitely Team Pattern for everything–bags, shoes and belts included! I love pattern mixing with my clothes and accessories! I don’t feel like myself unless I am wearing at least one pattern if not more.

July 3, 2012 at 8:23 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

I love these looks! I think the pattern adds such interest and depth. I’m definitely a toe-dipper, but I have incorporated a little pattern. I have an animal-print clutch that I need to wear more frequently (I was thinking it was more of a fall/winter thing) and I have a couple of patterned belts that I want to wear more often.

July 3, 2012 at 8:31 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Claire :). I really like to mix colourblock and patterned accessories too. Today I’m wearing baggy denim cut off jeans at clamdigger length, a blue shirt with white cuffs and collar, a broad polka dot belt and animal print slipper flats. I might add my crazy yellow and pink patterned bag. I love your patterned bag and belt.

Somehow, I don’t think of patterned scarves as the same animal as patterned shoes, belts and bags. Is that weird? Scarves remind me more of patterned clothing – although they are also a great pattern mixing tool – and *of course* I love patterned scarves. That said, I am wearing them much less frequently these days.

July 3, 2012 at 8:32 am

klauren

Active Member

I love the idea of small doses, such as accessories – less dramatic but still fun.

July 3, 2012 at 9:36 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

I acquired two patterned bags, a dress, and pair of shoes this year! I especially love when the pattern is on top of a texture (calf hair, snake scales). It’s like built in pattern mixing to me.

Now, if only the right patterned pants and cat dress would fall into my lap!

July 3, 2012 at 10:18 am

Jem

Veteran

I LOVE patterns but surprisingly dont’ have much in the way of bags or shoes or belts. I do have one pair of color blocked shoes that are surprisingly versatile and I’ve worn them more than I thought i would. I would love to get a bag similiar to the one you wore on yesterday’s blog post. I’d love to see the outfit you are wearing today with the polka dot belt!

July 3, 2012 at 10:36 am

Kate

Veteran

My patterned accessories are all scarves. I love scarves and wear them all the time. I don’t wear belts for the most part, though I do have one narrow animal print belt, and a pair of animal print booties. I’d wear the latter more, but unfortunately, they pinch. I have textured bags, which I love, but no patterned bags.

July 3, 2012 at 10:51 am

merwoman

Veteran

Love these helpful tips and ideas! I have a few patterned bags, 1 pair of patterned shoes and only solid belts. I have been thinking of acquiring more belts. Maybe I should just dive in and pick up som belts and style some outfits at home to see how it goes.

July 3, 2012 at 11:03 am

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Love this trend and I’m happy to see it and say that I mixed two patterns a month ago with my Dalmatian booties and Zebra-print belt. I currently have a couple of patterned bags, two animal-print belts, and I’ve been hesitantly and tentatively adding a few patterned blouses, with mixed feelings. The shoes, belts and bags seem easier for me.

I love the red dress and the Lulu Guinness bag along with the Valentino flats and multi-colored tote. You always find such beautiful pieces, Angie.

July 3, 2012 at 11:36 am

Jonesy

Veteran

I think these are fabulous examples–love! I like to mix patterns with my footwear, bags, and clothes, so count me in :)!

July 3, 2012 at 11:52 am

Bianca

Veteran

Oh yes! Leopard is my favorite, I always consider it a nuetral! I’m also wearing nautical striped shirt today, cause it feels so summery!

July 3, 2012 at 12:31 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I recently bought my first animal print belt (cream & white zebra print) and felt super wearing it with my green snakeskin print shirt.
Ever since finding YLF I’ve become bolder and bolder in my colour choices and pattern mixing selection. I’m often still surprised just what a patterned bag or shoe can do for an outfit, and I’m very eager to keep experimenting with this.
Patterned footwear and a fab patterned bag are therefore very high on my wish list.

July 3, 2012 at 2:07 pm

Carole

Veteran

I have really enjoyed adding some classic patterns to my closet. Animal prints in shoes, belts, bags are such favorites. I look forward to adding more and different types iith a litttle YLF guidence. Such great tips, thanks.

July 3, 2012 at 4:35 pm

christieanne

Veteran

I must tell you that my BIGGEST style breakthrough this year – fully attributable to YLF and Angie’s influence – is pattern.
I still don’t have a patterned bag but have patterned shoes and much more pattern overall than ever before in my wardrobe.

July 3, 2012 at 7:54 pm

K. Period.

Veteran

I’m so glad that you recognized the intermediate step of using neutrally colored patterns! I have been loving adding pattern more and more, and neutral colored patterns made that baby step easy. I love mixing my bamboo pattern woven bag in black and white with my woven black and tan pumps. Or adding my animal print shoes and belts to my more classic pieces to give them some zip! I feel like being blond is already a bit of a flashy accessory, so adding in neutral patterns and animal prints in small doses feels comfortable and tasteful. Love it!

July 3, 2012 at 11:37 pm

rute

Veteran

Lovely tips, as always! I was completly afraid of patterns, but now I’m using a lot in shoes and even dresses!
I guess I’m on stage two and gaining courage to dip into stage 3

July 4, 2012 at 12:21 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks, Vicki. And you are rocking your new patterned blouses

Rute, I can see that pattern is becoming stronger in your wardrobe and I like the change. It’s fun!

Great that Jonesy, our forum’s Queen Pattern Mixing chimed in.

July 4, 2012 at 6:37 am

Kari

Veteran

You know, as much as I like patterned accessories, I have very few because I prefer to wear pattern in dresses or blouses. I have a couple pairs of color-blocked shoes and then that textured tweed pair of black flats; other than that, it’s all bright solids. I guess my thought is that since so many of my clothing items are patterned, a patterned accessory item might be harder to wear. They’re awfully fun to enjoy on others, though.

July 4, 2012 at 11:14 am

jayne

Veteran

Hmmm I seem to be animal patterns alot in accessories. A giraff print bag, leopard bag, zebra belt. But shoes seem to be solids. I would love to find an leopard shoe I could walk alot in. But no other patterns that I can see.

My patterns are mostly in flowered blouses, dresses, or summer skirts. Amazing how many of those I seem to have. And the other pattern i like is pinstripes. skirts and jackets and a couple tshirts. Funny how consistent I am in these things when I really think about it.

I loved Claires plaid shirts for summer she posted earlier but I don’t own any. And this year is the first time I bought and wore leopard clothes. Maybe I am expanding a bit!

July 4, 2012 at 1:17 pm

Antje

Veteran

Wonderful concept. I’ve always loved patterned shoes and have had several in my closet over the years. In fact I often specifically look for them because I so enjoy colors and patterns on my feet. I would also love a patterned bag, though I don’t have one at this point. With respect to patterns, I say bring it on!

July 4, 2012 at 6:12 pm

curiouschellie

my most adventurous footwear would be a pair of red gingham flats. They really amp up any outfit but since it’s only now that I’ve started to experiment with prints and patterns I usually pair it with jeans in dark wash and solid-colored tops. I took it up a notch just last Thursday when I wore a patterned button down gray top with it, keeping my bottoms solid-colored. Felt very adventurous and can’t wait to try other combinations in the future!

July 7, 2012 at 9:26 pm

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