Non-neutral shoes and bag, should they match? - YouLookFab Forum

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Non-neutral shoes and bag, should they match?

Minnie

Hello,

When wearing a non-neutral shoe, like red, bright blue, green, pink...
would you get a handbag to match, or will any neutral handbag be fine?
I'm looking to get pink flats and I have black and tan bags but no pink bag.
Should the pink be repeated in the outfit? Seeing that I don't have many pink tops, I was thinking a bag might be the easiest way IF the color should be repeated

Thanks!!

General

14 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Not necessary to match, I usually just choose a bag that goes with some other part of the outfit or matches hair or even skin tone.

Gigi

Veteran

Your shoes and bag do not have to match, but I personally find outfits more pleasing if there is some repetition of color. So yes, a pink bag would be perfect, or a pink scarf, or some other pink accessory.

The Cat

Veteran

There are no strict rules about this anymore.

Personally, I prefer to repeat the colour of non-neutral shoes in an item near my the face, for instance glasses (I have several pairs in different colours), a top, a piece of jewellery, or just a patterned scarf. Why? It helps creating balance in the outfit, it brings attention to my face (I want people to look at me when I'm talking, and I don't want ALl the attention to go to my shoes ), and it makes me look and feel more "finished."

plonkee

I prefer non-matching particularly if one is neutral. Another option that looks great is pairing e.g. pink and burgundy, or mustard and orange.

LaPed

Veteran

I'd say it depends on the outfit! If I'm already wearing a colorful outfit, or a busy print, then I'd probably stick to matching shoes and bag. But if I'm wearing an outfit that's all neutrals -- say, a graphic black/white combo -- you could totally get away with a bright bag and bright shoes that coordinate but don't match. I mean, Angie is pretty much the queen of mixing sour brights -- but she also does matchy, so I'd say there's no hard-and-fast rule. Just depends what look you're going for. If you peruse the ensemble posts on the blog, you'll probably find some good inspo. I think the easiest formula is to start with a neutral base (white+denim, black+denim, white+olive, etc) and then add colors you love.

Anonymous

I think you need to match intensity and depth of colour, but not the colour itself. Depending on what colour of pink you are talking about - and what season you are buying them for (not sure if you mean for fall or next spring) - burgundy is great, as is a green of some sort. Or orange too

DonnaF

Veteran

I think you will be driven nuts if you try to find a matching pink bag. . .I also agree with the comments above. Don't forget that other accessories such as belts and hats can also match or complement the shoes. After I bought red shoes, I bought a number of scarves that had red in them since that was cheaper and easier for color averse me who isn't always in the mood for a red garment.

And don't forget pink nail polish to match those shoes!

Joy

Veteran

Personally it is just easier to create an outfit if a non-neutral is repeated in some way. I like to have a compliment of bag/footwear/belt/ scarf in my closet but can pick any two of those to wear at a time to feel pulled together. I do not go for exact match, just a blend.

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I try to repeat neutrals but I think I would not try to repeat brights in a bag and shoes combo. I would, however, pick up the bright color in an accessory such as a scarf, glasses, or jewelry.

Anonymous

Interesting question! Even as a naturally matchy person I would say not matching might even be better! For myself part of the appeal of matching, or at least coordinated neutrals is the factor of practicality. If the shoes or bag are a color, matching starts to seem a little more extravagant.

I sound super puritanical here, but I'm not about withholding happiness!

rachylou

Veteran

Now this is an interesting question. I'd be tempted to match green shoes and handbag, but pink not so much. Maybe it's because of little girl princess pink fever...

Minnie

Thank you all for your input.
I'm not sure about the matching shoes and bag either. Reminds me of the 80's when I always wore matching shoes, belt and bag.
Rachylou makes a good point about the pink princess fever
I'm intrigued by Lisa p's suggestion "to match intensity and depth of colour, but not the colour itself." I will play around with this a bit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Isn't it the point of bright colored shoes to pop out? If there's a little bit of the same color in a pattern on the clothes, it can be nice, but I think coordinating well works fine.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No need to match. Not at all.

BUT, matching non-neutral bag with shoes is a very easy way to pull an outfit together. No orphans. OR, get a scarf - patterned or solid - to match the shoes.