I got an email from a reader, Andra and she asked me this question:
I read your blog quasi-religiously and I love you style. I was hoping I could talk you into doing a special about handbag and outfit combinations. I feel that when I put together an outfit my handbag of choice is often forced. I would really like to see how you put handbags and outfits together.
Thank you Andra for reading and for writing to me!
This is a great topic as I actually
really love handbags and I believe that can really add pattern/texture/shine to an outfit! Other than using a handbag/purse or tote for a day-to-day purpose (like schlepping my lunch or change of shoes for work), I like to use a handbag to as an extention of an outfit or sort of like putting a period at the end of the sentence.
Just like any accessory to fashion, it's personal taste that always should be the winner, but here are a few ways I would pair a purse with an outfit.
Large Print
Polka dots are a neutral in my world, along with leopard print and bat print. Hahaha! Since I'm wearing such a large print, I have paired the outfit with either the
Edward Scissorhands handbag, due to the shine of the vinyl matching my belt and the one large graphic complimenting the black and white dress, or I would use a 'pop' of color and go with the
purple sparkle Hold Fast Handbags purse. I wouldn't choose a bag with 'too much going on' in terms of hardware or print, yet seeing as I am wearing a large neutral print, playing with color, shine or sparkle makes for endless possibilities.
LBD
When it comes to a solid black dress, the sky is the limit in terms of pairings, but I like to put the focus on my shoes and accessories when I am wearing basic black. So I would either pair this casual LBD with a handbag with a pattern, like the
Grey Doll black and white stripe handbag or with a novelty bag like the
Coffin Handbag by Killstar. I love the coffin purse, because it adds some real visual interest
and I like coffin-shaped things. Hehe!
Casual
I realize my definition of casual is a little different, yet I wanted to show what I would wear with this outfit if I took off the hat and replaced the shoes with little black sneakers or flats. I would wear the top/jacket/pants combo for casual days of running errands, going thrifting or just hanging out. I would wear a cross-body bag like the
Wink-Wink cross body bag or the
leopard bag, because I like to have both my hands free and this style tends to be more secure when maneuvering through crowds. I don't think the bag needs to match the outfit persay as it's more for function over fashion, but if you like to use this style of bag all the time (which I tend to use the most), I like to choose one that is fun and neutral that 'goes' with most everything.
There are so many more outfit combo, but I wanted to highlight three general looks to generate some ideas! I hope this helps Andra!
Are you a one bag sort of person? How do you like to pair your handbags with your outfits?
Thank you for reading!
XOXO-Meagan Kyla
