Hand (Bag)-Eye Coordination

July 13, 2011 Comments (0)

Summertime gives us a reason to break out some of our favorite wedges and sandals as well as our favorite colorful clutches and handbags. Coordinating the two can sometimes be a bit tricky in the summer. You don’t want to create a look that’s too over-the-top, yet the matchy-matchy look is passé. Your purses and shoes no longer have to “match,” they simply have to work together. Here are some great ways to coordinate your shoes and bags to bring your look together when the heat is on.

Bright Wedges
When wearing bright wedges, reach for a straw bag or clutch. The size can depend on what you’re doing that day. If you’re lounging by the pool, take a straw tote that can accommodate sunscreen, your e-reader, and a towel. If you’re hobnobbing around town with friends, opt for a straw drawstring bag with a cross-body strap or a straw day clutch. Embellishments like fun fruit details (which are very trendy at the moment) or metallic hardware add pizzaz, but your wedges will work with a plain straw bag too.

Fun Flats
If you’re opting for a pair of closed-toe shoes for summer, there’s a good chance you’re going with fun flats. If your flats are a bright color, you can reach for a canvas bag with stripes in a coordinating shade. For red flats, go for a blue/white or yellow/white striped bag. For blue flats, reach for a bag that boasts orange; and for yellow flats, opt for a grass-green canvas tote. For a pair of print flats, go for a solid bag that picks up the colors in the flats.

Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals can work with various bags. It all depends on the color of your shoes. If your gladiator sandals are brown or tan, go for a straw bag. A pair of black gladiator sandals works with a bright bag, but the key with gladiator sandals is to keep your bag in tune with the rest of your look. If you’re wearing a dress and gladiators with jazzy accessories, go for a structured tote to keep a refined look. For a more casual outfit, like a loose tank top and distressed skinny jeans, go for a woven bag in a solid neutral tone or with a colorful print.

Samantha Cabrera

Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.