Does Your Handbag Have To Match Your Outfit?

Finding the perfect handbag can be a challenge. That’s because a handbag is more than just a fashion statement. It’s what we rely upon to carry all the essentials that we need for our day-to-day lives. In other words, the perfect handbag needs to balance function and style, but does your handbag have to match your outfit? 

This is a hotly debated question in the world of fashion. In years gone by, it’s always been the rule that your bag should match your outfit in terms of colour and design. This can be done by pairing similar colours, such as a green bag with an earthy palette or a pastel toned bag with a grey outfit. You’ll also want to ensure you match the style to the occasion. For more formal looks, smaller, structured bags, such as the Zatchels Sugarcube would be the perfect match. For a more casual look, oversized bags such as totes are great. Pairing your clothes and bags like this will always be a strong look but does your handbag have to match your outfit? Definitely not! Whilst this used to be the rule of thumb, experimenting with colour/ pattern contrasts is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason too - it’s a great look!

Not sure where to start? These are a few of our favourite ideas for mixing up your look (and making sure you pull it off!)

Embrace Pattern

When thinking about the question of ‘does your handbag have to match your outfit’, pattern is key to pulling off a sophisticated but bold look. Pattern is the perfect contrast to a plain outfit, creating a bold but effective statement. The Zatchels Tweed Collection is a great choice for creating a subtle contrast with your outfit. Choose from a range of colours from grey to red, or make a sleek statement with the Tweed Midi Satchel in black and white houndstooth. 

Contrast Block Colours

If you’re going to mismatch your bag with your outfit then you need to be confident with it. That’s why one of our favourite fashion inspirations is contrasting block colours.  You can do this by choosing two colours that are close together on the colour wheel, such as yellow and orange, or two colours that are at completely opposite ends of the colour wheel. Pairing a black outfit with a red handbag is a perfect example of this. Why does your handbag have to match your outfit when you can pull off such an effective mismatch like this?

Experiment With Style

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the style of bag that you choose to pair with your favourite looks. Tired of carrying around handbags? Why not try pairing a backpack with your favourite outfits instead? Zatchels Handmade Leather City Backpack is compact and chic, making it equally well suited to work looks as fun day outfits. Pairing the City Backpack with a tea dress and trainers is just one way to mix up your style for a sophisticated but quirky look. 

Let Your Personality Shine

When answering the question of ‘does your handbag have to match your outfit’, it’s a straightforward and easy answer - there are no rules! The most iconic outfits are those that are worn with confidence, and so it’s all about wearing the looks that you love. If you’re a big fan of using colour in your outfits then The Kaleidoscope Collection of bags are perfect for showing off your fun personality. If you have a more formal style, The British Edit Collection is a smart and sleek go to. 

So, does your handbag have to match your outfit? It’s clear to see that the answer is a definite no! It’s all about creating outfits that you love and feel confident in. For more guidance on finding the perfect accessories to pair with your favourite looks, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Zatchels team.