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maybe i’m biased as a bag designer, but i think that an outfit isn’t complete without the right bag! of course a good bag is a useful tool to pack up and even organize the essentials you need on the go. but it also serves as a stylish accessory that can take your fit from ‘ooh’to ‘aah’ in an instant by topping off your whole top-to-bottom look. the challenge is deciding which bag!
there are a million bag styles (okay, maybe not a million, but it feels like it) available. designer crossbody bags. nylon tote bags. totes. bucket bags. backpacks. clutches. belt bags. and more! how are you supposed to know which will elevate your wardrobe? a good place to start is recognizing that not every style of bag is appropriate to all occasions, so let’s take a closer look at that. choosing the right bag is not an exact science, but the following tips can help:
just because a bag is stylish, doesn’t mean it’ll elevate your ensemble. think about it: you wouldn’t choose that structured tote to bring to a dinner party, would you? occasion matters. a clutch that you have to hold in your hand or tuck under your arm works perfectly for a dinner date, but do you really want to risk setting it down in, say, an airport? i get anxiety just thinking about it! instead, you’d want to wear a hands-free bag that you could tuck our jetty wallet-clutch into, pulling it out only when you need to flash your credentials or grab a coffee. the lesson here: choose a style of bag that works best for your activity! need a little help choosing? our style quiz can assist in narrowing down to your perfect choice.
these days there are so many stylish choices beyond leather and suede for bags — it’s all about your personal aesthetic. if you want an animal-friendly choice, you might choose a cotton or hemp canvas option. the look is more utilitarian and upkeep can be challenging, so may not elevate your wardrobe for every occasion. a synthetic material such as nylon is not only vegan-friendly but extremely versatile. nylon was once primarily a utilitarian material — its first use was in toothbrush bristles and parachutes. but fashion designers quickly recognized that its light, sturdy, water-resistant character made nylon ideal for outerwear and handbags.
when i was sketching out the very first shortyLOVE collection, i specifically selected nylon for all its best properties — the relaxed vibe it offers combined with a soft, rich, silky feel creates a luxurious look that’s so easy to live with. perfect for a carry-on bag you can slide under the seat on the plane. perfect as a hands-free bag slung on for after-work cocktails. perfect for your every day running around bag.
we use two different nylons for shortyLOVE bags. our original o.g. collection is crafted with a nylon twill that has a sleek, classic, minimal look. our wave quilted crossbody bags use a nylon with a different finish — more of a satiny sheen reminiscent of vintage bomber jackets, which we then stitch wave upon wave to nail that quilted look the fashion mags love so much. either choice is sure to elevate your wardrobe.
your choice of bag color can elevate your outfit simply by not drawing attention to itself the obvious choice that goes with literally everything? classic black. black handbags are always a sophisticated, reliable and stylish choice that works for just about every occasion. but it’s certainly not the only neutral with versatility. navy, steel blue, khaki and mocha (currently trending!), are also great options you can safely style with a range of colors in your wardrobe.
feeling bold? elevate your wardrobe by accessorizing with a bag in a complementary color a.k.a. a color that falls directly across from the main color in your outfit on the color wheel. teal complements coral. burgundy complements sage green. etc. according to color theory, high-contrast colors create high impact (in the best possible way) when paired together.
if you’re unafraid to be creative, you could even mix patterns. like, say, wearing a striped t-shirt with a green camo bag or pairing a floral or jungle print skirt with a leopard bag. you do you! but never fear, you can still make an impact even if you have a more neutral wardrobe! i love wearing fun prints like leopard and camo with denim or adding a splash of color with a slate/teal bag over a white tee and wide-leg khakis.
tonal dressing has taken fashion runways by storm over the past few seasons. it’s easy enough to recreate in your own outfits. this essentially means choosing a bag in the same color family as your outfit. blues with blue. greens with green. etc. this does not mean you must be matchy-matchy. pair a steel blue bag with clothes in cerulean, cobalt or cornflower blue. slip on a burgundy bag with blush or other pink and red shades. so simple and yet so chic.
the simplest way to elevate your wardrobe without, you know, buying a whole new wardrobe: switching up your bag straps! it’s about creating a look that’s unique to you. our accessory boardwalk straps come in 10+ colorful patterns for your shortyLOVE crossbody bag. create a bold yet casual airport look with the black and cream checker print. showcase your effortlessly chic street style with colorful stripes. your already-stylish handbag will be strapped with even more personality!
who doesn’t love a good crossbody? i mean, their hands-free design is reason enough to sing their praises. a multitasker’s dream. ideal for everything from errands to a night out. casual yet elevated. in sizes and styles for everyone’s needs. turn heads with shorthand, your phone bag and wearable wallet. it’s small but mighty and oh so cute. and the small cruiser? with its modern, wave quilted design and organic shape, it’s on-trend and elevates your wardrobe without even trying.
but i need to carry more than just essentials! then our midsized amuse and cruiser are calling your name. marcel, our quilted crossbody bucket bag and new shorty addition, patiently awaits. they provide just the right amount of space for your phone, sunglasses and other essentials. even more spacious: our wonder. an o.g. bag. the more refined messenger-style crossbody with a dedicated laptop pocket. a helpful, modern wonder.
few bags elevate your wardrobe like a clutch! these stylish little handbags add a touch of glam to any outfit, even your athleisure. and our jetty? the perfect casual wallet-clutch. pleasingly plush. comes with rfid-blocking protection.. organizes your essentials with card slots, bill compartment, coin pocket and generous main compartment.
you know those days that you want to elevate your outfit, but need more space? totes are a mainstay accessory for just that reason! practical for carrying what you need for the day. always in style and versatile enough for work, casual outings and travel. zip up the tillie medium tote or the ranger quilted crossbody tote (either will hold your laptop), and watch your outfit come alive in 2 seconds flat.
don’t believe a belt bag can elevate your wardrobe? think again! belt bags have come a long way style-wise. the arcade will change your mind about belt bags. wears at the waist or as a crossbody sling. dresses up or down. wears soft against your torso. . and in a range of colorways to help bring your unique style to life.
what’s my go-to? as a bag designer, every bag i create is my baby, so it’s especially hard to choose! but i do find myself throwing on a crossbody bag extremely often. they’re chic, hands-free and i tend to choose the size right for what i need to carry that day. super versatile! wear it as a crossbody-style. carry as a top-handle bag. crossbodies are a fashion staple for a reason. and the right one will elevate your wardrobe every time.
xo — sloane
