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getting ready in the morning is already difficult. but choosing the right bag for your day adds a whole other level of complexity.. ‘do i carry a tote bag or a crossbody bag?’ ‘which bag color goes with my outfit?’ ‘should i match or contrast colors?’ ‘what color bags go with everything?’ it’s like playing 20 questions! those bag struggles end today. before i go any further, you should know we have a quick quiz designed to help you find your ideal shortyLOVE bag in just minutes — take our style quiz!
in the meantime, here’s how to figure out which bag is right and how to style bags with your outfits on the fly….
first question: where are you headed? answering this will help you decide which style works best for the occasion. headed to work or school? you might need to bring a laptop. going to the gym? you might need room for a change of clothes or gear. flying out? you might want to be hands-free, have easy-access pockets for travel credentials and a bag that slides easily under the seat in front of you. these are important considerations when deciding which style of bag works best!
next question: how much do you need to carry? this will help you narrow down to the proper size. small, like our shorthand phone bag, a stellar go-to for carrying just the essentials. medium, which is sized for an everyday amount like our bestselling amuse carries. or large, designed to hold and organize a lot, like our ranger or tillie. once you answer these two questions, you should be able to find the right bag.
next up: deciding on the right color and then how to match your handbag with different outfits:
color is key when learning how to style and pair bags with outfits. while that sounds simple (and maybe a little obvious), it’s often harder than you’d think. how matchy-matchy do you want to be? are you looking for a pop of color? are you tracking trends? those questions will guide your color choice...
find that mystical, magical bag color that pairs with everything in your closet and you’ll have figured out how to style bags with most, if not all, of your outfits. this way, you don’t need to think about styling at all!
so, what color bags go with everything? neutrals reign supreme. black is the classic go-to because it seldom fails to work with any outfit — but you have more to choose from. you could also safely consider navy and other shades of blue, khaki/tan and grey. these colors are most likely to ‘blend in’ (unless you’re purposefully wearing a contrasting outfit). if a neutral bag is what you’d wear most of the time but wish you could mix it up sometimes without having to buy a whole new bag, consider having a fun striped or patterned strap or two in your closet!
if you find neutrals too predictable, how about something a bit more colorful? lean into army green, sage and pale greens and teal — they’re having a moment right now and work for every season. as is a gorgeous burgundy.
there’s a lot to be said for prints — our green camo has been a huge seller since day one. and the fashion world considers leopard print to be a neutral as it works with so much. but other trends like colorblocking and quilted textures can also add flair to your personal style.
you have so many options! now you just need to determine how to wear your color choice… coordinate? or contrast?
search ‘how to style bags with outfits’ and you’ll see plenty about matching your shoes and bag. this is such an old-school style rule — and so not true. matching is never necessary unless you want to create a tonal look (varying shades of the same color), which is very much ‘in’ right now. coordinating your color palette is one tip for how to match a handbag with an outfit. you can do this by choosing a bag that’s the dominant color in your outfit. so you might wear your sage cruiser with sage or olive joggers and a white tee. another way to coordinate your color palette is using complementary colors, like pairing a burnt orange dress with a steel blue bag.
figuring out how to style or pair bags with outfits is easy, because there literally aren’t any rules! pair an all-black ensemble with a steel blue/charcoal bag and you’ll soon see they look like they belong together. pair your green camo bag with a classic white button-down shirt and black jeans for a chic combo. or choose a bag with color contrast built in, like this wonder or this boxer. i also like punching up my shortyLOVE bag’s personality with boardwalk straps. they’re a fun way to add color and pattern, instantly.
hands-free is the only way to be — especially when you’re on the go! a crossbody bag is a must for those days when it feels like your to-do list is a mile long. meetings, errands, school pick-ups — you name it. they’re also great for travel, since they keep your belongings close to your body.
how to style crossbody bags with outfits: casual attire and crossbodies are like peanut butter and jelly — the perfect match. jeans, t-shirts, shorts and casual dresses all go well with a crossbody. most work ensembles call for a hands-free bag like this (or a stylish backpack)!
nothing says “i’m ready to take on the day” like a tote bag. room for your essentials. smart organization. it’s also super versatile — carry one as your everyday bag, take it to work or grab it for farmer’s market shopping. zipped up and ready to go, tillie is even perfect for travel.
how to style tote bags with outfits: learning how to pair these bags with outfits isn’t difficult, thanks to their amazing versatility. pair a tote with wide-leg pants and a blazer for a polished look, keep it casual with jeans and a tee, or throw on leggings and head to the yoga studio!
a phone wallet clutch isn’t just for nights out. it can also be paired with outfits for more casual occasions, like a coffee date or brunch. it all comes down to styling!
how to style a clutch bag with outfits: pair our jetty clutch wallet with jeans and a blouse, a fun dress, or even just your favorite athleisure for some serious style.
so many shortyLOVERS consider backpacks their go-to for everything from work to travel. it’s not hard to understand why. ace is chic, sleek and city-smart. sized for every day. the cuter commuter. our wave quilted tate is as stylish as it is no-nonsense, with a trolley sleeve to simplify travel and clever organization inside and out. and never forget the boxer, aka the perfect carry-on, work and gym bag!
how to style these bags with outfits: i usually keep it casual or business casual with backpacks. that said, their versatility means you can pair them with almost anything — jumpsuits, jeans, a-line skirts, a cute bomber jacket, etc.
i’m going to let you in on a little secret: how you choose to match handbags with outfits is completely up to you. i could tell you every tip and trick i’ve heard over the years, but fashion is all about expressing yourself. consider what you love and find the bag that works best for you — not just what color bags will go with everything. you’ll always look stylish, guaranteed.
xo — sloane
