If you’ve been here a while, it’s no secret to you that I love using vibrant color combinations and bold patterns in many of my bags. Lately I’m finding myself drawn to vivid colors. I think after the anxiety and gloom of the last couple of years I really feel the need to work with colors and pattern that make me feel hopeful. But carrying a statement bag can create its own anxiety for some. Is it too much color?? Maybe you think you wouldn’t have anything to wear with a bold bag, but there’s a good chance you do. Keep reading for a few tips.
Maybe we’ve all grown too used to mass-produced bags. They come in basic colors so that they’ll work for hundreds or thousands of people…but the great thing about a unique, handmade bag is you can choose the one that is perfect just for you. If you’re drawn to a bold print in my shop, you’ve probably been drawn to something similar before and may already have a piece in your wardrobe that will look great with it.
- Start with your favorite colors
The easiest place to start is with color. For example, if you love yellow (and I do), you might be drawn to the yellow in this wristlet. If yellow is a favorite of yours, it’s likely you already have something yellow in your closet. This mustard yellow sweater lights up the cool, dark greens in this wristlet. Asking what jumps out at you in a bag is also a good starting point. You might describe this as “a green wristlet” but it’s really the yellow that catches the eye. Those eye-catching colors are the ones to look for in your wardrobe.
Take your temperature!
Sometimes it’s the temperature rather than the color. Both the waxed canvas and the floral in this shoulder bag have a cool appearance that works great with jeans and a dove gray sweater. Neither the jeans nor the sweater is the same color as any in the bag, but they all still harmonize really well.
To shake things up a little, look for contrasts of colors and temperatures. Here’s the same jeans and sweater, but the warm yellow in this backpack adds a little sunshine to the outfit. This time, it’s the cool dark gray in the floral print that works with what I’m wearing. The yellow gets to step out and be the star, and it looks great.
There’s nothing wrong with staying neutral
You may feel most comfortable in similar colors and tones. If that’s you, embrace it! For myself, I almost always choose contrast over color matching. There’s no blue in this little wristlet, but the pretty rusty-orange red of the dragonfly fabric really shines against dark blue. If you wear a lot of neutrals, this is a great way to think about accessories. Find something you love that will stand out beautifully against the colors and patterns you’re most comfortable in.
Wear what makes you happy
In the end, the important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. If you love all the colors all the time, then go for it! My personal favorites are oranges and yellows with blues, and reds with greens. Just don’t let anyone tell you that any color isn’t for you.
Whatever your favorite, I would love to connect you with a handmade bag that will help you feel your most confident, beautiful best. Step out into the world in a bag that is unique to your style!
What are your favorite color combinations to wear? What combination would you like to try, but maybe haven’t yet? Get in touch… I’d love to know!