Matching your handbag to your shoes is so yesteryear – simply too boring! With so many sassy little bags and quirky totes available in the market right now, you don’t ever have to play it safe!

Accessories like handbags are not only meant to store your stuff but also make you look well put together. If you are not sure about what handbag aka purse to carry with which outfit, these guidelines will help you look your best.

All you need to know to match your bag with your outfit

• If you are wearing a bright dress, go for a lighter coloured bag. For example, if you are wearing a bright red outfit, go for a nude coloured clutch.
• If your shoes are stealing the show with their embellishments and sparkles, you can bring the bling down by choosing a subtler purse.
• If you don’t have the same coloured outfit and bag, you can match the metals of your purse with the metal of your jewellery – or even your watch. This is a very sophisticated look.
• Don’t be afraid of pairing contrasting colours. A black dress will look awesome with a white clutch.
• If your outfit has a pattern, go for a single coloured bag. Look for the least busy colour in the pattern and then match your purse to that colour.
• If nothing matches, match your shoes to your lipstick and your purse to your collar.
• The latest trend is that shoes and bags should go with your outfit, not necessarily match each other. The aim is to add colour or texture to your look via your handbag.

Choose a purse according to the occasion

Consider the occasion and the environment when selecting which handbag to carry. Small purses are considered more formal and sophisticated, though they are less functional. Larger bags are a better choice for casual events.

Bags for formal events

Clutches and miniature bags are appropriate for formal events. They not only look elegant and sleek but go with most formal outfits.

Bags for travel

Crossbody sling bags, waist belt bags, and messenger bags are a great choice for travel. They can easily carry your essentials and look sporty and cool.

Bags for shopping trips

Oversized totes look great t-shirts, shorts and casual shoes. Crossbody bags are also a great choice.

Bags for the beach

Nothing can be better than a sling bag for the beach. You need something with lots of accessible pockets.