So You Say I Don't Need to Match My Shoes to My Bag...

Updated on January 06, 2012
S.S. asks from Los Angeles, CA
21 answers

I posted a question this morning about what color bag would go with my brown shoes and I was told by almost everyone that matching shoes to bags went out quite a while ago. LOL. So now my question is - does the bag need to match anything?? I'm eyeing this one olive green bag that I think would look good with both my black and brown outfits but are there any outfits I specifcially should NOT pair this bag with? ie. I'm thinking of my red turtleneck paired with dark jeans + brown boots would not go with this olive green bag...or woudl it be OK? I dont know fashion at all so please help. Are there any color bags that are UNIVERSAL so i dont have to switch bags according to outfit, shoes, etc. I used to think black but that doesn't go with my brown boots... THANKS :)

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So What Happened?

OK, I think I'm gonna get it since the majority consensus seems to be that olive green is a neutral. What would I do without you all?? Probably look bad. haha. Thanks!!

Featured Answers

R.D.

answers from Richmond on

Who really gives a sh!t!! I mean that in a GOOD way :) Are you feeling sexy, sassy, and CONFIDENT? Then job well done mama, rock it out :)

6 moms found this helpful

✤.J.

answers from Dover on

I carry a very muted colored bag, kind of brownish-grayish shiny crocodile Vera Wang every day no matter what I'm wearing be it the type of shoes, jeans, dress clothes, whatever, I love this bag & have literally carried it every single day since last Christmas (2010, not 2011, lol).

**ETA**And I still get compliments on it by total strangers on a totally regular basis!

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I carry the same bag until it wears out. If it ever matches anything I'm wearing, it's purely accidental.

10 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

For me olive green is a neutral color. I wear it with all colors. I think it's a good choice for a hand bag. Yes, it would be OK with a red turtleneck, dark jeans and brown boots.

Now a days even black and brown are an acceptable combination.

10 moms found this helpful
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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

OMG. Now I have anxiety that people have been eyeing my unmatching purse for years!

I feel happy to get out the door with my shirt on the right way...

9 moms found this helpful
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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Olive is a neutral--so theoretically, it will "go" with anything. Even the red turtleneck! :)

6 moms found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Who cares?! =) This is the reason why almost all my purses are black. LOL!!!

5 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

It is important that colors are complimentary, not that they match. Bold color combination are in!

5 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from St. Louis on

in today's world of fashion...anything goes.

that means, you can match & you also don't have to! I love your idea of using olive green....great choice. Sometimes I tie a small scarf onto my purse handle to tie colors together....

personally, I like the whole outfit to be cohesive. I use a wool/felted patchwork bag for winter. I also have an antiq tapestry bag & a plain black leather purse which I also switch out.

for the summer, I rotate a collection of purses. They range from vintage straw purses....to a Relic canvas tote (my fav)....to a messenger bag which is red bandana/retro cowgirl & says "Crack the Whip/Boss Lady" - my DH & sons hate that one! I like to think of purses as fun....

3 moms found this helpful
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B.P.

answers from New York on

Haha...it's me again! As long as it's a neutral (which it sounds like the olive green bag is) it will go with everything. Actually your outfit sounds great! Also, as long as it's subdued, a metallic bag will also go. Of course black goes, but so does camel, white, ect. I personally do not like red bags...

3 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I would probably get it and use it all the time, even if my outfit clashed! If you love it, get it! Unless I'm going out with a group or trying to look nice for my husband then I don't care if my purse matches anything I've got going on. Today I had my brown suede bag with my black yoga pants and turquoise tennis shoes! LOL! For everyday purposes, get a bag you like and roll with it. I do agree that you should have a few varities of bags in sizes and colors for those ocassions in which you do need to match, but for an "everyday" type of situation, go with what speaks to you!

3 moms found this helpful
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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

I carry a red or blue purse anytime..in addition to my black, gray, and brown ones! Ooh I have an olive one too. I agree, it doesn't have to matchy-match. It's kinda fun if there's a pop of color in your bag! And yes I consider olive fairly neutral.

2 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

so long as the colors do not clash you are fine ... color blocking is SOOO IN! I have an orange bag that I love to pair with tan blouse/brown houndstooth wide leg pants with ivory heels ... You are fine so long as the colors do not clash.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.☯.

answers from Springfield on

When I choose to care about this, I supposed I'm just looking to make sure the colors don't clash. I would not wear black and brown together, so I wouldn't think they would go together. But I wouldn't ever worry about my purse and my shoes. It would be more like my shirt and maybe my pants or skirt.

I would think olive green and red would go together, but some shades wouldn't so you may be right.

It's just not something I stress too much about. Also, I avoid using a purse whenever possible :-)

2 moms found this helpful

N.P.

answers from San Francisco on

I always just buy brown or black bags because they go with everything.

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

Black bags are the most sold color so those go with anything but are a bit dull when you wear black. You need a "pop" of color somewhere I feel. But too many pops of color may overwhelm everyone, and the red with jeans and brown and green bag sounds a bit much to me. I would choose a bag in one of those colors, or change your pants to greenish pants and get the green bag. Also, while it is no longer required to match bag and shoes, I still think it is a very classy look to have brown boots and a brown bag, just add that red turtleneck and you would look very stylish.
This is why every woman needs many handbags, so you can mix and match as you go. I have always switched bags not just for colors but for styles (large, small, hand carried, shoulder strap, etc). My main ones are black, red, Vera Bradley flowered blue, and a saddle leather (light brown). No green bags, but perhaps I should add that color to my collection.......

2 moms found this helpful
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W.R.

answers from Roanoke on

I am old and no longer fashionable - but I would think green would go with anything (unless it actually clashes). I don't pair black bag with brown shoes or vice versa, but I think colors and patterns go with anything these days!

2 moms found this helpful

I.X.

answers from Los Angeles on

olive would go with a lot- I think you can get a lot of use out of that.
bronze is now my bag of choice since it goes well with blacks and browns
Saddle/tan/camel colored purses can go will with black and brown.

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B.K.

answers from Boston on

I've always heard the belt and shoes match. Never heard about the bag matching.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

From what I am being told shoes and purse should match if for example you are wearing all black and decided to wear purple shoes. The accessories should match the shoes i.e. belt or purse or jewelry. From what I understand from the fashion plates that this is the case. I am sure the fashion police would cite me a lot...Right now I am wearing pewter color shoes and using my gold purse! Ah well didn't have time to change it. :)

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

I always you thought you were supposed to match your shoes and your belt. Matching your purse to anything you are wearing went out in the '60's. You just don't need to worry about it :)

1 mom found this helpful
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