Matching 101

There was a time when everything needed to match. Actually, there were quite a few times. But for the last several years, we've all been conditioned to make sure our ensemble isn't too "matchy-matchy," as they say. If you are skimming fashion magazines, websites or blogs you'll see that coordinating is once again cool. As a personal stylist, clients frequently wonder how to look put-together without being too in sync. It may seem overwhelming, so I thought I'd share with you, Dear Reader: 

3 Ways to Match without being too Matchy-Matchy.

1. Your coat and your handbag.

This is my personal favorite combination although I almost never wear pastel pink because it doesn't flatter my skin tone. Matching your handbag and coat is unexpected and makes styling your entire ensemble easier, which is always a plus. Personally, I love wearing a dark green coat with a green handbag of the same hue. Or light blue and light blue. So good! You know how I love green or blue as a neutral — after all, the stem never clashes with the flower and the sky complements everything. But, I also love how easy it is to take off your coat, set down your handbag and rock a look absent of the color altogether. Coordinate your shoes with your coat and handbag. Perhaps a print shoe that includes your coat's color or something different altogether. Do not identically match them.

2. Your skirt and your shoes (or your pants and your shoes). 

This one is great because it is especially flattering. Rather than breaking your body into several different color zones, elongate your frame and keep your skirt or pants and shoes the same color. This is a great way to effortlessly wear colored shoes. Rather than stumbling to discover what goes with your red shoes, you simply need to know what top pairs nicely with your red skirt and red shoes. Sophisticated and simple. The perfect mix.

3. Your top and your skirt (or pants).

I've said it before, monochromatic is all the rage. Why not try it? It elongates your frame and shows confidence. Feeling a little apprehensive? I gave you the entire ensemble here to make you a little more comfortable. Start with one of your personal power neutrals. For example, few things are as classy as a navy top and navy skirt. Or go full force with winter white. Pastels are big this spring. A lavender top and lavender cigarette pants. Love! Just keep your shoes neutral if you're pairing two pieces of the same bold color as shown above. Metallics, nude and so on are great shoe choices in this situation. Rocking the neutrals on the top and bottom, it's time for colorful, print or eye-catching shoes to steal the show. 

You are now officially sanctioned to match. Own it. 

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