The perfect outfit is like a symphony—everything is perfectly in tune to create a masterpiece. But it’s not something that happens with the snap of the fingers.

Just like an orchestra has dozens of instruments, each outfit is made of dozens of pieces from your clothes to your shoes, hair, makeup, and all of the accessories. It’s all of these pieces working together that give you that “killer” look, whether you’re going for professional, sexy, casual, or elegant. 

How do you go out each day making sure that each part of your outfit is on point?

A great place to start is with your jewelry and handbag. These are two of the most critical accessories for any outfit and putting them together can make or break your look.

Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of every outfit.

Color

The first step to pairing your jewelry and handbag is the color. You want colors that look great together and enhance each other, whether it’s because they seamlessly complement each other or they flawlessly clash—in the best way possible.

For example, if you were wearing the Degas Crossbody, bright red jewelry would match impeccably. Red would draw attention to the embroidered heart and enhance the purse’s blush undertones.

On the other hand, if you’re going for a more classic outfit, you probably don’t want any more color. So, instead, you could play off the silver-tone metal hardware by wearing a simple silver necklace and diamond-stud earrings.

To find the right colors, it all goes back to the basics of the color wheel. Neutral purses in white, black, and beige look great with any color of jewelry. Whereas if you have a colorful purse or jewelry, you’ll want to make sure the other fashion accessory doesn’t scream, “I don’t belong.”

Try matching primary colors with secondary colors that are side by side on the color wheel—such as pairing orange and yellow or orange and red. Or, if you want to make a fashion statement, choose primary and secondary colors that are on opposite ends of the color wheel, such as purple and yellow or blue and orange.

Statement Pieces

There’s something to be said for too much of a good thing.

What do we mean?

Let’s say you have a handbag like the Verona Satchel, which has patchwork and embroidery that makes a bold statement. You don’t need jewelry that tries to draw attention away from the bag.

Instead, it’s best to choose one statement piece and keep the rest of your accessories as complements. With patterned large bags that draw attention, keep your jewelry understated and simple.

However, if you have a simple clutch, then feel free to go big with chunky necklaces and lots of bangle bracelets.

Style

Your handbag and your jewelry both define your personal style. A simple white shirt and jeans can be completely transformed with the right accessories. So, it’s important to choose and pair your pieces based on the situation and the type of statement you are trying to make.

There are six basic styling guidelines you should follow for pairing your handbag and jewelry.

• Classic: If you’re going for a classic Audrey Hepburn-look, your jewelry should lean toward pearls or simple diamond-stud earrings. And your handbag should veer toward the classic black shoulder bag like our Conan Doyle vegan leather bag.
• Glamorous: For a night out on the town or an evening dressed to the nines, you’ll want something like our Las Vegas Crossbody paired with chandelier earrings, bib necklace, and large cocktail ring.
• Playful: Our Caracas Backpack matched with chunky jewelry in bright colors sets a perfect playful tone.
• Edgy: For a style that plays with the edge of fashionable, pair our funky Detroit Tote with a thick cuff bracelet and choker necklace.
• Professional: For the office, you’ll want a mix of classic and casual. Pair a delicate necklace and simple timepiece with our functional yet stylish Brisbane Shoulder Bag.
• Casual: When it comes to a casual day of jeans and a t-shirt, there are no limits. Personally, we love matching fun candy-colored bracelets and necklaces with the comfortable and chic Hemingway Shoulder Bag.

The right Evve Handbag and jewelry combination can take any outfit from drab to fab. Mixing and matching can also extend more life to every piece of clothing since you can dress up and dress down every top, dress, and skirt with the right accessories. Just be careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way.