How To Wear A Red Handbag 3 Ways

I just splurged on a gorgeous red handbag (usually go for all black) how can I incorporate it into my wardrobe all year round?

-Angelique, @alabonne

Dear Angelique,

First of all, kudos to you for stepping out of your handbag comfort zone and investing in a color that you can actually wear all year round, and not to mention is a major trend this season. You’re a gal after my own heart, as I recently did the same thing.

The great part about a bag that’s red is that it can actually be more versatile than you think. I find that when I’ve been wearing a basic black handbag, I sometimes feel like I have to switch it for a brown one if I’m wearing more of those tones. This is not the case usually with red.

The first and probably most obvious way to wear a red purse is by letting it pop off of neutrals like black and white, just like this edgy ASOS black body con dress mixed with this Zara crossbody bag, or even metallics. Neutrals like these can be worn during all seasons and will definitely make a statement with your fiery bag.

Another way you may not even think to wear a red bag is actually mixing with other shades of red. The monochromatic look feels so modern right now. Try a darker red tone suit like this one from ASOS and let your bag complete the look—especially if you splurge on one like this Mulberry purse.

The most fun way that can be worn into the warmer weather is by letting it vibrate off of other brights. Red and teal is one of my favorite and unexpected color combinations, so you can try something like this Oscar de la Renta teal dress paired with this Diane Von Furstenberg red vegan handbag. If it’s in the same tone and brightness like fuscia, yellow, cobalt, etc, then it works and makes a statement.

However you wear it, make sure you protect it with a spray and keep it in its dust bag or at the very least, stuff it with tissue to hold its shape. That way, you can enjoy it season after season after season…

Send your fashion and beauty conundrums this way to dearandistyle@gmail.com and I will try to answer as soon as I can. You may be featured on the next ASK ANDI!