How to colour coordinate women's outfits with shoes

As any well-dressed woman knows, the right shoes can make or break an outfit. But with so many different colours and styles of footwear available, it can be hard to know which shoes are the best match for your clothes. Here are a few tips on how to colour coordinate your wardrobe so that you always look put-together, no matter what you're wearing. 

Decide on the overall look you want to achieve - formal, casual, or somewhere in between  

When deciding on an overall look, the key is to create balance between formal and casual styles, while also reflecting some of your personality. For instance, why not treat yourself to a luxuriously soft ladies trouser suit when going out for a special occasion? Or combine a pair of high-waisted jeans with an elegant silk blouse for a concert outfit that exudes both style and comfort.  

Casual clothes can be spiced up by adding some stylish statement pieces such as edgy boots or funky jackets. To inspire your personal wardrobe, consider pairing tailored trousers with statement heels for boardroom-ready chic or throwing on a cozy knit poncho to enhance your weekend attire. Getting the perfect look is all about finding that subtle balance between expressing yourself while keeping it classy. 

Choose a colour scheme that compliments your skin tone and hair colour  

When choosing a complimentary colour scheme, it is important to consider both muted and bold colours. Bright coloured shoes such as orange sandals bring out the best effect when paired with warm beige, ivory or pale grey shades. To ensure that your look is classic and timeless, use a colour chart as a base for selecting the right colours for your wardrobe. Light pink, subtle blues and neutrals work wonders for all skin tones, hair colours and styles, giving you the ultimate luxe-premium look. 

Consider the occasion - are you dressing for work, a night out, or a day at the beach?  

Choosing the perfect outfit for the occasion is always a priority - going from work to a night out or from day to night calls for going out trousers and that special party dress. And for a day at the beach, nothing beats comfortable and luxury beach wear.  

Start with the basics - a white tee, black pants, and neutral shoes 

Starting off your wardrobe with a cornerstone of basics is key for an established look. A white tee, black pants, and neutral shoes are timeless staples that never go out of style and can be worn in almost every season or occasion. This classic combo offers unbeatable comfort no matter how you dress it up - whether with designer accessories or bold iconic pieces. 

Add a pop of colour with your shoes - red heels or blue flats 

Everyone knows accessories can bring the perfect touch of fun and luxury to an outfit. For a subtle yet sophisticated approach, adding a pop of colour with your shoes is a timeless style trick. Whether it’s a pair of red heels or blue flats, a bright statement piece will enhance any ensemble. Women in particular can opt for suede detailed heels or velvet slip-ons – luxe fabrics guaranteed to make any outfit look special. So be bold and embrace the moment with statement footwear that adds that special something to your wardrobe. 

Stick to two colours for a cohesive look - like black and white or brown and tan 

When you're planning an outfit, there is nothing more sophisticated and classic than sticking to two colours. Whether you are wearing a suit, a dress, tops and trousers or sandals and boots, sticking to two colours like black and white or brown and tan will give your look a refined and luxurious touch. This type of colour coordination brings harmony to any ensemble, creating a level of premium visual appeal that no other fashion combination can match. So when you want to look polished and put together on any occasion, opt for two complimentary hues and keep it simple but elegant. 

Mix different textures and materials for interest - like pairing suede shoes with denim jeans 

Mixing different texture and materials can really elevate your outfit. For instance, suede shoes, denim jeans and a metallic purse create an interesting combination of fabrics, colours and shapes that effortlessly stands out. Adding different materials to your ensemble is an effortless way to improve your style. 

Use accessories to bring everything together - a scarf in your hair or a statement necklace  

Adding a luxurious accessory can be the perfect way to elevate your look. Whether you opt for a subtle artistic scarf tied in your hair or a statement necklace, it provides the perfect finishing touch. Nothing says you have put effort into an outfit like adding quality accessories. Sleek, timeless jewellery has never been more classic or timeless, while scarves are ideal for injecting colour and texture into any ensemble.  

Final Thoughts 

No matter what look you want to achieve, deciding on the right outfit can be overwhelming. By starting with the basics and using accessories to give your outfit a personal touch, you can easily create a stylish ensemble that looks effortless. Keep in mind how colour, texture, and materials affect the overall appearance of your clothing choices, and consider the occasion you are dressing for – work or leisure.  

To complete your outfit and create a luxurious look, make sure to check out Mallet’s latest women’s shoes arrivals. These timeless shoes are eye-catching, elegant and incredibly comfortable. Designed to last forever, each piece is an invaluable addition to your wardrobe for any outfit or occasion.  

FAQs 

Do my shoes have to match my outfit? 

The short answer is no. You can choose to wear any style of shoe with any style of outfit, or you can take the extra effort in matching your shoes to your outfit for a more cohesive look. The choice is yours! However, if you're dressing for a special occasion such as a formal event, then it's always best to opt for shoes that match your outfit. This will create an overall more polished and sophisticated look. Additionally, if you're wearing a busy patterned outfit like stripes or florals, then it's best to keep the shoe relatively simple with a classic colour such as black or beige.  

What is the shoe colour rule? 

When it comes to selecting the best shoe colour for your outfit, there is one hard and fast rule: keep it in the same colour family. This means if you're wearing a navy blue dress, opt for a deep blue or black shoe. If you’re sporting an emerald green skirt, try pairing it with dark olive green shoes. Not only does this create a put-together look, but it also ensures your overall ensemble will be balanced and polished.  

Does your handbag have to match your shoes? 

No, your handbag does not have to match your shoes. In fact, it's perfectly acceptable to mix and match different colours and textures for a more eclectic look. You can also play with different shapes and sizes to create a unique silhouette. For example, if you're wearing an all-black outfit, you may want to add a hint of colour by pairing it with a bright yellow bag - this will draw attention away from the black while still keeping the overall look chic.  

Which shoe colour goes with everything? 

When in doubt, black or a neutral colour is always the best choice. These colours are timeless and classic - and they go with everything. Black shoes will never go out of style, so investing in a good quality pair that you can wear for many years to come is always a smart move. Neutral hues such as beige, cream, and grey look great when paired with any outfit – they’re versatile enough to work for both casual and formal looks. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your neutrals with bright coloured accessories like bags or jewellery.