Styling the ultimate occasionwear bags from Sophia Webster

Writer and expert8 months ago

Since launching her debut collection in 2013, Sophia Webster has become one of London's most well-liked designers, specifically associated with occasionwear. You won’t have missed the sellout ‘wifey for lifey’ clutch bag worn by Made in Chelsea’s Sophie Habboo’s at her London wedding. Before we dive into styling tips, let's get acquainted with the distinctive charm ofSophia Websterhandbags. Known for their playful yet sophisticated designs, Sophia Webster creates handbags that are conversation starters in themselves. Here’s everything you need to know about the brand…

The Sophia Webster Brand Timeline

2012 - British luxury accessories designer Sophia Webster founded her eponymous label. 2013 - Graduating London College of Fashion and The Royal College of Art, Sophia debuted her first collection for Spring/ Summer 2013. Sophia was awarded the Conde Nast Footwear News ‘Emerging Designer of the Year’, and the British Fashion Award for ‘Emerging Accessories Designer’ in 2013. 2016 - Sophia became the first female shoe designer to receive the prestigious ‘Vogue Fashion Fund’ and opened store on Mount Street London 2019 - Sophia was awarded an honorary doctorate in design from De Montfort University, marking her contribution to footwear design.

2020 - Sophia introduced two new collections to the range with a focus on positive impact and audience diversity. Sophia debuted her first ‘Upcycled’ collection in January 2020, reinventing andreusing past seasons’ surplus materials to create new shoes. The following month, she launched ‘Extended Sizes’, producing a selection of her key styles up to a size EU46 (US15.5/UK13).

2021 - Launched her first capsule supporting the work of the charity Butterfly Conservation.

A little bit into her personal life

Sophia Webster lives in east London with her husband, Bobby, who is acting CEO of her company and their three daughters, Bibi, Lilou and Roses and their son Nate. Not to forget the family’s Frenchie Rio Rococo.

The Sophia Webster HQ is located in Shoreditch and their ethos has always been about creating fun, feminine fashion that is affordable for working women. Her idol growing up was Gwen Stefani and she used to take part in dance competitions as a child, which is where she learned to work hard and strive to be the best.With a background in fine art, she has always had a creative flair mixed with the recognisable aesthetic that makes it very popular for bridal and partywear. The butterfly has become heavily associated with the brand, acting as inspiration over the years but also as an emblematic motto, representing the lifecycle of her company. She has previously collaborated with brands such as Puma, Barbie, Coca-Cola, J Crew, Alex Monroe and Sophia’s very own shoe hero, Mr Patrick Cox.

Choosing the right Sophia Webster bag for the occasion

The collection offers a diverse range of handbag styles, each suitable for different occasions:

Clutch Bags: Ideal for formal events like weddings and galas. Opt for embellished versions for added glamour.
Crossbody Bags: Perfect for occasions that require hands-free convenience, such as cocktail parties or receptions.
Top-Handle Bags: These exude a classic and ladylike charm, making them suitable for high-tea gatherings or garden parties.

Matching colours

Sophia Webster's handbags often feature vibrant colours and intricate patterns. When styling for occasionwear, consider the colour scheme of your outfit:

Complementary Colours: Choose a handbag that complements but doesn't necessarily match your outfit. For example, a cobalt blue bag with a coral dress can create a striking contrast.
Playing with Patterns: If your outfit is understated, consider a handbag with bold patterns or embellishments for a pop of excitement.

Balancing embellishments

Sophia Webster is known for her love of embellishments, from crystals to statement details. When styling an occasionwear outfit, consider the level of embellishment on both the bag and the dress:

Less is More: If your dress is heavily embellished, opt for a more understated bag to avoid overwhelming the ensemble.
Embellished Harmony: For a cohesive look, choose a handbag that features similar embellishments to those on your dress.

Consider the size and proportions

The size of your handbag should be proportionate to your body and outfit:

Evening Gowns: With floor-length gowns, opt for a smaller clutch or a sleek crossbody to maintain a balanced look.
Cocktail Dresses: A medium-sized clutch or crossbody bag works well with knee-length or midi dresses.