MANILA, Philippines?We all know that accessories make the outfit. If men have their gadgets and cars, we have our bags and shoes.

But what should we buy or not buy? There are several factors to consider when purchasing bags and shoes:

The two basic colors one must have for bags and shoes are black and brown. Take a look at your wardrobe and check which colors you have.

What type of lifestyle do you live? Is your time primarily spent at the office with a dress code and lots of paperwork to be brought around? Closed pumps or peep-toe sling-blacks and a functional bag with many pockets will suit your needs.

Or is it Wednesday brunch with the girls, where your clutches and stilettos would make Carrie and the gang proud? Forget black or brown, then, and go for bold prints and loud styles to make your own fashion statement.

If you?re bringing kids to school and the ballet, or you need to do errands most of the time, go for comfort and ease in classic styles, since you?ve got other priorities to focus on.

In short, your lifestyle dictates your needs. No matter how stylish a bag or shoe is, if it doesn?t complement your lifestyle, it would just end up in your closet to be forgotten.

Consider your physical frame, health, feet size and the like. If you?re on the heavy side, skinny stilettos will only cause more back pain and pressure, as all your weight would be carried by the balls of your feet.

But if you love your heels high, opt for chunky or stacked heels to provide more support. Platforms are even better, as they lessen the strain on the arch of your feet.

For more dressed-down occasions, wedges give optimum support, comfort and height. Plus-size women should also stay away from small bags, as they only accentuate their heft and make them look much bigger than they are.

Smaller women should likewise stay away from very large bags that would only swallow up their tiny frames.

No matter how much money you have or how stylish you may think you are, hammertoes, dead toenails or ingrowns, untreated bunions and the like are no-nos, especially when slipping into open toe sandals. If your dead nails are still growing out, opt for closed shoes, or have the nails polished in dark color to conceal them fashionably.

If you?re flat-footed or have extra toes, go for wide shoes. Remember, size is not only based on the length but on the width as well. The right width will provide more comfort and sole coverage. Plus, there?s really nothing sexy about toes clawing at the soles due to poor fit.

Who says you need designer duds to be stylish? There are lots of styles from countless brands that cater to every budget. If you want longevity, leather is the answer.

Classic styles never go out of style no matter the season, so visit clearance sections every time. There are fabulous styles that are non-leather and that won?t hurt the bank.

Expand your wardrobe with the use of color. Red or any bold color is a great way to liven up any ensemble. How about some bling?metallics like silver, gold or bronze pieces? Or why not try embellished flats as an alternative to formal satin stilettos? You not only achieve sophistication but comfort as well. Prints are another way to give interesting contrast to your basic wardrobe.

If colors or prints aren?t your thing, opt for white or cream-colored bags and shoes. They certainly match both black and brown, so you kill two birds with one stone. Plus, they look fresh and elegant.

Just make sure to choose classic styles that are well-made. Light colors reveal imperfections the most, so check the seams, lining and hardware. These small details say a lot about your bag or shoe of choice.

Of course, the best accessory one must always carry is attitude?highlighted by a smile. Let?s not confuse monetary value with self-worth. No matter how stylish your accessories may be, it?s really your self-confidence that seals the deal.