When presenting yourself as a woman, every detail counts. The right handbag pulls your outfit together and is the finishing touch to your feminine look.
The wrong bag, however, can spoil an otherwise perfect outfit and even call attention to body flaws. Who needs that?
Here are 6 things to consider when choosing a handbag:
1. Length
Length is an important and often overlooked detail. Your handbag accentuates the part of your body it falls next to, so keep these tips in mind:
- To make your hips look wider, choose a bag that falls at hip level.
- To make your waist look more shapely, choose a waist-length bag.
2. Shape
Handbags can range in shape from square and structured to soft and rounded. To provide balance, look for a bag with features that are the opposite of your body. For example:
- If you have a straight body shape, look for a slouchy or rounded bag to create the illusion of curves.
- If you’re on the rounded side, a more structured bag will flatter your features.
3. Size
Your handbag should compliment your overall body proportions. If you’re tall and/or stocky, a tiny bag will look out of place. If you’re small, a big that’s too big will overwhelm you. Choose a bag that’s in sync with your proportions.
4. Style
A bag that’s too casual or too formal for the rest of your outfit is a common fashion “don’t.” Study fashion magazines and blogs to learn which bags looks best with specific outfits. Pinterest is also a great place to look for bag+outfit ideas.
5. Function
While your purse should look good, it also needs to serve its purpose. There’s nothing more annoying than a tiny bag that doesn’t fit your essentials… or constantly losing things in a bag that’s too big or has too many compartments. Make sure the size and various compartments of the bag work for you.
6. Color
Color is one of the most important handbag considerations. Here are two tips to keep in mind:
- Forget about the old rule to match your bag to your shoes. While your bag and shoes should coordinate, they don’t have to be an exact match.
- A black or brown bag will give you the most mileage, but don’t be afraid to try something different. Red, burgundy, forest green, and dark blue are surprisingly versatile handbag colors.
Let’s talk bags!
As much as I love shoes, I might be even more obsessed with bags. That’s why my collection is constantly growing. (Thank you, Ebay!)
What about you? How many bags do YOU own?
Take my poll and tell me about your favorite bag in the comments below! Even better, share a photo of it with us!
Love,
Lucille
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Thank you for the wonderful tips. I bought three purses this year in preparation for taking the next step. I used the small backpack on my only outing into the countryside this past spring packed with a few necessities and a small lunch.
While I think I did well with the last three tips, I was unaware of the first three and will have to consider those next time.
Hugs and kisses,
Jenny D
I’ll try posting this picture again.
Is the 3rd time the charm?
I love wearing purses to keep my lipstick, powder, mascara, blush, gun, nail file,& wallet in. Sure much better than pockets. A girl never can have enough of purses, high heels,& lingerie.
I am a ccw holder, so I needed a bag with structure to hold the weapon. My buff bought me this purse to say he was fully ok with my dressing. It has a dedicated holster space. We practiced presenting from the purse this morning at our shooting club. It beats just having the gun in a bag with everything else.
I always try to match my Bag , my Belt and my Shoes.
I like one that is functional without being combersom . I like an over the shoulder strap for safety. Sometimes I carry a novelty bag.
I carry a wig brush, face powder compact, lip stick, hankie, & my Phone.
Best place to shop for hand bags is GOODWILL!
Dr.T.J.
Hi Dr. TJ! I always love your posts. You always look great! I also like a functional purse with a shoulder strap, so much easier to carry! I only have a few purses, different colors, but pretty much same type. Here I am the other day out shopping! We older gals need to stick together! Hugs, Suzy
Suzy Q ! I love you! You always have a kind word and a big smile for everyone.
I love picking my bag from dozens of styles, designers and colors. Sometimes I start putting an outfit together with a bag…it’s Fun for me.
Thanks for your extensive wisdom.
Dr. T.J.
I own four handbags. Other than one semi-dressy one, the rest can all be described in one word: Coach.
For casual, business, or hapoy hour attire, the bag needn’t match anything, if it is classic design and high quality. I own them in black, brown and English tan. They are not exactly alike, but they each have three main sections, a strap that can function as either shoulder or cross-body, and a flat bottom, sothey will stand on their iwn without falling over and spilling open.