Handbags are an incredibly personal thing and a gift I would never buy for somebody else, certainly not without some serious prompts or a checklist. Even choice of colour can be mind-blowing!
A handbag influences the overall look of an outfit - the bag can make or break your outfit so don’t base your handbag choice solely on trends. They can also add or take off pounds of your figure. Having the ‘wrong’ handbag can make you look bigger and can also draw attention to areas you may not want to emphasize!
So, let’s consider what’s key when choosing a handbag that works for YOU.
Body Shape
In a similar way to shopping for a dress, a skirt or a pair of jeans, choosing a bag that flatters your body shape and creates an illusion to balance the outlines of your body, is important. Similarly, the key to finding the right bag is to look for balance. The eye will travel and rest where the bag meets the body so it’s essential to choose a bag that draws attention towards your ‘best’ features.
Plus size women will achieve a great look with bags of reasonable size i.e. in proportion to your body size, with short to medium length straps. A larger bag, satchel or bucket bag is a good choice whereas a tiny clutch or small cross-body bag may look lost against your figure.
For curvy women, a shoulder bag that ends just above the waist is the most flattering style. The only type of bags to avoid are ones that are too big or too small in relation to your overall body size.
If you have a large bust, you may want to draw attention away from your top half, choosing a bag make that has a long strap and is large in size.
Small bags work best for petite women. Bags that have shorter handles or even, adjustable frames are an ideal choice. You can choose vertical-shaped bags, clutches, and oversize tote bags as well. Also, cross-body bags can flatter your body type to an amazing extent.
If you have an Inverted Triangle body shape, aim to keep the attention around your waist area to create a balanced look. Consider the length and width of the straps and avoid bags that are too small or oversized shoulder bags with large straps, that rest on or against the hip. Instead try crossbody bags, belt bags, long strapped handbags, satchels, and clutches.
If you have a rectangle body shape you’ll need a bag that adds an illusion of curves to your body. Keep the length of the straps so that the bag falls around your hips. Choose soft leather and oversized satchel handbags, tote bags, clutches that are tucked under your arm, or slouchy hobo bags worn on the shoulder that create dimension and curves.
For someone who has an hourglass figure, most styles and shapes will suit your naturally balanced body shape - satchel bags, tote bags, clutches, cross body bags, shoulder bags or hobo bags, all of which will draw attention to defined waist.
Anyone with an apple shaped body, wide handbags with slight structure are a good choice - medium-sized handbags like bowling purses, tote bags, and hand-held bags. Cross-body bags and clutches will tend to accentuate the midsection instead when worn across the body.
To create balance for a pear body shape, must focus on making your shoulders appear broader by being careful about strap length. Ideally your handbag should fall above your waist line. Clutches that can be slipped under the arm, satchel bags, long- and short-strapped shoulder bags are great options.
Scale
The size or ‘scale’ of handbag you choose should ALWAYS be in proportion to your figure. This relates to your overall body scale. If you’re petite or shorter, a small to medium size bag is best. If you are of medium scale, then you can wear all scales reasonably well. If you are tall or larger scale, then a medium or larger scale bag is best.
Colour
Gone are the days of having to match shoes and bags. If you like this look then embrace it but being experimental with accessory colours is very on trend right now. Black is a safe choice but if you have certain colours you wear frequently, maybe consider matching or complementing your clothes colour choices. Using your colour palette as inspiration is helpful. As an Autumn for example your ‘go to’ colours will be earth shades, soft orange, browns, beiges, cream, taupe, dark reds etc. which will all be enhanced by a deep orange-red or burgundy handbag. If you live in jeans then maybe a deep-blue, or dark green bag would add a trendy touch to your outfits or ‘go bold’ with sunshine yellow or bright orange, shocking pink or grass green. Metallics will add texture to your outfit and elevate the look with a pop of glam.
If you only want one main handbag then a neutral that is related to your hair colour is a versatile option. So, dark hair = black handbag, red hair = wine or tan handbag, blonde hair = light beige handbag, grey hair = grey handbag. In this way the colour of the handbag will always relate to something in your outfit - your hair.
Compartments, pockets or not?
In a very practical way, this is a very important consideration in the handbag purchase decision-making process, particularly when buying a new, everyday handbag. Do you prefer lots of separate compartments – for phone, keys, ear plugs, make up etc – which avoid rummaging to find what you need quickly. Or perhaps you prefer an empty void inside without pockets? Are your preferences the same for smaller clutch or evening bags? Do you like zip pockets or zip fastening or an open bag? What you like will be personal to you.
Purpose
Think about your lifestyle and choose a bag that suits this in practical terms. For example, if you drive to work you won’t be walking far carrying your handbag far, so it doesn’t need to be lightweight. But if you walk, or use public transport, then comfort and a secure fastening will be important.
If you have small children, then a hands free option such as a cross-over bag it may be a good option to consider.
If your everyday outfits are formal, then you’re going to need to match them with a structured, good quality handbag. But if your lifestyle is more casual then a slouchy, soft, unstructured handbag will be a good match. Match the formality as well as the purpose, satin works for formal, but not casual.
Backpack handbags have become very popular in the last few years. The advantages are that if you carry heavy stuff in your daily handbag, a backpack bag will take the weight off your shoulder and may prevent painful muscle damage. Shoulder bags are seen as more casual than hand-held bags, and you can vary the length of the strap to emphasize your body shape in a flattering way, as we’ve already seen.
A small bag is considered more appropriate for an evening whereas large, slouchy bags are great for a daytime look.
Personality
As with all accessories, your bag should be an extension of your personality and an extension of who you are. As you carry it day after day, it’s advisable to find a bag that you love and that expresses something about who you are.
Your style personality will directly influence your handbag choices.
Those with a Classic style personality may choose a simple, structured bag and one that is held in the hand or at the elbow. A Relaxed personality style will go for hands-free options such as cross-body and backpacks. Dramatic style personalities will be likely to choose large, dramatic bags. A Creative will look for something more quirky, maybe vintage, that expresses their uniqueness. Feminine style personalities will opt for something small and delicate, often floral or embellished.
Shape
Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type. If you are tall and slim choose a slouchy, rounded bag to complement your look. If your body type is short and heavier in build, go for the opposite in your choice of handbag. Choose a handbag that is tall and rectangular or maybe long and sleek. In general terms, the more round your figure, the more structured your bag needs to be. Large rectangular or square handbags are a perfect choice.
So next time you are tempted by a new handbag I hope the above pointers will give you something to think about. Investing in an expensive handbag is a worthy expenditure if you intend to use it very regularly, possibly every day. This will dramatically reduce the ‘cost per wear’ style maths, whereas purchasing several, less expensive bags, that you use only occasionally, will work out at a much higher ‘cost per wear’.
To find out more about how to accessorise for your body shape or to explore any of my colour and style services, please check out my website at https://www.truecolourswithsarahheron.com
Happy shopping!
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