Having a few different bags to wear for different occasions is indeed required. If you don’t wear the same shoes and jewelry to go jogging, on a dinner date, attend a business meeting, then why should you have one purse for all instances? To give you an idea and get you started, below are the basic 4 types of purses that every woman should have in her closet. Hope you enjoy!
1. Crossbody Bag
Crossbody bags are great outfit completers and are super popular right now, for all the right reasons. First of all, they allow us to carry our essentials without needing to carry around a huge purse. Besides their handy medium size, their style is easily worn casually or dressed up, AND you get to choose from a million of different shapes, colors, and patterns to see what suits you most. Own one and you will soon become addicted to their comfort and style. Play among styles and colors (i.e light pink, white, classic black, cobalt blue, quilted, etc.). Now, if you want one show stopper, I suggest you go for a neutral color like white, black, or brown and a normal size, say 10” x 8” or smaller.
When to Wear a Crossbody Bag:
It makes a superb date night piece if you want to carry the essentials and not a whole lot of stuff. You can also sport it during your day-out endeavours when you want a purse for a medium dressiness level. However, if you need more space (if you are a mom, then you know what I mean!), it is best to buy a bigger purse.
2. A Clutch
It is an essential, no matter what you may think at this point. We need a couple of those in our closet for the really dressy occasions. You can’t attend a formal event with a crossbody that’s for sure! Clutches come in many sizes and shapes, and some are even big enough to carry something more than just your driver’s license, lip gloss, and credit card. What really matters though is not the size; it’s the purse itself. With so many options (seen the latest handbag trends for this year?) available, from metallic to snakeskin and versatile colors and patterns, it is highly unlikely you won’t find something for the occasion.
When to Wear a Clutch:
Weddings, dinner dates, weekend cocktails and all sorts of formal functions that require formal dress.
3. An Oversized Bag
This is the ultimate day-everyday bag that fits everything. You can easily carry it around and is perfect for moms with children and working women alike or women that travel a lot. Basically, it is an essential for every life stage. Now, if you want to buy one, I suggest something neutral (i.e. black, brown, gray, navy, metallic) so that it fits with lots of outfits and styles. Needless to say, it is worth to invest in a good quality as it is an everyday bag. You do want something that won’t fall apart after a few uses, don’t you?
When to Wear an Oversized Bag:
In a nutshell, anywhere casually, from the park to the doctor’s office. However, I would not wear an oversized bag as an evening bag as it is more casual than anything else. If you want dressy, then small is a better option.
4. A Tote Bag
Of all four, this one is the least expensive option and, obviously, the most casual, too. It is extremely comfy and handy as it can fit and carry around quite a lot of your essentials. Plus, it comes in charming paintings, fun patterns, or adorable sayings, too!
When to Wear a Tote Bag:
Get your hands on a Tote bag anytime you can and wear it to carry your books, groceries, even your picnic lunch! It is also a great bag to mix up your look on a casual day. You can also have a structured Tote bag for a more polished look.
Now that you got yourself the four essential types of bags let’s go a bit further and deeper. Here is how you can get the most out of every bag so that you style your outfits the best possible way.
Styling & Shopping Tips on Women’s Purses/Handbags
Choose the wrong handbag and there is no faster way to break your look for sure. Sporting the wrong bag will only draw attention to the areas you’d rather not and make you look either smaller or bigger in a totally unflattering way. It may even ruin your signature image completely. To avoid disaster, here are some pointers to purchasing a handbag so that you are always sure you have an eye-popping bag collection that complements your personal style perfectly!
Besides the four bags mentioned before, your wardrobe will be complete if you add simple, yet timeless styles, such as a:
• Hobo bag (like with a Tote bag-classic everyday bag style that follow you from day to evening).
• Messenger Bag
• Leather Travel Bag (dark neutral colors, such as black).
• Laptop Bag
• Evening Bag in light and dark neutrals (i.e. cream or black) for special occasions.
These should cover all your major daily activities. Once you have secured these staples, there is nothing stopping you from going wild on trendier purses (or even luggage-here are the hottest 2015 handbag trends)!
Always Have a Quality Bag per Daily Activity
So, we are a lot of things and do a whole lot of stuff every day, from dealing with family life and kids to working 8 hours, travelling, partying, enjoying casual evenings with friends, and so on. The secret to kick-ass appearances is to secure a quality bag (at least one) for each activity during the day in neutral colors, such as white (or cream), black, navy blue, and brown. Versatility, in this case, is oh-so-chic! Having quality bags in neutral tones allows you to match them with everything you have in your wardrobe without hesitating regarding whether the style and colors clash with your outfits.
Quick Tip: If you want to invest your money on quality handbags, you need to make sure they will back up your style perfectly. This means that if you are, for example, an office worker, durable Tote bags are an excellent option and will endure your lifestyle for many years, guaranteed!
Coming up next “What Handbag Style to Choose According to your Body Shape and The Best Handbags to Wear to a Wedding and the Office”!
