How to Choose a Handbag that Suits Your Outfit and Physique
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
For most women, handbags are an afterthought. Many ladies spend a lot of time deciding on what outfit and shoes to wear before they even give thought to the kind of handbag they will carry. However, there’s more to handbags than meets the eye. Not only are they a highly functional accessory that you can use to carry your belongings around wherever you go, they are also an extremely trendy and fun addition to your outfits. Furthermore, handbags can accentuate your physique. So, the next time you grab a handbag out of the closet on your way out the door, consider putting more thought into which handbag you use.
Choosing a Handbag that Suits Your Physique
Use a process of elimination when shopping for handbags so you know which styles of handbags definitely won’t look right on you. Generally, the best handbag shapes for your body are ones that contrast your body shape. So, if have a curvacious figure, you’ll want to use a bag with a sleek shape rather than a round, bulky purse, and if you’re tall and thin, you’ll want to avoid purses with geometric shapes and instead opt for round purses that complement your figure.
Furthermore, the handbag you choose should be proportionate to the size of your body. If you’re very tall, wearing a teeny tiny handbag will look silly, just as it would if a gal with a petite figure wore a massive, oversized purse. If you have a petite figure and you need a bag with more space, use a tote style bag or long clutch. If you’re short, you can give yourself a taller appearance by carrying a tote purse with a long shoulder strap.
If you have a large bust, avoid wearing a short handled purse that rests at the armpit because it will bring attention to your bust. Purses with long straps are a better choice for busty women who want to avoid accentuating their busts, which probably already get enough unwanted attention anyway. If you want to bring attention to your shapely waist, wear a purse that has a long shoulder strap and sits at your waist.
Handbag Fashion Tips
When shopping for handbags, only purchase handbags in timeless styles. Unlike shirts, pants, and other articles of clothing in your wardrobe, you probably won’t accumulate dozens of handbags. Two or three handbags is usually enough. So, make sure to select handbag styles that will go with a variety of outfits and combine well with your day-to-day essentials.
Choose a handbag that goes with your wallet, watch, belt, shoes, or other accessories when putting an outfit together. You can also wear a handbag with fasteners and other hardware that matches your jewelery. Traditionally, women match the primary or secondary color of their top, bottom, or dress with their handbag.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try carrying a handbag made of animal print fabric. Animal prints offer a timeless look that’s hear to stay, whether you choose a handbag with zebra, leopard, tiger, or reptile skin print. Animal print handbags enable you to reveal your wild side to others and serve as a fun accessory that goes very well with a variety of outfits.
If you love the elegant look of a clutch but can’t stand how a traditional clutch barely holds more than your keys and a wad of cash, then you’ll love the look and feel of an oversized clutch. Oversized clutches are a mainstay on the red carpet. Celebrities and commoners alike love oversized clutches because they fit all of your essentials while maintaining the elegant, minimalist look of traditional clutches.
If you want to keep older trends alive, consider carrying a retro style handbag made of patent leather or metro print. An easy way to add a splash of color to your outfit and make a bold fashion statement is to carry a brightly colored handbag. Bright, solid colors and bright prints can really tie an outfit together, especially if your outfit is slightly dull and needs a hint of pizzazz.
