Choosing The Right Bag

Did you know that a handbag can flatter your shape almost as much as the right pair of jeans? Choosing the right handbag can flatter your figure and give you a stylish look whatever your size.

They key to choosing the right handbag for you is buying a bag that’s the opposite to your body shape. If you’re lucky enough to be one of those tall, thin ‘eat anything you want’ and never but on a pound girls (I hate you already) then look for a slouchy, rounded hobo style bag to compliment your figure.

If you’re short and voluptuous, then choose a longer/taller more structured bag, this will give the illusion of making you appear longer and taller. In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag needs to be.

Some popular handbag shapes:

Tote Bag – Open-top bag with straps or handles, great for shopping.
Hobo Bag – Crescent-shaped shoulder bag, looks good on the tall and thin.
Clutch Bag – Small, handheld bag which looks good on anyone.
Satchel Bag – Large handheld bag, a great option for fashion conscious business types.
Messenger Bag – Large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
Kelly bag - A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large structured handbag.

Size Is Important!

While the shape of a bag should oppose your body type, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. Think scale here ladies: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a tiny bag. A size zero waif would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag.

A shoulder bag’s length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near. For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag). So don’t pick a bag that accentuates your worst features. Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.