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Womens Handbags Buying Advice

"How to Select and Wear a Bag for Your Personal Style"

Image via Urban Outfitters

Womens handbags buying tips and fashion advice, that's what you'll find here on this page. As much as it's important to wear bags to look good and freshen up your outfits, it's important to pick the ones that suit your body shape and style. Because you never know, the wrong womens bags can add some unexpected pounds to areas you're self-conscious about.

Womens bags range from the small cross body bag to bigger leather shoulder bags, let's take a look at some vital points on how to choose the right one for your body shape, wardrobe and personal style!

Let's start!

What Type of Womens Bags Do You Really Need?

If you find yourself having difficulties matching your bags with your clothes or buy whatever bag that strike your taste, then you definitely need to pay attention to what I'm about to say..

It's easy to fall inlove with good-looking womens bags but you need to be realistic or else you might be losing valuable money that you could've spent on other clothes that your wardrobe really needs.

Ask yourself: "Do I really, reeaaally need it?" Also try imagining how many outfits you can pair it with.

Now for versatility, you might want to secure a couple of handbags in neutral colors like black, brown and white/cream. These colors go with absolutely everything!

Versatile neutral colored womens handbags

Versatile Womens Handbags from Baghaus and eBags

Fashion handbags in neutrals such as black, brown and white are a very chic and versatile and you can find them in all kinds of styles. Look for details like buckles, studs, pockets, fabric texture and other embellishments.

And of course, you might want to choose bags that suit your lifestyle to make sure you'll be using them, and not keeping them as decoration in a dusty corner because 'you've never had the opportunity to carry it'.

So the next time you're looking for a handbag or are at the brink of paying for a bag, ask yourself these questions:

Do I need it as an accessory or for practical use?
How often will I be using the bag?
Where do I intend to use it?

If you need the bag as an accessory -- something that can spice up your party outfit -- then you should pick:

1. Smaller sizes -- to avoid distracting your overall look
2. Details that set it apart from the ordinary -- something trendy and eyecatching.

However, if you need a bag for practicality -- carrying your things, which you need for work or school -- then you should go for:

Bigger sizes -- with enough space to fill with books, ringbinders, makeup etc.
Supple -- something that moves and bends with ease
Simple -- that means avoid anything flashy. A bag for practicality and everyday use should be simple-designed.

Will it Suit Your Style?

One of the most important things when it comes to selecting fashion handbags is matching them to your personal style. Here are a couple of examples:

For example if you prefer a sporty style - pick a simple messenger bag or a sports labeled satchel bag (eg. Puma, Nike).

Sporty Satchel Handbag from Bagsbuy

If you are more into a bohemian style - it should be larger, made of original material like real leather or suede. Perhaps a bit slouchy and vintagey.

dark brown hobo womens handbag

Brown Slouch Hobo Handbag from Baghaus

If you're elegant you might want to choose middle-sized neutral colored leather bags. Preferably tailored in design.

Black classy tailored womens handbag

Tailored Handbag from eBags

Select a handbag that creates a 'trademark' of YOUR style!

What If the Fashion Handbags Suited for My Style Aren't "in"?

That's why I always recommend securing simple-looking, handbags in neutral and solid colors. These bags will go with all kinds of color combos and styles!

But of course, if you're a bag-lover and want to be up-to-date, you should purchase at least two new trendy bags each year -- for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons.

It doesn't matter if a bag is in or not, what's most important is that it enhances your personal style as well flatter your body shape. The trick is to combine it with other garments that are 'in season' to kind of refresh the 'outdated' bag!

What About Designer Knock-offs?

That's a big no-no. Avoid them as they can only get you into trouble. I'm not sure if you've heard about this on the news:

A teenage boy was vacationing in France when he was stopped by the police because they saw him wearing a fake Rolex watch that was clearly a replica. He received a pretty hefty fine for wearing a replica!

So if you're broke but you really, REALLY want a Chanel bag. Then try a Chanel-inspired (not fake, or so-called replica) bag. You can also find a lot of discount designer bags on the net at much affordable prices.

Will it Suit Your Body Shape?

Have you ever thought that the shape and length of your evening bag can affect your silhouette? Yup, as with any piece of clothing or accessory it can either take pounds of your shape or add to it, depending on its size, shape and where it falls. So if you have any sensitive trouble-spots give some extra thought into what type of bag or purse you're buying.

Generally, if you want to add volume and width to your frame, choose a wide and detailed handbag. Do the opposite if you want to slim down your shape.

Also, pay attention to where the bag falls. It can draw attention to parts of your body you don't or do like!

Confused? Click here for more tips on how to dress according to your body shape.

To give you a general idea, take a look at this:

If You Have...

	Full/Wide Upper Half Pick bags that add weight to your lower body. So choose a handbag with a long thin strap finishing off around your midsection or longer. Examples: Cross body bags, messenger bags. If you an inverted triangle shape click here for more advice and tips If you have an apple body shape click here for more fashion advice
	Full/Wide Hips and Legs Pick bags that visually add volume around your upper body part. So opt for a handbag that finishes off around your upper bust and midsection. Examples: Leather shoulder bags at mid-section length, longer bags but with narrow bodies. If you have a pear body shape or anything similar (heavy bottom than the rest of your body) click here for more advice
	Full/Curvy/Plus-size Figure Go for the biggest bags you can get, preferably solid-colored and simple-designed. Carrying small bags will only emphasize your full shape. Examples: Oversized handbags, big leather tote bags. If you have an apple body shape click here for more advice More fashion tips for plus size women
	Skinny or/and Straight Figure Add volume and dimensions to your frame but if you're skinny avoid overdoing it with really oversized bags as they'll only make your frame obviously smaller. So choose broad and unstructured handbags with details like tassles, fringes, straps, studs, etc. Think slouch and hobo. Examples: Oversized bags for straight figures, studded motorcycle bags, metallic and shiny patent materials, cross body bags at hip length to create curves. If you have a rectangle shape click here for more tips
	Short/Petite Frame Carry a bag with a long strap to create a long, lean line on your frame. Do pick a bag with a vertical long bag-shape. Avoid really large bags with lots of details. Rather pick bags in simple, tailored designs. Examples: Bags with narrow bodies, details that run at a vertical line. Note: If you're short and curvy then solid, dark colored, big bags will flatter your figure. More tips on how to dress your petite figure