How to wear accessories Part 3 – Handbags

All about Handbags…

If you are a handbag obsessive you probably create looks around your favourite pieces already so you will love all the attention being on your most prized accessory.

How to choose a handbag…

Key look: The Satchel

There are a few things to consider when choosing a handbag.  If you choose carefully you’ll enhance you’re whole outfit and cleverly balance your figure. Whichever style your opt for, it’s best to make sure that the bag balances and compliments your entire outfit and look.

Questions to ask before you part with your cash…

How am I going to wear this?  On my shoulder?  In the crook of my arm? Or across my body?  Handbags can get pretty heavy, which is why it’s important to pay attention to how you are carrying it.

If I’m wearing it on my shoulder, is the strap long enough or too short? Remember that the position of the bag will draw interest to that part of your body.  For example:

If you’re ‘Pear’ or ‘Triangle’ shaped:  If the strap is  too long the bag will sit too low on your hips making your silhouette look more bottom heavy – not a great look!  Try adjusting the strap so that the bag sits on the slimmest part of your body – usually the waist or just under the arm making your upper body balance with your lower half

Key Colour: Camel

If you’re a ‘Inverted Triangle’ shape or you’ve  got a full bust, then wearing a bag right under your arm will broaden your bust and widen your upper body, so adjust the strap and move the bag down slightly away from your bust area. This will have the effect of narrowing your upper body and balancing out your proportions.

Does the bag balance my scale?

It’s crucial to consider your own scale and proportions before selecting a bag.  Be careful that the bag doesn’t overwhelm your entire look .

For instance:  If you’re petite and very slim, you would be better suited to a bag that is not too large, but if you’re very tall with a grande frame a teeny-weeny bag will look plain silly – you’ll look more balanced with a larger bag.

Where am I going to wear this bag?  Does it suit the occasion and compliment my outfit?

Types of handbag…

Bold handbags

If you’re a bit ‘dramatic’ or ‘creative’ you probably love bags with a bit of the ‘wow’ factor.  Choose bags with animal prints, sequins or fringes in bold exciting colours.  It’s best to team these bags with more neutral outfits so that the bag remains the focus of your look.  Unless you have a really ‘creative’ personality, it’s best to avoid teaming up a patterned bag with a patterned outfit.

Clutch bags

Clutch bag are really impractical for day-to-day.  Let’s face it, you can’t put much in them, can you?  However, they can certainly add an air of sophistication to your evening ensemble and look very pretty teamed with a gorgeous gown or cocktail dress.  Clutch bags are also very practical at weddings and parties when you’re only carrying a ‘lippy’, a small purse, keys and phone.  And they are can be really pretty with embellished and beautiful exteriors.  ‘Romantic’ types will love all the details!  ‘Classics’ will love these for formal events but all the ‘naturals’ out there will probably find a clutch a bit of a nuisance!clutch is a versatile piece that denotes a sophisticated air.

Vintage handbags

Trend: Ladylike bags

Vintage bags will always be fashionable providing that you know how to wear them.  When experimenting with a bit of ‘vintage’ chic, it’s best to balance the look and keep it looking modern by mixing it with a few contemporary pieces from your wardrobe.  Otherwise, you’ll look like someone straight out of an old black and white movie!  This season, the ladylike bag can be worn with a cute skirt and cardigan combo or at the weekend try wearing it with a pair of jeans, a simple T and a great jacket.

Super large handbags

A really enormous handbag is the perfect choice for a casual, everyday look. Most ‘natural’ types will love these bags  as they can put everything in them!  However, do be careful that it’s not TOO big for you, or you’ll end up looking a bit unbalanced and scruffy.  On the whole these bags look better in colourful shades and with softer, lighter fabrics.

This season’s key looks:

This season it’s been all about camel and satchels.  So if you’re still looking for a new bag, then this is the style to go for.  ‘City Chic’ types probably wouldn’t associate them with their usual simple, elegant style, but they can look very stylish teamed up with jeans or even with a maxi dress.  ‘Naturals’ will love this look as it’s so practical and easy to wear.

Fun for Christmas - A red bag!

Finally, a word about ‘matchy-matchy’.  I know that the ‘classics’ will find this a bit tricky, but these days it’s really not necessary to match your handbag to your shoes or outfit.  In fact it looks a lot more modern and fashionable to do precisely the opposite and pick a bag that tones with the whole ensemble.

So that’ it for bags.  Come back next time when I’ll be writing about scarves and pashminas.

Have fun with your ‘arm candy’…

All the best

Isabelx