Did you know the kind of handbag you carry can make a difference to your appearance? Although handbags are accessories and not clothes, they affect how you look to a great extent. This is why it is important to keep your body type in mind when shopping for handbags.
A handbag that is just right for you
Depending on your body type, different types of handbags will suit you and accentuate your strong points.
- Tall and slim – Big slouchy bags suit you best, although this body type that can carry off a lot of different styles except very small bags. They will make you look disproportionately tall.
- Short and heavy – The best kind of bags for this type are tall and angular bags or sleek clutches that will balance out your height and curves to make you look taller.
- Curvy – You can carry medium-sized angular bags that end just above your waist. These will flatter your body type the best.
- Petite – Small tall bags work well for this type as they will sit well with your small frame without making you look too small.
- Top heavy – You should ideally go for large bags that end near your hips. This helps take attention away from your bust and balances out your appearance.
- Plus size – Go for medium to large bags with longer straps. Basically, the bag should be proportionate to your body and not look too small as that will steer attention towards your figure.
These are merely tips and not something you should strictly stick to. Ideally, you should spend some time in front of a mirror with the bag you like to see if it goes with your body and makes you look good.
Handbag dictionary to help you choose
- Here is a small list of the basic types of handbag names and shapes to help you with your bag shopping.
- Tote, satchel – these are open top hand-held bags with short or medium length handles
- Messenger, baguette, duffel, hobo – these are shoulder bags that may be slouchy or a bit structured long/tall
- Clutch, pouch, cigar box – these are very small bags without handles that may be soft or hard and structured
- Cross body, field – these are shoulder bags for those on the go, with long handles, and buckles to hold them closed
- Kelly – these are structured classic handbags named after Grace Kelly
- Keep these handbag basics in mind for your next bag shopping spree!
See more details about the different kinds of handbags and styles on our Handbag Glossary!
