As accessories go, you can’t get more diverse than the handbag. From clutches to briefcases, backpacks to crossover body bags, you can discover a huge array of styles, colours, patterns, and designs to add to your outfit. But how can you find the perfect handbag for your style?
In this article I’ll share with you my top tips to finding the right handbags to suit your needs, personal style, and lifestyle.
Matching your handbag to your lifestyle
The first important part about shopping for your perfect handbag is to match it to your lifestyle, and how differently the handbag will support your needs throughout the day, week, or month.
Let’s think about being a working mother – your working bag will require space for your laptop, folders, documents and needs to look professional; while when you are picking up the kids, or having family-time over the weekend, your bag needs to hold snacks, drinks, nappies, games and a lot more – without damaging your shoulders!
I understand that lifestyles are hugely varied, but in this article I will share insights from a variety of clients I have worked with in the past, and the handbags I recommended to them based on their needs. You can mix and match the ideas below based on how your lifestyle looks.
Handbags for work
If you are a professional working person, and tend to commute to the office, your bag needs to reflect your needs. I like to recommend to the clients I work with who have to go to work, with commuting to and from the office being a big part of their lives, a large enough shoulder bag to carry their essentials.
The Briefcase
While you can find a classic black leather briefcase style bag with plenty of zip up space for your purse, make-up when you need to do touch ups, as well as large enough for your laptop, stationery, and so on. In the mid-range price, this Aspen Leather Shoulder Workbag by Osprey is perfect, or a designer option could be this Mulberry City briefcase (in black or charcoal).
But if you want to add a little flair to your outfit for work, you can do this through a colourful and enticing briefcase – with all the bells and whistles you need, but a touch of fun. This vegan leather Luca Laptop Bag by Flanella Smith is available in lemon yellow, sage green or navy and is a fab way to bring that colour pop to your classic corporate outfit.
Day bags
If you prefer something a little more casual that will fit all of your work essentials within it, then you could invest in a “day bag”. These bags have more pockets than the briefcase, and perhaps have the hand held and over the shoulder option for a little change up to the outfit. I love this Chloe Medium Edith day bag which feels very 70’s in the styling, whereas this Michael Kors day bag in cream works beautifully for a chic look, with the added bonus of two sections within the bag.
Bags for Mums
Mums need a little more robust, larger bags than those for the work place as we need to be able to bring quite a variety of things with us to locations we are visiting! From snacks to nappies, the bags need to make sure we’re able to quickly take care of our little ones, without losing our personal style along the way.
Large satchels
Satchels are a great option for Mums on the go, as they remain stylish and offer a large amount of pockets, zips, and variety. When you place the satchel as a cross body option, this also helps make sure you’re not leaving all of the weight to your side, and you can easily run after children or pick them up without worrying about your bag falling off your shoulder. The 15 inch Batchel by Cambridge Satchel is available not only in the classic brown leather colour, but also red, black, navy, green, blue and many more – so the world is your oyster when choosing the colours that match your personal style.
This large DKNY satchel with three compartments is a dream for Mums with more than one child, or for going out with kids and the whole family for an event. Pop the snacks in one area, your purse, phone and personal items in another, and then toys in the middle!
Backpacks for Mums
If you need to have both hands free or prefer to have the weight of your bag over both shoulders, you can’t go wrong with a backpack – it’s a classic for a reason. This Aurore backpack by Aruku has a beautiful tiger pattern inside and is a fun, good-sized bag for a Mum – and has the extra bonus of a safe zip section by your back.
However, if you prefer more compartments and organisation in your backpack, look for an option that has multiple zip areas or even separators. This Tiba + Marl Elwood woven backpack not only has 2 front zip-up pockets, but it also comes with a batching purse and internal padded laptop sleeve, two large internal elasticated pockets and a smart phone pocket – the organisation options are endless!
Handbags for special occasions
Now, I’ve talked about the day to day lifestyles we lead, but what about the one-off special occasions or date nights? This is where you can reduce the size of your bag, and up the level of personality!
Clutch bags
Clutch bags are great for evening events and events that you are attending that need minimal extras to take with you. These bags are often just big enough for a phone, your small purse, and maybe a lipstick for when you go to powder your nose. However, what they don’t have in size, they have in a huge array of patterns, fabrics and colours! From animal print zip up clutch bags to pastel clutches with metal accents, or even a glitter rainbow clutch – you’re in for a treat when looking for a clutch bag – but remember, check that it will be the right size for your essentials before investing!
Small crossbody bags
If you need a little more space, and a way to pull in your outer wear as you travel to your event, a crossover body bag is a great option, and also comes in a large range of patterns and colours. While I love my classic black – because it goes with everything, I also occasionally bring a little fun through the colourful collections I have. You can add a little flair to your crossover body bag with changing up the straps – some designers, such as Elie Beaumont – offer this as an addition to your bag, so you transform your outfit in a snap.
You can also play with the way you style your crossover bag and flip it – to just one shoulder! The great thing about the size of most of the crossover body bags in fashion is that they don’t take over the outfit, like this small yet stylish chain mini crossover bag in dusky pink by Tommy Hilfiger, as it has the chain styling for a bit of an edgy look.
Do you love your handbags, or are you just beginning to take an interest in them? I hope some of these options inspire you to invest in this diverse and fun accessory.
If you’re unsure on the best pieces for your lifestyle, whether it’s accessories or your wardrobe, I’d love to help – I offer clients a completely bespoke personal service including personal shopping and style coaching, and I’d love to help you!
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