Shopping for the Right Bag
Did you know that the right using a bag in proportion to your figure can make you looking slimmer? Read on to find out more.
Shapes
Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type. If you are tall and thin, look for a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to compliment your figure. If you’re short and voluptuous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch).
In general, the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag should be, rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick.
Some popular shapes:
Baguette – Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.
Cigar Box – A small, boxy, hard bag.
Clutch – A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm.
Duffle – Tall shoulder bag, often with a wider opening on top.
Field bag – A flap-top shoulder bag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).
Hobo bag – A crescent-shaped shoulder bag.
Kelly bag – A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures.
Messenger – A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
Pouch – A soft, small bag.
Satchel- A large, handheld bag.
Tote – An open-top bag with straps or handles.
Scale
While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. Think scale here: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held bag. A petite size 0 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). Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.
Tips
Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.
Don’t be tempted by trendy shapes that don’t suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.
Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags, if you have kids and have to chuck thing in often be sure to buy a bag that can hold your extras.
A bag should have a place for your mobile, lipsticks, hair brush and all the little extras we carry with us.
