Are you looking to change your handbag but wondering which style best matches your tastes and wardrobe? Do you need advice on how to choose the perfect colour or material? Perhaps you're looking for tips on how to organize your bags?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I believe that the handbag is an essential part of any outfit and should be selected with care to perfectly match the rest of what you’re wearing while also catering to your needs.
This is why I decided to dedicate this comprehensive guide to this essential accessory, so that it will hold no secrets for you!
When choosing a handbag, it’s important that it fits both your lifestyle (size, usage, etc.) and your personal style. If you prefer a bohemian look, go for a colourful fabric or leather bag with a shoulder strap. Are you more of a rock 'n' roll type? A black leather bag with metallic details will perfectly complement your style. Lastly, if you're looking for a classic design, be sure to choose a colour that matches the tones you wear most often (neutrals, warm, cool), along with an elegant shape and durable material. If you own several bags, be sure to store them neatly so that you can easily select the one that goes best with your outfit.
Want to know more details? Keep reading to discover:
- How to choose a handbag that is both practical and stylish,
- Tips for selecting a material and a colour that will complement your wardrobe,
- How to identify a high-quality handbag,
- Practical and aesthetic storage ideas,
- And many more tips to help you find the handbag of your dreams!
What type of handbag should you buy?
Both stylish and practical, a handbag is an essential everyday accessory. To stay on-trend while carrying all your belongings, it should be chosen with care. 😉
Based on Your Lifestyle
To determine what type of bag to take, it’s important to first consider the practical aspects related to this item. Here are some questions that can help guide your decision:
🔸 What do you need to include?
If you need to carry a computer, documents, or other bulky items in your bag, make sure to choose a suitable size.
🔸 Do you often place it on the ground? Is it frequently exposed to the elements?
If that's the case, consider choosing a material that doesn't deteriorate and isn't too susceptible to moisture stains. Fabric bags are not ideal, as they readily absorb moisture, while leather requires a lot of maintenance in these conditions. Therefore, synthetic materials are the better choice.
🔸 Do you often take public transit?
In this case, your bag should not be too bulky so it doesn't get in your way. It's also important that it closes well to protect you from theft. There are even bags reinforced at the bottom or with hidden pockets that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Based on Your Style
Do you have a unique style that defines you and inspires you every day? Or perhaps you prefer certain trends over others? Don't hesitate to trust your preferences when selecting your handbag:
- Prefer a rock vibe with dark colours? Choose a leather handbag in black or a dark hue, featuring metallic details (studs, buttons, zippers).
- Classic and elegant? In that case, you can opt for leather or a smooth synthetic material. A structured handbag that stands upright will be perfect for adding a chic touch to your outfit.
- Do you love the bohemian chic style and comfortable outfits? A colourful fabric handbag, possibly with a crossbody strap, could quickly become your best ally.
👉 If the bohemian trend resonates with you, be sure to check out our collection of bags on our online store dedicated to this style! You'll find many original designs there!
Which Material Should You Prefer?
The choice of material for your bag is important, as it will impact its durability, maintenance, and your overall style.
Leather, suede, or nubuck bags are often favoured by many women because they are practical, durable, and very stylish. However, they require maintenance and can be stained irreversibly by ink.
Fabric bags are quite suitable for summer or casual wear, but they are seldom appropriate for a chic outfit.
Certain synthetic materials can be a good alternative:
- Faux leather for those who prefer a vegan-friendly option,
- Vinyl, because it's waterproof,
- Wicker or braided twine to showcase your boho style,
- And even plastic for a fun and vibrant 90s-inspired look!
How to Choose the Colour of Your Handbag?
If you prefer to keep it classic, opt for neutral shades like black, navy blue, gray, or brown. Be cautious with white, as it can get dirty easily, so save it for special occasions.
Natural tones like cream, ecru, or camel are perfect for adding depth to your outfit while keeping it subtle and stylish.
Choosing a colourful handbag is a great way to brighten up your outfit while showcasing a bit of your personality: select one in a colour that complements your wardrobe well. If your wardrobe mainly consists of warm tones, you might want to opt for shades like red or mustard yellow. If you typically wear cool tones, fuchsia pink, green, or vibrant blue could be perfect for you. You can also choose to play with contrasts by doing the opposite!
👉 If you love brightly coloured handbags, try gradually building a small collection. Changing your handbag to match your outfit is a fun way to stay trendy! And if you don't want to hassle with moving all your belongings each time, you can always invest in a pouch that fits your bags, which you can simply swap out with your main bag each time. 😉
Which handbag brand should you choose?
Chanel, Vuitton, Longchamp… there’s no shortage of famous handbag brands! Indeed, new trends emerge on the runways, and if you want to treat yourself to something special, a designer handbag can be a great idea. However, if you prefer to use a handbag daily and switch it up regularly, I recommend having several, not necessarily designer. This way, for instance, you can change your bag while on vacation or match your luggage to your outfit while looking stylish!
Learn About Its Maintenance
When buying a handbag, it's a good idea to do some research on how to care for it. Sometimes, all it takes are a few products to keep it looking great for years!
For example, a smooth leather bag can usually be revived with saddle grease and then waterproofed. For suede and nubuck, there are spray renovators that allow these delicate fabrics to regain their original colour.
Finally, when it comes to fabric bags, make sure to place them in a protective bag or a pillowcase before tossing them in the washing machine to prevent any damage.
How to Organize Your Handbags?
When you start acquiring multiple handbags, organizing them can become quite a challenge! Here are a few tips to help you with this task.
In a Suitable Cabinet
Just like your clothing and other useful items in your home, it is essential that your handbags are easily visible and showcased if you want to switch them out frequently and effortlessly. If you store them in a plastic bin, for example, they won't be easy to sort, may get tangled, and could even develop mould due to humidity and lack of airflow.
I recommend that, if possible, you place them on a piece of furniture:
🔸 Shoulder bags can be hung on hooks, making them easy to store.
🔸 You can organize handbags on shelves by placing a divider between each bag or set of bags, making it easier to distinguish them and preventing them from getting tangled. If you don’t have a divider, cubby shelves are also suitable.
👉 Store your handbags in the same room as your clothing: this will make it easier for you to create matching outfits and try things on!
By sorting them
To easily select your handbag in the morning, it's important to have an effective sorting method. There are several options available; you just need to choose the one that best suits your style, usage, and the number of handbags you own. For instance, you could sort them:
- by colour, to achieve a very aesthetic and practical result, especially if you have a lot of colourful clothing,
- by size, if you need larger volumes for specific occasions,
- by type, if you alternate between a handbag, backpack, clutch, and crossbody bag,
- by frequency of use, highlighting your favourite bags for quick access!
I hope this article has helped you find the handbag that suits you and matches your style! Are you passionate about fashion? Be sure to check out our online women's fashion boutique, where you can find iconic pieces of bohemian fashion, such as long dresses, skirts, and tops…