Are you looking to switch up your handbag, but wondering which style would suit your tastes and wardrobe? Do you need some tips on how to choose the perfect colour or material? Or maybe some tricks for organising your bags?
You're in the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I believe that a handbag is an essential part of any outfit and should be chosen carefully to perfectly match the rest of your ensemble while also catering to your needs.
That’s why I’ve decided to dedicate this comprehensive guide to this essential accessory, so that you’ll have no secrets left about it!
To choose the right handbag, it should match both your lifestyle (size, use, etc.) and your fashion style. If you prefer a bohemian look, go for a canvas or colourful leather bag with a shoulder strap. Do you have a rock 'n' roll vibe? A black leather bag with metallic details will be perfect to enhance your outfit. Finally, if you're looking for a classic model, make sure to choose a colour that complements the tones you wear most often (neutrals, warm, cool), along with an elegant cut and a sturdy material. If you have several bags, don't hesitate to organise them well so you can easily pick the one that best suits your outfit.
Would you like more details? Keep reading to find out:
- How to choose a handbag that is both practical and stylish,
- Tips for selecting a material and a colour that match your wardrobe,
- How to identify a quality handbag,
- Practical and aesthetic storage ideas,
- And plenty of other advice to help you find the handbag of your dreams!
What type of handbag should you buy?
Both stylish and practical, the handbag is an essential accessory for everyday life. To keep up with the latest trends while still being able to carry all your belongings, it should be selected with care. 😉
Depending on Your Lifestyle
To decide what type of bag to take, it's important to first consider the practical aspects of the item. Here are a few questions that can guide you in making your choice:
🔸 What do you need to put inside?
If you need to carry a laptop, documents, or other bulky items in your bag, make sure to choose a suitable size.
🔸 Do you often leave it on the ground? Is it regularly exposed to the elements?
If that's the case, consider choosing a material that doesn't get damaged and doesn't stain easily with moisture. Fabric bags aren't ideal as they easily absorb moisture, while leather requires a lot of maintenance in these conditions. Therefore, synthetic materials are the better option.
🔸 Do you often use public transport?
In this case, your bag should not be too bulky so it doesn't hinder you. It’s also important that it closes securely to protect you from theft. There are even bags that are reinforced at the bottom or have hidden pockets that are specifically designed for this purpose.
According to Your Style
Do you have a unique sense of style that defines you and inspires you every day? Or perhaps you have certain trends you prefer over others? Don't hesitate to trust your taste when selecting your handbag:
- Prefer a rock look with dark colours? Go for a leather handbag in black or dark shades, featuring metallic details (studs, buttons, zips).
- Want something classic and elegant? In that case, you can opt for leather or a smooth synthetic material. A handbag with a structured shape will be ideal for adding a touch of chic to your outfit.
- Are you a fan of the bohemian chic style and comfortable outfits? A colourful fabric handbag, possibly with a shoulder strap, could quickly become your best companion.
👉 If the bohemian style resonates with you, don't hesitate to check out our collection of bags on our online shop dedicated to this style! You'll find plenty of unique designs there!
Which material should you favour?
The choice of material for your bag is important, as it will affect its longevity, 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 do require maintenance and can be permanently stained by ink.
Fabric bags are great for summer or casual outings, but they're not often suitable for a smart outfit.
Some synthetic materials can be a good alternative:
- Pleather, for those who prefer a vegan option,
- Vinyl, as it's waterproof,
- Wicker or braided string, to highlight your boho vibes,
- And even plastic, for a colourful and funky 90s look!
How to Choose the Colour of Your Handbag?
If you prefer to keep it classic, go for neutral shades like black, navy blue, grey, or brown. Be cautious with white, as it can easily show dirt and is best reserved for special occasions.
Natural tones like cream, ecru, or camel are perfect for adding some depth to your outfit while keeping things understated and elegant.
Choosing a colourful handbag is a great way to brighten up your outfit while showcasing a bit of your personality: pick one in a colour that complements your wardrobe. If your wardrobe mainly consists of warm tones, opt for shades like red or mustard yellow. If you tend to wear cool tones, fuchsia pink, green, or bright blue would suit you well. Alternatively, you can have fun with contrasts by going for the opposite hues!
👉 If you love bright-coloured handbags, why not start building a small collection bit by bit? Switching your handbag to match your outfit is a fun way to stay trendy! And if you don't fancy the hassle of transferring all your belongings each time, you could always invest in a pouch that fits inside your bags, so you can easily switch bags whenever you want. 😉
Which handbag brand to choose?
Chanel, Vuitton, Longchamp… there’s no shortage of famous handbag brands! It’s on the catwalks where new trends emerge, and if you're looking to treat yourself to something special, a designer handbag could be a great choice. However, if you prefer to carry a handbag every day and switch them up regularly, I’d recommend having a few, not necessarily from high-end brands. This way, for example, you can change your bag while on holiday or coordinate your luggage with your outfit, all while looking stylish!
Find Out About Its Care
When you're buying a handbag, it's a good idea to do a bit of research on how to take care of it. Sometimes, just a few products are all you need to keep it looking great for years to come!
For example, a smooth leather bag can usually be restored using saddle soap, followed by waterproofing. For suede and nubuck, there are spray renovators that help these delicate fabrics regain their original colour.
Finally, when it comes to fabric bags, don’t hesitate to place them in a protective bag or a pillowcase if you're putting them in the washing machine to prevent any damage.
How to Organise Your Handbags?
When you start accumulating several handbags, storing them can turn into a real challenge! Here are a few tips to help you with this task.
In a Suitable Piece of Furniture
Just like your clothes and other useful items in your home, it's important that your handbags are all visible and displayed nicely if you want to be able to switch between them easily and often. If you store them in a plastic box, for instance, it will be difficult to sort through them, they might get tangled, and they could even develop mould due to humidity and lack of airflow.
I recommend, if possible, to put them on a shelf or piece of furniture:
🔸 Shoulder bags can be hung on hooks, making them easy to store.
🔸 You can organise handbags on shelves by placing a divider between each bag or set of bags, so you can easily differentiate them and prevent them from getting tangled. If you don't have a divider, cubby shelves are also a great option.
👉 Keep your handbags in the same room as your clothes: it will be much easier for you to put together matching outfits and try them on!
By sorting them
To pick out your handbag at a glance in the morning, it's important to use an effective sorting method. There are several options available; you just need to choose the one that best suits your preferences, your lifestyle, and the number of handbags you own. For instance, you could sort them:
- by colour, so you can achieve a very aesthetic and practical result, especially if you have a lot of colourful clothes,
- by size, if you need larger volumes for certain specific occasions,
- by type, if you switch between a handbag, backpack, clutch, and crossbody bag,
- by frequency of use, highlighting your favourite bags so you can find them quickly!
I hope this article has helped you to find the handbag that suits you and matches your style! Are you a fashion enthusiast? Be sure to check out our online women's fashion store, where you'll find iconic pieces from bohemian fashion, including long dresses, skirts, and tops…