You would like to change your handbag, but you’re unsure which style to choose that suits your tastes and wardrobe? Are you looking for advice on how to select the perfect colour or material? Tips for organising your bags?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I believe that a handbag is an integral part of an outfit and should be chosen carefully to perfectly complement the rest of your attire and meet your needs.
That’s why I have decided to dedicate this comprehensive guide to this essential accessory, so that it holds no secrets for you anymore!
To choose the right handbag, it must suit both your lifestyle (size, usage, etc.) and your fashion style. If you have a bohemian vibe, consider opting for a fabric or brightly coloured leather bag with a shoulder strap. Are you more of a rock 'n' roll type? A black leather bag with metallic details will be perfect to highlight your look. If you prefer a classic model, make sure to select a colour that matches the tones you wear most often (neutrals, warm, cool), along with an elegant shape and sturdy material. Lastly, if you own several bags, don’t hesitate to organise them well so that you can easily choose the one that best complements your outfit.
Would you like more details? Continue reading to find out:
- How to choose a handbag that is both practical and stylish,
- Tips for selecting a material and colour that will complement your wardrobe,
- How to identify a quality handbag,
- Practical and aesthetically pleasing storage ideas,
- And plenty of other tips 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 everyday accessory. To stay on-trend while being able to carry all your belongings, it should be chosen carefully. 😉
Depending on Your Lifestyle
To determine what type of bag to take, it's essential to first consider the practical aspects related to this item. Here are a few questions that can guide you in your choice:
🔸 What do you need to include?
If you need to carry a laptop, documents, or other bulky items in your bag, choose a suitable size.
🔸 Do you often place it on the ground? Is it frequently exposed to the elements?
If this is the case, consider choosing a material that is resistant to damage and does not stain easily from moisture. Fabric bags are not ideal as they easily absorb moisture, while leather requires a lot of upkeep in such conditions. Therefore, synthetic materials are to be preferred.
🔸 Do you often use public transport?
In this case, your bag should not be too bulky so that it doesn't get in your way. It is also important that it closes securely to protect you from theft. There are even bags reinforced at the bottom or with hidden pockets that are specifically designed for this purpose.
According to Your Style
Do you have a distinctive style that defines you and inspires you every day? Or do you perhaps favour certain trends over others? Don't hesitate to trust your tastes when selecting your handbag:
- Prefer a rock vibe with dark colours? Go for a leather handbag in black or a deep shade, featuring metallic details (studs, buttons, zips).
- Classic and elegant? In that case, you might choose leather or a smooth synthetic material. A handbag with a structured design will be perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
- Do you love the boho chic style and comfortable attire? A fabric handbag, preferably colourful and possibly with a shoulder strap, could quickly become your best companion.
👉 If the bohemian trend suits you, don’t hesitate to take a look at our collection of bags on our online shop dedicated to this style! You’ll find many original designs there!
Which material should you prioritise?
The choice of material for your bag is important, as it will affect its durability, maintenance, and your overall style.
Leather, suede, and nubuck bags are often favoured by many women as they are practical, durable, and very attractive. However, they require proper care and can be permanently stained by ink.
Fabric bags are quite suitable for summer or for casual wear, but they are rarely appropriate for a smart outfit.
Some synthetic materials can be a good alternative:
- Faux leather, for those who prefer a vegan product,
- Vinyl, as it is waterproof,
- Wicker or woven string, to highlight your boho side,
- And even plastic, for a vibrant and original 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 easily shows dirt and should therefore be reserved for special occasions.
Natural tones such as cream, ecru, or camel will be perfect for adding depth to your outfit while remaining subtle and elegant.
Choosing a colourful handbag is a great way to brighten up your outfit while also showcasing a bit of your personality: opt for one in a colour that complements your wardrobe. If your wardrobe primarily consists of warm tones, consider shades like red or mustard yellow. If you tend to wear cool tones, fuchsia pink, green, or vibrant blue could be perfect for you. Alternatively, you might choose to play with contrasts by going for the opposite!
👉 If you enjoy brightly coloured handbags, try gradually building up a little collection. Changing your handbag to match your outfit is a fun way to stay stylish! And if you don’t fancy the hassle of transferring all your belongings each time, you can always invest in a pouch that fits inside your bags, which you can simply switch between bags as needed. 😉
Which handbag brand should you choose?
Chanel, Vuitton, Longchamp… there is no shortage of famous handbag brands! It’s true that new trends emerge on the catwalks, and if you want to treat yourself to something special, a designer handbag can be a great choice. However, if you prefer to carry a handbag daily and change it up often, I would recommend having several, not necessarily from designer brands. This way, for example, you can switch bags while on holiday or coordinate your luggage with your outfit while still looking stylish!
Learn About Its Care
When purchasing a handbag, it's worth doing a bit of research on how to care for 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 with some saddle grease, followed by waterproofing. For suede and nubuck, there are spray renovators that help these delicate fabrics regain their original colour.
Finally, regarding fabric bags, feel free 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 to accumulate multiple handbags, organising them can become quite a challenge! Here are some tips to help you with this task.
In a Suitable Piece of Furniture
Just like with clothing and other useful items in your home, it's essential that your handbags are all visible and showcased if you want to be able to change them often and easily. If you place them in a plastic box, for example, they won't be easy to sort, may get tangled up, and could even develop mould due to dampness 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 store handbags on shelves by placing a separator between each bag or set of bags, which will help distinguish them clearly and prevent them from getting tangled. If you don’t have a separator, cubby shelves are also suitable.
👉 Store your handbags in the same room as your clothes: this will make it easier for you to create coordinated outfits and try them on!
By sorting them
To be able to choose your handbag at a glance in the morning, it’s important to adopt an effective sorting method. There are several options available; you just need to select the one that best suits your preferences, your lifestyle, and the number of handbags you own. For instance, you could organise them:
- by colour, to achieve a very attractive and practical result if you wear a lot of colourful clothing,
- by size, if you need large volumes for specific occasions,
- by type, if you alternate between a handbag, backpack, clutch, and shoulder bag,
- by frequency of use, showcasing your favourite bags for quick access!
I hope this article has helped you to find the handbag that suits you and matches your style! Are you passionate about fashion? Check out our online women's fashion store, where you can discover iconic pieces of bohemian fashion, such as long dresses, skirts, and tops…