Would you like to change your handbag, but are unsure which style would suit your preferences and fashion sense? Are you looking for tips on how to choose the perfect colour or material? Or perhaps some tricks for organising your bags?
You’re in the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I believe that the handbag is an integral part of an outfit and should be chosen with care to perfectly match the rest of what you're wearing and fit your needs.
That’s why I’ve decided to dedicate this comprehensive guide to this essential accessory, so that it holds no secrets for you anymore!
To choose a handbag that’s just right for you, it should match both your lifestyle (size, usage, etc.) and your fashion style. If you lean towards a bohemian look, consider a colourful fabric or leather bag with a shoulder strap. Got a rock 'n' roll vibe? A black leather bag with metallic details will be perfect to accentuate your style. If you're after something more classic, make sure to select a colour that complements the tones you wear most often (neutrals, warm, cool), along with an elegant cut and sturdy material. Lastly, if you have multiple bags, don’t hesitate to organise them well so you can easily choose the one that best fits your outfit.
Want 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 will 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, a handbag is an essential everyday accessory. To stay on trend while being able to carry all your belongings, it needs to be chosen carefully. 😉
According to Your Lifestyle
To decide which type of bag to take, the first step is to consider the practical aspects related to this item. Here are a few questions that can guide you in making your choice:
🔸 What do you need to put in it?
If you need to carry a laptop, documents, or other bulky items in your bag, make sure you choose a size that fits.
🔸 Do you often leave 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 doesn’t stain too easily when exposed to moisture. Fabric bags aren’t ideal as they can absorb moisture easily, while leather requires a lot of maintenance in such conditions. Therefore, synthetic materials are the better option.
🔸 Do you often use public transport?
In this case, your bag must not be too bulky so that it doesn't get in your way. It's also important that it closes securely to protect you from theft. There are even bags that have reinforced bottoms or hidden pockets specifically designed for this purpose.
According to Your Style
Do you have a unique fashion style that defines you and inspires you every day? Or perhaps you prefer some trends over others? Feel free to trust your tastes when choosing your handbag:
- Prefer a rock vibe with dark colours? Go for a leather handbag, in black or dark hues, featuring metallic details (studs, buttons, zippers).
- Classic and elegant? In that case, you can choose leather or a smooth synthetic material. A structured handbag that holds its shape will be perfect for adding a touch of chic to your outfit.
- Are you a fan of bohemian chic style and comfortable outfits? A brightly coloured fabric handbag, ideally with a shoulder strap, could quickly become your best ally.
👉 If the bohemian trend resonates with you, feel free to check out our collection of bags on our online shop dedicated to this style! You'll find many unique designs there!
Which material should you choose?
The choice of material for your bag is important, as it will affect its lifespan, maintenance, and your style.
Leather, suede, or nubuck bags are often favoured by many women as they are practical, durable, and quite stylish. However, they do require maintenance and can be stained irreversibly by ink.
Fabric bags are quite suitable for summer or casual wear, but they're seldom appropriate for a smart outfit.
Certain 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 unique 90s look!
How to Choose the Colour of Your Handbag?
If you prefer to keep it classic, opt for neutral shades like black, navy blue, grey, or brown. Be cautious with white, as it tends to get dirty easily, so it's best reserved for special occasions.
Natural tones like cream, ecru, or camel are perfect for adding depth to your outfit while remaining understated and stylish.
Choosing a colourful handbag is a great way to brighten up your outfit while expressing a bit of your personality: opt for a colour that complements your wardrobe. If your wardrobe mainly consists of warm tones, go for shades like red or mustard yellow. If you typically wear cool tones, fuchsia pink, green, or bright blue could work perfectly for you. You can also choose to play with contrasts by doing the opposite!
👉 If you love brightly coloured handbags, consider slowly building a little collection. Switching up your handbag to match your outfit is a fun way to stay stylish! And if you don’t feel like the hassle of moving all your belongings each time, you can always invest in a pouch that fits your bags, which you can simply change out whenever you switch bags. 😉
Which handbag brand should you choose?
Chanel, Vuitton, Longchamp... there’s no shortage of famous handbag brands! It’s on the catwalks that new trends emerge, and if you want to treat yourself to something special, a designer handbag can be a great option. However, if you prefer to use a handbag every day and switch it up regularly, I recommend having a few, not necessarily designer. This way, for instance, you can change your bag while on holiday or match your bag to your outfit while keeping your style on point!
Find out about its maintenance
When you buy a handbag, it's a good idea to do some research on how to care for it. Sometimes, just a few products can help you keep it in good condition for years!
For example, a smooth leather bag can usually be refreshed with saddle grease and then waterproofed. For suede and nubuck, there are spray renovators that help these delicate materials regain their original colour.
Finally, when it comes to fabric bags, don't hesitate to put them in a protective bag or a pillowcase if you're washing them in the machine to prevent any damage.
How to Organise Your Handbags?
As you start accumulating more handbags, finding a way to store them can become quite a challenge! Here are a few tips to help you with this task.
In a Suitable Piece of Furniture
Just like with your clothes 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 stash them in a plastic box, for instance, they won’t be easy to sort through, they may get tangled, and there's even a risk of mould due to humidity and a lack of airflow.
I recommend that you place them on a piece of furniture, if possible:
🔸 Shoulder bags can be hung on hooks, making it convenient to store them.
🔸 You can organise handbags on shelves by placing a divider between each bag or set of bags. This helps to clearly distinguish them and prevents them from getting tangled. If you don’t have a divider, cubby shelves are also a great option.
👉 Store your handbags in the same room as your clothes: this will make it easier for you to create matching outfits and do fittings!
While Sorting Them
To quickly choose your handbag in the morning, it’s important to use an effective sorting method. There are several options available; you just need to pick the one that best suits your preferences, usage, and the number of handbags you own. For instance, you could sort them:
- by colour, to achieve a very attractive and practical result if you have a lot of colourful clothing,
- by size, if you need larger volumes for specific occasions,
- by type, if you switch between handbag, backpack, clutch, and crossbody bag,
- by usage frequency, highlighting your favourite bags for quick and easy 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 find iconic pieces of bohemian fashion, such as long dresses, skirts, and tops…