Handbags are like shoes – you can never have too many. But is there a handbag that is right for your body type? Surprisingly, the answer is yes! According to yourbagparadise.com’s article, “Choose the Best Women’s Purse That Fits You,” “[T]he handbags that you carry can essentially add on or lessen the weight that you appear to carry.” When shopping for a new handbag, there are three basic considerations: size, shape and style.
First, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. That is, your handbag should complement your body type rather than contrast it. If you are petite, “[a]void oversized bags that can make you look childish, and reach for smaller and medium-sized bags that won’t look out of place,” says ehow.com, in their article, “How to Pick a Handbag for Your Body Type.” If you are voluptuous beware of oversized bags that add bulk and tiny handbags that make you appear larger in comparison. The same goes for a tiny bag on an extremely tall person.
When it comes to shape, pick a handbag that is the opposite of your body type. If you are a full-figured woman pick a handbag that is slim and long to appear leaner. Tall slender women can get away with many different handbag styles, but try a round or square handbag if want to look a little more fleshed out and shorter. Women who are shorter and rounder but want to look thinner and taller should opt for a bag with a slim, long shape will help to give this illusion. “The idea behind this” says Regina Paul, author of, “How to Choose a Handbag That’s Right for You,” “is to make your body shape appear as you want it to.”
When determining what style of a handbag to choose, pay closest attention to where the handbag rests on your body. Keep in mind that the part of your body where the bottom of the bag falls will be accentuated. Generally, most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist. However, ladies who would rather accentuate their cleavage should choose handbags that fit right under the arm at breast level. On the other hand, those that want to de-emphasize their cleavage should choose a handbag with long straps, like a messenger bag. Finally, women who are self-conscious of their hips should opt for a shoulder bag that ends well above the hip line.
While a purse is merely an accessory, wearing the incorrect size, shape or style can really affect the way you look. Luckily, there is a flattering bag out there for everyone. Whether you’re petite or tall, skinny or full-figured, etc., find a bag that helps balance you out and pulls together your outfit. In the end, what is most important is buying a handbag that works for you and makes you feel good.
Right now SYMS has a wide variety of reasonably-priced, designer handbags. Some of our handbags include: a large white, tan and taupe or black and white hobo with leather weaving and silver-tone hardware by Rampage — retail price $98.00, SYMS price $59.00; a medium size, taupe east-west satchel with stud detail and silver-tone hardware by Nine West — retail price $72.00, SYMS price $29.99; a small chocolate north-south shoulder bag with gold-tone hardware by Kate Spade — retail price $295.00, SYMS price $159.00; and a black, east-west shoulder bag with gold-tone hardware and chain detailing by Rampage — retail price $78.00, SYMS price $49.99.
