Have you ever tried to buy a handbag on the Internet? It can be quite confusing to select a handbag with thousands of choices and so many different styles. A handbag is certainly an important accessory for any woman, and most fashionable women own more than a few handbags, each for a different occasion or purpose. When you are selecting a handbag, you will also have to consider your personality, figure, outfit, among other factors. Since style is such an elevated attribute, the choice of your handbag reflects your sensibility, and taste. When you look at all those handbags, you are not only looking at the different designs, colours, sizes, materials but also the styles. Here, you will learn about the various styles of designer bags so you can make an informed and inspired selection. 

Choosing the Right Handbag for Your Figure
Before you start looking at the different styles of handbags, it’s important that you look at your own figure. Most people don’t have perfect figures. Whether you are tall or slim or short or round or petite or otherwise, you have strengths as well as weaknesses. The right handbag can be used to enhance your strengths and hide your weakness. On the other hand, the wrong handbag exposes your weaknesses without highlighting your strengths. Of course, you should select you handbag to match your outfit and the occasion but if it doesn’t complement your figure, it’s not right. How do you select the right handbag for your figure?

Have you heard of the phrase “opposites attract”? Well, you should apply this principle when you are selecting a handbag to complement your figure. A rectangular or square shaped handbag will be great for people who are round and short because it helps to create an illusion that they are not as round and short. Conversely, a round shaped handbag will be excellent for people who are slim and tall because it makes them appear fuller. Another important consideration is the proportion of the handbag in relation to your size. Basically, you should not be carrying a tiny clutch if you are very tall and you should not be carrying a large hobo bag if you are petite.
Let’s move on and take a look at the various styles of designer bags. 

Clutch
Characterized by its small size, a clutch is a handbag without a handle, usually rectangular in shape. Clutches are extremely popular in such red-carpet events like the Academy Awards, Cannes Film Festival or other glamorous events. Some people view the clutch as more of a purse but it fits the description of hand bag simply because you can only carry it in your hand. Due to its size, it’s understandable that you can only use it to carry the items which are most essential to you. Whether it’s a sophisticated event or a formal dinner, a clutch will accentuate your evening outfit, adding a touch of elegance to your general appearance. Some of the common materials used to make a clutch are satin, silk, leather or suede, and these classy-looking handbags can also be embellished with sequins, jewels, and other objects. When there’s ever a need for elegance, you will do well to carry a clutch.

Satchel

For carrying bigger items like clothing or books, you can use a satchel. Similar to a doctor’s satchel, this is a large handbag which is characterized by two prominent handles. Though satchels are frequently made of leather, other materials are also used to make these practical handbags. Of course, designers have a way to turn almost anything into something fashionable and you can carry a designer satchel, and turn some heads! Whether you are wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans or office attire, there’s a satchel to fit your needs.

Tote

Ranging from medium to large size, the tote is described as an open-top handbag with shoulder straps. When summer comes along, you will see lots of women carrying their fancy, playful totes which are perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park. Some of the common materials for a tote include jute, cotton or leather. You can match your summer dress with a colourful tote, and you may complete the look with a pair of sunglasses and a hat!

Hobo Bag

Carried by the shoulder, a hobo bag is a large bag which s characterized by the distinctive crescent shape. Ever since celebrities like Renee Zellweger, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie, Siena Miller, Kate Moss, and many others were spotted with their ultra-chic hobo bags, there has been a fervent demand for these cool handbags. To achieve that definitive slouchy look, soft materials are usually used to produce hobo bags. You can use a large hobo bag to carry your clothes and you can use a medium-sized hobo bag to carry all your essentials. If you want to add some spice to your appearance, you can do so with a hobo bag, which is one of the hottest handbag styles in the world.

Sling Bag

Another style of handbag is the sling bag. Quite similar to a messenger bag, the sling bag has a long strap but it can be of various shapes. A rectangular sling bag can be used to carry your mobile, keys, credit cards, and cash. It’s perfect for those occasions where you don’t have to carry a lot of things. If you need to do some travelling, you can use a backpack sling because it’s big enough to carry the necessary items, and more importantly, you can carry it comfortably on your back. On another level, you may want to experiment with the Boho style and a hippie sling will complement your gypsy skirt to great effect. You can use the hippie sling bag to carry books, clothes, and other items.