Handbags To Suit Your Body Shape

Handbags To Suit Your Body Shape

Handbags are the ultimate fashion accessory to complete an outfit but you should also make it work to balance out your figure. Here is a guide on how to buy handbags that are the perfect shape, size and style to suit your body type and personal style.

Most women cannot leave the house without bringing a handbag with them. After all, it is a convenient way of lugging around all perceived essentials such as money, credit cards, a mobile telephone, a compact, a comb, a lipstick, keys, perfume, reading material, and all the other stuff that we believe that we cannot leave home without.

However, as convenient as a handbag is in helping carry stuff around, what many fail to realise is that it is a fashion accessory and it should therefore work with the rest of the outfit.

But more importantly than that, you should pick one that matches your body type. Let’s face it, when someone looks at you, the first thing about your outfit that they are likely to notice is your handbag.

Depending on what kind you are carrying, you may be drawing attention to the curves of your body that you may prefer to de-emphasise. It is all about balance. Just like any piece of clothing or accessory, your purse should make your figure appear balanced. It should hide what you may want to hide and emphasise what you may want to highlight.

Bag Shape Vs Body Shape

Choose the shape that is opposite your body type. If, for example, you are tall and thin, look for bags that are more on the rounded side like the hobo or those that are a bit unstructured. This will compliment your figure, as it would provide a sharp contrast to your body.

If, on the other hand, you are on the short and heavy side, it is good to carry handbags that are tall, rectangular or those with really defined shapes. Long and sleek designs will help counterbalance your more rounded figure.

Of course, there is no need to buy bags that are absolutely reed thin or those with really sharp edges. Silhouettes in soft fabrics and leathers can do the trick. Just remember to stay away from those with rounded designs.

Yes, Size Does Matter

The size of your bag should compliment your size. While the shape of it should be contrasting, the size should be in proportion. If, for example, you are quite tall and large, it would be really awkward for you to carry a really small handbag. The same goes with a really petite person carrying a really big bag.

Close-fitting bags or those that can be fit right under the arm at breast level can only look great with women who are slim and those who want to emphasise their cleavage. It is does not work well for people who have big arms and big busts as the short handles tend to emphasise a large size.

The length of the handbag will always accentuate the part it comes near with. If, for instance, the bag hits your bottom half or hip area, then that area of your body will become the focus. Most women look great with handbags that end in mid-torso as it flatters the waist. To determine if the length of the strap fits you, try it out. If your arm feels cramped, then it is too short.

Photo Credit Imaxtree. Main – Aigner SS19