Guide to Women’s Handbags – An Ideal Collection
When it comes to women’s accessories, while some are optional—the scarf or belt to add a bit of flair to an ensemble, for example—there’s one that most women carry every day, everywhere they go: the handbag. Big or small, structured or unstructured, the handbag is every woman’s constant companion.
Which is your favorite type of handbag? Is a tote the best handbag to carry the things—your ID, a bit of cash and of course your mobile phone—that you use every day? Perhaps you prefer a hobo bag to a tote, or a satchel to a hobo bag. Or maybe, like many shoppers, you’re not exactly sure what separates one type of handbag from another. This guide is designed to define an array of handbag styles, so that you can build your handbag collection with vervé.
Let’s get right to it! Here is a list of the most popular types of women’s handbags, with a definition of each style.
The Tote – Totes are usually large and their main purpose is to carry a lot of things at once—think “beach tote” or “shopping tote.” Totes work well to combine everything you need to bring along (including a smaller purse!) on a trip to the gym. If you want to be exquisitely stylish in the least likely of places, you can use an extra-large tote when you make a trip to the Laundromat—you just never know whom you might run into. Because they are designed to hold so much, many totes are made of durable lightweight material such as canvas or faux leather.
The Satchel – Traditionally used for carrying books, and often featuring a flap closure, the term “satchel” can also refer to a bag that is sturdy enough to stand on its own (for example, while you’re loading books into it). The satchel was the original “man purse,” as it has long been a staple of students and professors. Satchels can be cross-body or worn on one shoulder. Many are made of leather but increasingly canvas and faux leather options are popular among the vegan set.
The Cross-Body – Cross-body bags are sometimes called “messenger bags.” This type of bag comes with a long strap that spans from one shoulder to the opposite hip, with the front of the strap resting across your body. Cross-body handbags keep your possessions close to you while leaving your hands free. These are great for travelling by plane, train or even bicycle. Many cross-body bags are made of leather for durability, yet you can find some very stylish non-leather versions to suit your taste.
The Hobo – Hobo bags are large and slouchy, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. With a strap that hangs from the shoulder, the hobo bag is often crescent-shaped, unstructured and has room for a lot of items. A carefully packed hobo bag can fit your makeup, wallet, tablet and even workout clothes. Hobo bags often have a drawstring closure.
The Shoulder Bag – Arguably the most popular type of handbag for all ages, the shoulder bag consists of a single or double strap that hangs on the shoulder, and a structured bag that rides anywhere between the waist and low hips. Shoulder bags usually include inside compartments for sunglasses, mobile phones and keys. Specially sized “junior” shoulder bags are designed for girls and young teens.
The Clutch – A clutch is a hand-held bag (though some have a thin strap tucked inside). Clutches are flat, resembling a large envelope. Some snap close, while others are accented by zipper or latch closure. Occasionally, a clutch will have a fold-over flap with an opening that can be used as a handle.
The Wristlet – Similar to the clutch, a wristlet includes a small, loop strap that wraps around your wrist. Once reserved for evening wear, this style has become increasingly popular to carry one’s wallet and mobile phone and keys.
Less-common but still interesting bags include the canteen, the carpetbag and the “muff”—a combination hand-warmer and purse. Creative millennials have even taken to carrying vintage lunchboxes in place of a purse!
No matter what your personal style, a handbag is not only a necessity (if you don’t want to shove all your stuff in your coat pockets!) but also a fashion statement. A woman’s handbag can say: “I’m organized,” “I’m stylish,” “I’m playful.”
Most of us have a go-bag for our daily endeavors like going to work, shopping, picking up the kids from school, etc. It’s easy to get into a rut of using that go-to bag until it wears out, then replacing it with something very similar.
Try a little something new with the next handbag you purchase—either changing the style or material, the size of the bag or type of strap. Why not check out the latest handbags at SmartBargains, QVC.com or Clava? No matter what your budget, you can find a constantly changing selection of handbags the next time you’re shopping at your neighborhood Target, for prices so great you can even buy a handbag to put all your new handbags in!