MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 11 Week 26 June 30, 2016

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The Right Handbag for Your Shape

There's more to buying a handbag than simply finding one you like. Of course, most women have a 'check list' of needs they expect from a handbag they need. From a certain amount of compartments (for cell phone, keys, personal items, etc.) to a certain size or a particular color and straps that stay up. etc., etc. Does this sound like the things you think about when shopping for a new handbag?

However, did you ever stop and think about the SHAPE and SIZE of your handbag? Is it flattering? Not sure which handbag might be best for you? Read on. This article will help you choose your best handbag by shape and size based on your body shape.

Most of us carry a handbag everyday...that means it should be flattering!

Handbags are often an investment item...so spend extra time and thought when picking one out...you’ll always be glad you did.

Think scale. A smaller handbag is best on a petite woman, just as a very large tote is better on a bigger woman. Think about your body’s size when trying on handbags over your arm at the store.

Below, the handbag on the left is too small for a woman that’s 5’6”...On the other hand, a larger handbag (on right) is a better choice:

Look Goldilocks...this one’s the best size! Below, this handbag stops above her full hip, fits nicely under her arm,

and is structured and proportional for her body!(Yes, Goldilocks, this one’s just right)

Notice how the smaller handbag makes the gray-figure woman look bigger, and the larger handbags makes her look smaller? The handbag with the right size and shape can make YOU look 5 pounds slimmer!

LOOK 5 LBS. SLIMMER! That’s right, look at least five pounds slimmer by choosing the right handbag. Some things in life are really quick n’ easy!!!

Once you’ve got the basics covered: A classic black handbag and camel/brown satchel...

consider adding something COLORFUL and/or trendy into the mix too!

Handbags for your body’s proportions:

If you are slim and tall: You are lucky because you have a variety of handbag styles that will flatter your tall and slender shape. Try oversized bags, shoulder bags, and large-sized day clutches. Mid-size purses, hobo bags, bright colors and prints all work for you.

Even clutches should be large sized if you are a tall woman...

Similar: Michael Kors XL Clutch

Avoid: Small-sized handbags over-emphasize your tall height.

Try: Wider handbag styles that break up your long vertical height...

Fossil Sydney Glazed Leather Shopper-4 colorsDooney & Bourke Larger Shopper (right side)

You can also carry off anything that’s larger in size....

Coach Edie Shoulder Bag 31 Signature Jacquard

If you are short and petite: It is critical that you wear a right-sized handbag. If your handbag is tiny, you appear child-like. Too large a handbag, again you’ll look tiny. Your handbag must be in proportion to your size body.

Avoid: oversized handbags as well as teeny-tiny bags. Both extremes emphasize your petite-ness.

AvoidToo large (or small) of a handbag, or you’ll look elf-like...

A smaller to medium handbag is proportionally better for your stature...

Michael Kors Medium Satchel

Michael Kors Small Convertible Satchel (right side)

If your hips or tummy are large: Keep attention away from your hips or tummy by selecting a handbag that tucks up under your arm. Be sure the handbag does not end at your hips...but at your waist or above.

Avoid: purses with long straps (that hit down at the hips/tummy area).

Shorter handled handbags tuck nicely under your arm...high on your upper body and away from your full hip...

Brahmin Tri-Texture Collection Hudson Satchel

If you are top heavy: Hand-held satchels are also good choices for women that are well endowed. A shoulder bag also is a good choice if it sits mid-torso and is in a larger size.

Avoid: shoulder bags with short-straps because these will only draw attention towards your full bust and add extra bulk there.

Brahmin South Coast Savannah Collection Satchel

If you are balanced and fairly proportional (hourglass): The best choice is a shoulder bag that ends right above your waist area.

Avoid: ultra-small or ultra-large handbags can make you appear out of balance and awkward. Keep your handbag proportional to your body size.

This flattering handbag ends right around your waist...

Fossil Emerson Covertible Satchel

Go trendy! Also give a proportionally sized cross-the-body bag a try!

Kate Shade Cobble Hill Gabriele Cross-Body Bag-4 colors

If you are plus-sized: look for handbag styles that are rectangle in shape. They should be wider than they are tall. Handbags with short to medium shoulder-strap lengths are best.

Avoid: small handbags because they will make you look larger.

Look for handbags that are wider than they are tall. Also structured styles are your handbag BFF’s

Psst!...This one has an adjustable strap length!

Brahmin Gracie Croco Embossed Shoulder Bag-Adjustable Straps

Handbag “Do’s”:

__Always try on handbags in front of the store’s full-length mirror. Do this with several bags before buying to get a good feel for the right shape and right size for you.

__Invest only in quality and classic styles. Don’t purchase a high-end “it” handbag from a fancy designer unless you have lots of disposable money. Handbag trendy styles come and go quickly and your “it” bag will look so last season after six months! If you are dying for something trendy, get something mid-priced that looks similar.

__Don’t ever buy and trendy handbag that doesn’t compliment your shape or size. Stay with shapes that you know flatter your shape and always look best.

__Find your correct size. Keep your handbag proportional to your size of your body. If you are petite, your handbag should be small to medium. If you are plus-sized, your handbag should be medium to larger (depending upon your height). If you are tall, your handbag should be medium to large.

__Find the correct shape. If your body type is more round and curvy, choose a handbag with structure (one that has definite shape). This means you are choosing a handbag that is opposite your body shape. Another example would be if you are tall and slender you should choose a slouchy hobo style.

The right handbag adds a touch of sophistication to even casual outfits...

Add more style to your outfits with your handbag choice:

Dress monochromatic from head to toe. Add a pop of color with a contrasting or bright-colored handbag, shoes and accessories.

Add a COLORFUL handbag for a pop of color to any outfit...

Dress monochromatic as shown below; all one bright color -neutral handbag!

Wear a printed dress or pants (like the one pictured below), then select a handbag that picks up one of the colors in the print OR carry a neutral-colored handbag.

Below...Green dress with yellow in print-pick up that yellow color by carrying a yellow handbag...

Blue print pant, handbag with blue (on left) OR print pant, neutral handbag...(on right)

B

Dress in classic pieces, then carry a vintage or very trendy handbag to bring lots of visual interest to your classic outfit...

Just because it’s big. This tip is my favorite because too many women just don’t get it. If you don’t believe, just have a seat and watch women walk by while you sip your latte and check out their handbags. Often their handbag is too large (carrying too much stuff) or too small for their stature.

Don’t forget the #1 rule! Your handbag needs to be “proportional” to your body stature. Too many larger women are walking around carrying tiny handbags. The reason? “No need for a large handbag because I don’t carry that much!” Really? Who said you need to FILL IT UP in order to carry it around?

Want to look smaller? Carry a larger handbag. If you want to make yourself look larger, carry a smaller scale handbag. Get it? It’s really that simple and oh-so flattering for you!

Find your right sized and shaped handbag...then get it in a BRIGHT COLOR! This season’s all about wearing more color...get in on the fun with a colorful handbag!

Handbags are the easiest way to incorporate the latest trends into your wardrobe, they help you look put-together, and they show off your personality...so pick yourself a fabulous one!

Love, Leslie MSP

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