Bags are one of the most important accessories that can make or break a woman’s outfit. However, women probably do not give handbags the same attention much like they give consideration when they choose their dresses for certain occasions and the kind of shoes to go along with the dress. Nonetheless, choosing the bags that can go along with the dresses should always be considered by women because bags also help a lot when it comes to flattening body proportions and figures visually. Not only do these items accentuate a woman’s sense of style, fashion bags also helps knock off some visual pounds.

In choosing the right handbags to go with body shapes, a woman must select a shape which is entirely opposite to her body type. For example, girls with tall and thin frames should go for rounded bags like hobos because it can make them look curvier. For those who are voluptuous and short, however, tall rectangular bags like clutches should be chosen to make them look taller. In other words, women with rounder figures should go for the more structured bags. This rule does not mean that hard framed totes are already enough but instead, square or rectangular silhouette fashion bags made with soft fabric or leather is best for short, rounded girls.

Some of the most popular shapes of handbags are totes, hobo, clutch, satchel, and baguette. Totes are characterized as bags with straps or handles with open tops while hobos are those with crescent shapes and are mostly used as shoulder bags. Clutches are more like purses which are handheld and are commonly tucked under the arm. Satchels are a larger version of the clutches while baguettes are shoulder bags which are long and round just like the baguette bread.

Cigar box, Kelly, and pouches are other types of bags which are often used for high-end fashion styles and semi-formal occasions. Cigar box bags are small, hard, and boxy bags which go well with dresses and are often used in occasions like proms, weddings, and cocktails. Kelly bags, moreover, is a Hermes styles bag popular with famous personalities because of their large structures and impressive hardware closures. Pouches are small bags usually made with soft materials and are also often used with formal outfits.

In choosing bags, one must remember that even though the shape should be opposite to the body type to flatten bulk, the size should still be in proportion with the figure of the wearer. A six foot woman, for example, will not look good with a very small hand-held bag much the same as a petite girl’s look will be overwhelmed if she carries a slouchy and enormous hobo bag. Choosing the right length of the strap of the shoulder bag is also important because the lower part of the body must be in level with the bottom of the bag so that body curves are more accentuated. A wise choice for women is to go with bags that level with their mid-torsos because it gives more emphasis to their waists. Choosing the color of the bag is also important. Patterned bags go well with tall women while plain bags are recommended for the petites.