BagBible

Bags That Flatter Your Figure

Handbag is an accessory and is not worn on the body itself, which may sound obvious, but is something that affects the way women buys a handbag. A lot of women buy handbag just because they like it, or just because it is the trend.  They don’t think about how it will flatter their body or not. If a handbag looks good, fits or is functional, then many women simply buy it without thinking how it changes their overall look. A handbag however can affect your body, look and shape in the same way as a well fitting dress. It can add or take off pounds of your figure.  The right bag can make your outfit while the wrong bag will break your outfit.  Don’t based your handbag choice solely on trends.

Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing and buying a handbag:

Handbag Shapes

Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type.

If you are tall and slim choose a slouchy, rounded bag to compliment your look.

Gustto
light grey suede ‘Varese’ medium satchel $635

If on the other hand your body type is short and heavier build, go for the opposite in your choice of handbag. Choose a handbag that is tall and rectangular or maybe long and sleek.

Hype Gaby North South
light brown glazed leather bag $210.00

As a rule of thumb the rounder your figure, the more structured your bag needs to be. Large rectangular or square handbags in soft leathers or fabrics will compliment your figure nicely. Scale Handbag Size The scale of bag you choose is just as important as the size in relation to your body type when choosing a handbag. The size of your handbag should ALWAYS be in proportion to your figure. So here are some tips for choosing a handbag in relation to your body size. Being tall and slim allows you to get away with most purse styles. Oversize bags, shoulder bags and clutch bags will all look good. The only point you need to keep in mind is the size of the handbag you choose. Small bags should be avoided as they will make you look bigger. This is an example what a small bag looks like on a tall woman, notice how this tall woman look like a giant with a tiny bag.  If you are tall, you don’t want to wear any bag that is smallish. Mid size, large, floppy or bulky handbags are best.

For petite women, the most important point here is the size of the bag you carry. Keep in mind scale. Small bags work best for petite women. Wear small bags and keep them close to your body. Women with large hips should choose bags with short straps, which can be tucked easily under the arm. A good look for a shoulder bag or a hobo bag that hangs slightly but ends well above the hips, any handbag that falls on the hips draws attention to this area you may not want!
Bodhi
cinnamon patent and suede ‘Piano’ medium hobo $618.00

Top heavy women If you have a large bust, you may want to draw attention away from your bosom. If you want to wear a shoulder bag make it one that has a long strap and is large in size.
Fendi
black textured leather medium chain shoulder bag $1,590.00

For curvy woman, a shoulder bag that ends just above the waist is the most flattering style. The only type of bags to avoid are ones that are too big or too small in relation to your overall body size.

Buti
Charm Drop Dark Brown Pebble Italian Leather Hobo Bag $574

Plus size women need to keep away from bags that are small as they will look lost against your figure. You should go for bags of reasonable size i.e. in proportion to your body size with short to medium length straps.

As you can see bag type and size can influence your overall look and can make you look slimmer. Having the wrong hand or shoulder bag can make you look bigger and can also draw attention to areas you may not want to emphasize.

Here are some tips to follow when buying your handbag:

• Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would with any other item of clothing.

• Don’t be tempted by trendy styles that don’t suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives and one will be right for you. Think style rather than fashion here!

• Think lifestyle as well and make your bag practical if you’re with kids and have nappies an beautiful vintage bag, may not be the best choice!

Source

Images from Bluefly, Forzieri