Bag Obssession: Style Options for Women

For many women, bags are a necessity item. We carry our essential items in there such a lipsticks and lip gloss, hair brushes and hand lotion and of course, our money and identification. If you have children, you may find a Happy Meal toy or two floating around in the bag.

They are so many styles to choose from all with varying price ranges, it seems easy just to grab any bag and run out the door and be on our way. However, our bags are one of our accessories and can help to pull our look together. Here is my rundown of the many styles a woman can choose from.

Since this is the bag the will get used the most, a medium size bag is best as it will usually hold a decent amount of contents in there. It has a more casual look to it and as the name implies, it is an everyday bag that can be worn casually running errands, but is formal enough to wear in the professional environment.

This bag can be small or medium depending on the occasion. If your heading out for dinner and a movie, either style would work depending on the items you desire to carry with you. If a cocktail or formal party is your venue, then a smaller bag, like a clutch works best. Keep in mind that your bag, no matter the size, should fit the items with ease without bulging out or weighing down your shoulder. Reduce items by picking the essentials you will need for the few hours you will be out.

The summer is about sun and fun. This time of the year is when we dress the most casual. When vacationing with sight-seeing is in store, a larger bag works great. You can carry additional items you may need like sunscreen or a small camera with ease. Tote bags are ideal since they still have that causal feel while maintaining chic style. Boho bags are another option for casual circumstances

Shoulder bag- This bag has various styles on the body of the bag including buckles, zippers, snakeskin, ostrich embossing or a smooth leather texture. The main feature on this bag is a long an adjustable strap. It can be worn across the body or just on one shoulder.

Satchel Bag- This bag has a rounded square shape. This style is one of my favorites since it is a good size without overpowering the frame of my body (I am under 5’4’) and it fits everything I need to carry. In addition, the body of the bag has designs ranging from casual to semi -formal. Designs include quilted leather, sequins, shiny metals and patterned fabrics. Unlike the shoulder bag, the straps are typically shorter in length.

Tote Bags-Large and square in shape, this bag is great for a casual or semi casual occasions as the designs range from leather, snakeskin, patterned fabric and canvas. The straps are usually shorter and may be adjustable, braided or flat and wide in shape.

Boho Bag- Medium and large in size, this bag is great on the go. Styles are typically in fabric, or a mixture of fabric and leather. Often, they will have a pattern or a collage of fabrics patterns on them. The body of the bag is rounder in shape and the straps range from short to long lengths. Longer strapped boho bags may be worn across the shoulders.

Clutches- This bag is square, a square with a rounded edge or rectangular in shape. This bag is best for semi-formal to formal occasions. They are more flat shape and are not ideal to hold a lot of contents in them. They may be with or without straps or they may have a detachable strap. Designs include satin, leather, crocodile of snake skin or a hard, metallic body.

It seems like you can never have too many bags (or shoes for that matter), just remember to choose your style based on what you are wearing and where you are going. Designers have created many options for us so mix it up and most of all, have fun with it.