https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:49:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352482 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 18:30:13 +0000 Sal 2352482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the replies. I think many of us love bags as they often are both beautiful and practical -and they do add something to an outfit. Most influencers are really into their bags and styling them - I can see the attraction.</p> <p>I do miss working in an office with a walking commute where I would pop out for lunch or coffee during the day on foot. </p> <p>I love seeing the bag collections and hearing how people use them. Cross body bags seem to be the favourite with a strong showing for backpacks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352325 Sat, 10 Feb 2024 01:57:56 +0000 Style Fan 2352325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, you have a great bag collection.&nbsp; I am not a bag person.&nbsp; I never think about what bag to wear with an outfit.&nbsp; For me, bags are primarily functional.&nbsp; I try to keep my bags' colour in my autumn colour palette.<br />I have small bags and larger tote bags.&nbsp; It all depends on what I am doing and which one I use.&nbsp; I also have some gorgeous leather bags and some vintage bags.&nbsp; Those rarely get used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352311 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:13:13 +0000 Kate 2352311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They definitely are part of my look, but I have culled all of the larger bags from my collection. It’s all about small cross bodies for me now, plus a trio of small hand bags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352303 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:52:49 +0000 slim cat 2352303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They are part of the look but they are mostly for functions - like get necessities, waterproof in winter ( we got more rain again this year ), crossbody with zippers for security ( busses, trains ), lightweight and small enough to not overwhelm my frame. And then there are all kinds of shopping/grocery bags - not that exciting but very practical.<br />Cute bags in your collection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352300 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:40:30 +0000 Anonymous 2352300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They're definitely part of my outfit!<br /> That said, I'm learning that I need to coordinate bags to the occasion, not just the colors in the outfit.</p> <p>I tried using my little crossbody to the office for the last couple days, which was a fail. I was juggling my rolling work bag, purse, schedule book, and lunch. My totes fit my schedule book and water bottle. Still 3 bags but a bit less chaos.</p> <p>Conversely, the lockers at the pool are Tiny. I have to cram my big pool bag, coat, boots, and purse in there. Big work totes are a nope. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352290 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:11:32 +0000 RobinF 2352290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love bags and have some that I have had for many years. That being said, they are not usually part of my outfit. On work days I carry a large tote bag (which I don't count as a "regular" bag). I will use bags for going places on the weekends but am more likely to match it to my coat, since I wear a coat at least 6 months of the year. I definitely don't plan ahead for it.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have a nice variety! Love the checked one.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352286 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:47:06 +0000 Aquamarine 2352286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just thinking of this the other day, as I evaluated my closet. So many nice bags have not seen the light of day since the pandemic. I’ve defaulted to cross-body or even hands-free, especially when I have outwear on with deep pockets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352284 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:12:51 +0000 Anonymous 2352284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small collection of satchels that I absolutely love and I love that “look” of carrying a satchel or top handle bag. However, I have found that at this point in my life (retired), a crossbody is the most functional bag because it keeps my hands free. I do occasionally break out one of my satchels if I know carrying it around won’t be an impediment. But moving forward I will likely be focusing my bag purchases on only crossbody bags. The one issue I’m having with them is the strap causing pilling on sweaters and other knit tops. Anyone who has a solution for that, I’m all ears!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352283 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 12:41:09 +0000 lyn67 2352283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some nice collections here. My fave bag style is an open(!) tote (winter included!) and a smallish cross body with metallic chain(for dressy) or guitar strapp(for casuals). Did many of others in the past but decided I hate when dealing with extra zippers or any other closures on my totes&nbsp; especially. I love to just dig in and find what I need-for ex. my phone or a scarf but&nbsp; my tote has an organising insert which has some zipers inside for the&nbsp; safety of cards or other stuff I don't reach often. I drive a car usually door to door so it is completely safe for my life. Still, I always carry a separate black&amp;grey gear like material notebook/laptop&nbsp; carrier on my side, too- so&nbsp; I can zip there any documents if needed.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352282 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:56:34 +0000 Jules 2352282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love bags because they represent both form and function so well! But even as an urban walker I wouldn’t say they are part of my outfit most of the year, due to climate. They mostly need to work with my coat and accessories. Realistically I have accumulated ‘too many’ small bags for the limited warmer weather times they are more significant, but no regrets - the last purchase, for example, also functions as a souvenir from Paris. I need to be choosy going forward, but I’m definitely still interested ;)<br /> These are the ones I have in Finds. Big bags are more practical for my daily life, small bags are more fun for going out </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352280 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:19:51 +0000 Star (Lise) 2352280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your bags Sal!&nbsp; I recently did a bag cull and am much happier with fewer.&nbsp; I like to co-ordinate my bag to my outfit but I also do not like to change out my bag daily.&nbsp; If it is an obvious no match I will change it though.&nbsp; So the bag is not the 'be-all and end-all' of my outfit IYWIM.&nbsp; An example from yesterday, I work black jeans, black boots, a black blouse and pink anorak which has black trimming.&nbsp; I kept my camel bag from the previous day.&nbsp; I kind of liked that it was not too matchy and it looked good to my eye.&nbsp; When I went in the mall I left the anorak in the car and then it was obviously totally fine to anyone's eye.&nbsp; These days I prefer a medium to small bag for every occasion so it is mostly colour that I take into account when choosing which one to use.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352278 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 10:10:06 +0000 Brooklyn 2352278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was more like you when I worked in an office. Go to work, put the bag away for the day. Now that I’m at home, somewhat paradoxically, my bags are on full display. I go for walks, errands, lunch, coffee, dinner. I have nice backpacks, sling bags, tech bags and cross bodies that are very practical for my everyday life. My satchel bags, which were very important when I worked in an office, get used the least. I do switch out my bag frequently and use it to complement my outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352276 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:15:28 +0000 rachylou 2352276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can’t use a hand bag to complete a look because it will be with me for so little time - like the two minute walk from the car to wherever. Except for walking the dog. But I don’t want to slog through the mud with a nice bag nor carry a purse for a night walk. I don’t carry much either—phone, keys, and an emergency soda. A purse is somewhat unnecessary. If for some reason I’ll be wearing things without good pockets, I’ll wear a crossbody sling. I do have a couple of very nice ones that are versatile enough for my style. But I use them so rarely, I don’t know that I’d build a whole capsule. Never say never, though - because it sounds like fun now that I think about it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352274 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:59:34 +0000 cat2 2352274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often take carry a tote out with a wristlet in it; that way I can carry all the stuff I need but leave most of it under my desk. I take the wristlet to lunch, to get coffee, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352272 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:24:53 +0000 Sal 2352272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s a shame isn’t it Suz. You have a wonderful collection. Some sort of cool sling bag could be a good practical addition? I have a practical but uncool belt bag.</p> <p>We need to seize every chance to show our bags off! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352271 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:21:17 +0000 Sal 2352271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Bijou - I tend to take my bag when visiting friends too - and work meetings in person are a good time for your favourite bag!</p> <p>Irina - yes - good quality bags do last a long time. And most are timeless too.</p> <p>Angie - your lifestyle being urban and on foot means bags are integral. And you have a wonderful collection. </p> <p>Jaime - that’s a good way of looking at it! I like that approach.</p> <p>Yes Joy with tech it’s so important that it works - and having a cross body always easily available is so needed.</p> <p>Lee - you are similar to me. I like my black and white tote too. I am thinking of a new bag soon but I don’t quite know what it will be…. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352270 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:17:48 +0000 Suz 2352270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I love your bags. The checkerboard one is so cool! And I copied you on the small crossbody -- not the same colour, but same style.&nbsp;</p> <p>My bag life is so much like yours! I like them -- in theory -- and do own some nice ones. I really enjoy the finishing touch they will add to an outfit. But I almost never get to show them off!&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, I am often on my bike. (So the bag comes with me but it's in a pannier until I park the bike...) When I am on foot, I am often hiking or doing something active, so...no dressy bag. I might carry one of my nylon backpacks however. And in fact, I am in search of replacements for those -- crossover "real life" / gear bags that I can use on my suburban rambles but also in town (perhaps). Something that fits a water bottle.&nbsp;</p> <p>I work mostly from home and when I am teaching I need my transit backpack or my tote for my laptop. So ultimately, I really only wear a bag when heading out for an appointment or meeting friends for a meal or some such. Which happens only once a week or thereabouts. I do also use them when travelling to more urban centres. All these great bags, essentially going to waste... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352262 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 03:39:35 +0000 Lee 2352262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your bags, especially the checkerboard one.<br /> I carry a bag daily but sometimes I do leave it in the car or it’s tucked away, so probably about 2/3 of the time it would be part of my outfit and otherwise not necessarily seen at times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352247 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:26:12 +0000 Jaime 2352247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great variety of bags Sal! My public part of the day involves walking around and my bag is definitely part of my look. I have plenty but tend to default to a small selection for a phase.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352243 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:10:35 +0000 Angie 2352243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice bags,<b> Sal!</b> Some of my friends and clients are in a similar <b><i></i></b><i>bag place</i><b><i></i></b> as you.</p> <p>Bags for my style, on the other hand, are front and centre because I am on foot most of the time. I need a bag with all my stuff as soon as I'm out the door - which I am daily and frequently. Errands, doggie walking, working with clients, shopping with clients, appointments, groceries, post office, restaurants, public transport, visiting friends, EVERYTHING. When I drive, which is seldom, I have my bag too!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have around 24 bags and I wear all of them. Very much part of my outfit :)&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352242 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:59:50 +0000 Anonymous 2352242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My iPhone functions as the transmitter for my glucose meter so it must be close even at night.  I put it in a small crossbody bag and wear it constantly.  Lately I have to be careful that the signals will get to the phone.  Sometimes the signals that I have a call don't even work.  Pick carefully so that a smart phone will work.  Ask questions about the technology.  Sometimes just the place where credit cards are stored are affected. Then you can find another place for your phone.  The smaller the bag the more this is a problem.<br /> I often coordinate small bags with large ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352240 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:28:32 +0000 Irina 2352240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, nice bags, Sal!<br />I used to have only a couple of bags for years - one for work and a small one for weekends. It changed a few years ago and I love bags now. I have a couple of small ones for casual wear, like walking around our neighborhood or grocery shopping. I have a backpack and fabric shoppers for work. I have to bring my laptop, so roomy option needed. My outfits often look better with dressier bags but they are not practical. If I planned to stay in workforce for longer, I would buy something nicer but I think the office part of my life will be over this year.&nbsp;<div>I have great bags for life. At this time I use them maybe twice a week. But I love wearing them.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352239 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:26:42 +0000 Bijou 2352239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use bags to complete and complement my outfit, even if it is just to go grocery shopping! For work I often visit client's offices, so my bag will be part of my first impression if the meeting is not conducted via Teams, which admittedly since Covid has become the most common way of meeting up. When visiting friends, I always take my bag and generally leave it in the kitchen or lounge room whilst we catch up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bags-and-their-place-in-your-outfit-or-styling#post-2352237 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:44:06 +0000 Sal 2352237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a variety of bags which I love, and I do mostly try and match them to my outfit of choice.&nbsp; I don't have a large enough selection for the bag to always be perfect, but it is a consideration - both from a practical perspective (size, activity etc) and also vibe (dressiness, colour, shape etc)</p> <p>But with my lifestyle, so often the bag is actually NOT part of the outfit.&nbsp; I drive or bike to work, or work from home.&nbsp; The bag sits under my desk all day as I eat my lunch at work.&nbsp; In the weekends I am often either doing active pursuits with friends, at home, or more often than not, at someone's house for a function.</p> <p>I do sometimes head out for shopping on foot (where I need a tote) or to a cafe or bar and choose a bag that matches my vibe - but this might be once or twice a week (and the cafe is usually on a walk where we just have a phone and a card).&nbsp; I do go to some work meetings where I take a more formal bag, but in my industry my laptop backpack is often used.</p> <p>So for me, wearing an outfit with a bag, is probably once or twice a week for a couple of hours.</p> <p>My main bags are below - I also have a work backpack (practical) and a range of clutches/evening bags.</p> <p>How about you?&nbsp; Do people see you with a bag as part of your outfit or is your bag often under your desk or in the kitchen at someone else's house - I suspect that the more urban fabbers will have bags in a more prominent outfit space. </p>