https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:24:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1908163 Sat, 14 Apr 2018 01:54:06 +0000 SW prof 1908163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep the stuff other people mention in a small, squashable purse. I drive to work but have a long-ish walk between parking lot and office, and am often transporting computer, lunch, books, etc., so I use a backpack that can accommodate the purse along with all the other stuff. Then if I go to lunch, or shop on my way home, I can pull out the purse and leave the backpack in the car or office. <br />For travel, I use an even smaller purse that will fit into whatever carry-on bag I'm taking, and that will be usable at my destination (so, a nice small crossbody for going to Paris, a sporty wallet bag for a sports-oriented trip). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1908066 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 23:15:17 +0000 JAileen 1908066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I go out, I normally use a purse. On vacation, if we’re flying, I take a backpack for my carryon, and don’t want a purse in addition to that. For our upcoming Alaska trip I bought a Patagonia zipper pouch (from recycled materials) to collect my purse items in my backpack, instead of having to hunt around for them. I hope it works out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907943 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:56:30 +0000 Anonymous 1907943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol: you might like to try a zip-up wallet/pouch with a lanyard to accompany your backpack. These are super-stylish!<br /> Phone, Lippie and wallet go in the pouch and you could easily transfer it to your backpack.</p> <p>I can understand preferring a backpack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907844 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:34:46 +0000 Helena 1907844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I frequently use a cross-body purse (or small-sized tote), when running errands, walking to the shops (a cross-body keeps my hands free and the weight low), going out for a meal, etc. - times when truly a wallet, phone and lipstick are all that's needed (and a small water bottle if I have the tote with me). For smarter outings like dinner, I'll often use a clutch, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I used to work outside the home every day, I carried a large tote for my laptop, etc. but kept my wallet and personal bits in a small purse within the tote, so I could just bring that when I left for lunch.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907567 Fri, 13 Apr 2018 02:44:24 +0000 Carol 1907567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everybody, sorry it took so long to get back.</p> <p>It sounds like most of you are purse women, and I wish I could join your ranks!&nbsp; I just don't like lugging around a big heavy tote on work days, which is why I carry a backpack.&nbsp; But I like wearing purses, and wish I had more opportunities to use them.&nbsp; I definitely thought there'd be more like me, who had too much to carry around in just a purse.&nbsp; I can't carry water bottle, lunch, teaching materials, etc. in a purse.&nbsp; I guess I'm just a person who likes to be prepared for everything.</p> <p>Thanks for your input, and I look forward to seeing those bags in your pictures.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907186 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:11:51 +0000 Mainelady 1907186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Daily. I am usually a two bag lady: hand bag and tote bag for work. I like my two bags to coordinate, even if both of them live under my desk for most of every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907123 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:57:24 +0000 binkle 1907123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Use one every day for wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, and some other small bits. Because most days that's all I have to carry. Bag size/formality may vary depending on the day. Completely practical to carry a purse if someone doesn't need to carry work materials, files, laptop, etc. Just a matter of different lifestyle/work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907109 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:27:45 +0000 Karie 1907109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Suz said. I carry a large purse to work daily (I’m a teacher). My purse has a tote bag shape but it’s a purse that zippers across the top. When I go out for fun, I carry a smaller purse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses/page/2#post-1907099 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 19:08:47 +0000 Anonymous 1907099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I carry a backpack for just my laptop. Everything else goes in my purse. Handy because I can go out for lunch with my handbag and leave the backpack at the office.</p> <p>There are lots of situations where bringing the full backpack is not needed.</p> <p>But mostly, Carol, I find a handbag is more my “look” than a backpack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907088 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 18:48:24 +0000 rebekahphoto 1907088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like lots of these fabbers: I have a collection of medium-ish purses that I select from and carry every day. (I don't rotate them all that often) My clothing does not all have enough pockets to carry the basics! </p> <p>In my purse are the daily necessities: wallet, eye/sunglasses, lipstick, phone, bus pass, pens, bandaids, maybe a little notebook</p> <p>I commute by bus and also carry a tote that has my lunch, books, laptop if necessary, files. umbrella, hat etc. for work</p> <p>I have some smaller, crossbody, fun "going out" purses, that I generally only carry the necessities: wallet, cash, lipstick, keys</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907069 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 18:21:35 +0000 Kate 1907069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When do I not wear purses is more like it. I pretty much have one with me every time I leave the house. I love purses and have a large wardrobe of them. In fact, last week I bought two more: a cool gray purse/backpack, and a lemon yellow crossbody bag. I switch out my bags to go with whatever I’m wearing. My purse necessaries are card case (no wallet), glasses, sunglasses, iPhone, tissue holder—a leather case that holds a pack of tissues, and one of my most useful purchases ever!—lippie, chapstick, tiny mirror, breath mints, keys. With a minimal amount of stuff, it’s easy to go from one bag to another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907030 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:40:50 +0000 Anonymous 1907030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends on what's up that day. If I'm carrying a laptop , ipad, catalogues, calendar, and other assorted things, then both a purse and a tote seem unwieldy . On those days I throw my wallet and phone in my tote and go out like that. &nbsp;I can't stand fumbling and dipsy-doodling with a bunch of things to carry. Nothing makes one look less capable and pulled together . &nbsp;For other occasions/weekends/evenings , yes, a purse definitely gets used.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907025 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:34:38 +0000 LaPed 1907025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small crossbody that I use whenever I don't need my laptop or teaching materials or scripts etc (geez, gig economy, anybody?). If I'm carrying any of those things I use a large tote. Or a backpack when I'm leading hikes or working at outdoor school. But I much prefer smaller bags whenever I can get away with it. In the winter I often end up with everything in .y coat pockets, since they zip, but most women's clothing pockets really are not big enough for smartphones, unfortunately... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907021 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:31:47 +0000 Eliza 1907021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Daily. Never leave without one. I have a collection of sizes, shapes, colors and degree of structure or formality. Some go with me only on date nights, others go everywhere. I sometimes throw a tote in the car if I'll be out and about, want a small bag with me, but need the option of accessing larger items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907019 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:24:13 +0000 Jules 1907019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Different lifestyles definitely require different bags. Car vs transit is a huge distinction. Toting a laptop to work on the subway is a pain and I still have not figured out a stylish bag for that. Then I still need a professional looking smaller purse for stepping out for coffee or work lunches during my workday. Then add in a possible trip to the gym on the way to work, and suddenly my bag is very full.</p> <p> I do have high hopes for this Roots wallet bag (basically a wallet that looks like a small purse with both a cross body strap and a handle) that I picked up recently, but I haven't used it yet because it's in my summer colour palette and doesn't work with my winter stuff at all - another layer of complication. I think the design is quite clever - the SA told me he spoke to the designer about it, who said he used a lot of input from women about their needs.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.roots.com/ca/en/beauty-wallet-bag-prince-56060011.html">https://www.roots.com/ca/en/be.....60011.html</a></p> <p>Basically, I have learned that I can&nbsp; have either one purse/bag that does everything, but doesn't look that great most of the time, or I can have several bags for different seasons, looks and uses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1907014 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 16:11:10 +0000 Suz 1907014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I commute on foot and sometimes transit or train. I carry a bag every day, but it's large. Large enough to fit my laptop (if needed), a notebook, a reusable shopping bag, a water bottle, a small makeup bag, a sweater or scarf or hat (if I take those off), my keys, my phone, my wallet, and more! In other words, it's a big tote, a hobo, or a backpack. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>If going out at night or occasionally on weekends when I need less, I have some other bags, smaller and less bulky on my small frame. I show my large ones below.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906968 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:04:03 +0000 Liz 1906968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I"m also wondering if there might be a difference in language here. I don't think of "purse" only as a tiny thing.&nbsp; I carry a purse every day. For work, I also carry a tote for my laptop and papers. However, I don't consider a purse part of my outfit, because I drive to work in a car, and then the purse hangs in a corner of my office all day until I drive home. </p> <p>If you need to carry a lot of stuff <i>and</i> want it to look good, you might stop shopping for a tote or two that you really like. </p> <p>FWIW, I buy my purses large enough to fit a book, notebook, or water bottle in them. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906949 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:06:05 +0000 cindysmith 1906949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every. Single. Day.</p> <p>My life is in my bag. Driver's license, bank card, checkbook, credit cards, folding hairbrush, phone, tablet, vape mod (e-cig), several ink pens, tablet, power bank in case my phone needs a charge, a stainless steel refillable sharpie, chapstick, the occasional pocketknife, my inhaler and other meds, and generally a few snacks. In winter, add gloves and earmuffs.</p> <p>My bag is also large enough to hold a couple cloth reusable shopping totes, a bottle of water, a knit hat, and a cardigan in addition to the usual gack. I also have a bag big enough to hold my 19 pound dachshund if needed (although that starts getting into muscle injury territory LOL)</p> <p>Last week, we had severe weather roll through at my work (which is a fruit stand located in an old barn). It was a relief to know all I had to do was toss my phone &amp; ecig into my bag and run for the bakery next door to seek shelter when a tornado warning was issued. If I have my bag, I can come out the other side of any disaster without a meltdown. That incident did make me realize I need to add some of my anxiety meds to the pile of back in there. I might need a bigger bag LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906944 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 11:59:33 +0000 Anonymous 1906944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a bag with me at ALL TIMES.&nbsp;</p> <p>During the work week, I carry totes that may or may not have a smaller clutch or wristlet inserted to use during lunch time/evenings.&nbsp; The decision to include a clutch depends on the day's scheduled activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>On weekends, I like to use a dressier satchel.&nbsp; I may also use a backpack for trips to the gym.&nbsp; Again, the days's scheduled activities inform the decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For special events, I carry a very-special-to-me clutch.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is not unusual for me to carry two different bags in a given day.&nbsp; I have a really handy bag insert that allows me to switch out bags in less than 30 seconds.&nbsp; I have been doing this for so long that it is literally second nature to me.&nbsp; &nbsp;When I am carrying a smaller clutch or satchel, I only include the essentials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I know a few women that do not use bags of any sort.&nbsp; That works for them.&nbsp; I feel naked and distressed if I don't have a bag with me.&nbsp; I should note that I include totes, briefcases, and backpacks as part of my "bag" collection.&nbsp; They are all essential to my lifestyle and complete an outfit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><b>You </b>may not need smaller satchels.&nbsp; That would mean to me that you are in a phase of life where you need to be prepared.&nbsp; Prepared for work.&nbsp; Prepared for family.&nbsp; Prepared for life.&nbsp;&nbsp;That may change as your life needs change.&nbsp; Perhaps in the future, you may see adding a smaller satchel to your wardrobe as workable.&nbsp; I see life as a constantly evolving process.&nbsp; What works for you today may not be as necessary tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906941 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 11:52:34 +0000 Anonymous 1906941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Purse everyday , everywhere......... only way to carry life saving medications.<br /> And all my other stuff but first and foremost meds!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906935 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 11:43:43 +0000 Bijou 1906935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every day I use a small hand bag to carry my daily essentials - phone, wallet, sunglasses, lipstick, comb and tissues. Sorted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906900 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:43:39 +0000 Lesley 1906900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there some lingo variation here? I think of a purse as a non-backpack women's bag, which can be huge or tiny. I carry one every day... doesn't everyone? How else would you schlep all your stuff??? I'm a mom, so mine has to be pretty roomy—I also have giant things for some reason. Giant sunglass case, giant wallet (like George Costanza), then hand sanitizer, wipes, keys, makeup, ladies' essentials (ahem), phone, pen, passports (living abroad at the moment), tissues, planner... it's kind of ridiculous. I will probably have shoulder problems some day as a result.</p> <p>I only in the past few years discovered about myself that I hate changing purses, so despite my love of color I'm better off getting one neutral, go-with-everything bag per season, that way I can get as wild and crazy with shoe colors and outfit colors as I want and never feel like I have to change my bag. I know lots of people find purses to be an integral part of their daily look and change up regularly, but I think in the end I'm more of a Shoe Gal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906871 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 08:58:20 +0000 Style Fan 1906871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always.&nbsp; I carry around a lot of stuff and need to put it somewhere.&nbsp; I wish I could get away with a smaller bag but I can't fit everything in one of those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906870 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 08:54:13 +0000 Aurore 1906870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I usually carry a medium-sized handbag for work (for me medium-size means roughtly 30x20cm / 12x8in)&nbsp;and a smaller, crossbody bag for running errands. And a clutch for classy occasions. <br />My bigger bags are either beach totes, or gear rather than stylish items.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906826 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:55:06 +0000 tulle 1906826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Almost every time I leave the house, unless it's just for a walk to the Post Office.&nbsp; I have about a dozen bags:&nbsp; 3 large ones for traveling or when I need my computer with me;&nbsp; six crossbody bags (tan, gray, black, turquoise, pewter, and my newest, maize yellow) mostly the shape and size of books (varying from paperback to hefty novel); and 3 clutches, for dressier occasions when all I need is a comb, mirror, handkerchief and lipstick.&nbsp; The crossbody bags are my workhorses.&nbsp; They hold my phone, wallet-with-keys, Kindle, pen, comb, blush and lipstick, all I usually need around town. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906819 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:31:50 +0000 Greyscale 1906819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't use a purse until my 30s. In college I had a backpack for class, and I wore big men's jeans so I could just put my wallet and keys in my pockets. In my 20s I had a nice small messenger bag that fit a notebook for classes, umbrella, light sweater. But the messenger bag was too heavy for an injured shoulder, so eventually I got a purse. </p> <p>Now I have a very minimal leather crossbody (as a Find below) that carries my sunglasses (my eyes have real problems with California sunlight), wallet, iphone, keys, and a tiny pouch with chapstick, a few pills, and bobby pins. Some days I also carry a backpack with my laptop, a sweater, etc. On those days I also carry my purse rather than consolidating into one bag, unless I'm riding my bike, in which case the purse goes into the backpack and then I'm constantly wrestling with it to find my wallet for the subway, my sunglasses whenever I go outside, etc!</p> <p>If not for the sunglasses I might try to go back to just pockets but I always end up dropping my phone when it's in a pocket so that's probably a bad idea...</p> <p>For a while I had a larger, classic purse, an awesome Coach station bag I got at a consignment store. It could hold my notebook, umbrella, etc, but it was too much to carry around daily and I felt too fancy. I'm a scientist, and I'm one of the few women carrying a purse when I go to a lecture. Most people probably leave theirs in their office / desk but again, the sunglasses problem... I just can't step outside without carrying them.</p> <p>I'm intrigued by the leather belt bags that are trendy this year. I could picture using something like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906814 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 07:08:54 +0000 rachylou 1906814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, this is quite the problem for me. I’m a minimalist with pockets and don’t truly need a purse. I’ve been making an effort tho and have been using my purses to carry lunch. Lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906805 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 06:33:52 +0000 Gigi 1906805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear a purse every day. I have a medium-sized satchel that I carry. When I have more stuff to lug around (say, thermos with hot water for tea, plus a snack), I take a large black cloth bag with me in addition to the purse. </p> <p>In your case, I would recommend wearing a small purse, in which you carry your wallet, sunglasses, lipstick, etc., and putting the rest of the stuff in the backpack or the large tote.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906800 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:46:41 +0000 Barbara Diane 1906800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Daily. A large one. So large it can carry my sweater if I get warm, a notebook, and more stuff than most can imagine. DS2’s fiancé carries only an ID, lipstick or gloss, and maybe a credit card. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-on-earth-do-you-wear-purses#post-1906797 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 04:45:54 +0000 gradfashionista 1906797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes it’s practical to carry around a larger bag and a smaller one, especially if you’re commuting. It’s much more convenient to have an extra bag that allows various cards to be easily accessible than to have to fumble in a larger bag during rush hour. </p>