https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 20:21:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465486 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:35:42 +0000 Jaime 1465486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a bag person in the way I very much am a shoe person, but I like an interesting bag. I have lots, almost all second hand, and they run the gamut from no name to&nbsp;local designer to a few known designers I found second hand. Since I am often out and about on foot, my bags are seen but I choose them first according to what I am doing that day (hands free, holding stuff, etc.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465482 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:27:12 +0000 anne 1465482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CC that sounds like a great combination! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465478 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 02:11:28 +0000 Classically Casual 1465478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been sort of trying to become a bag lady, though it's SO MUCH EASIER to just use my trusty black shoulder/crossbody bag.</p> <p>But today I brought out my citron with snakeskin trim clutch I scored on sale this winter. And I wore a new citron top with my jeans. Anyway, we were in a nearby small town, and I bought a sandwich at the grocery store. During checkout, the checker asked me if "I had a lot of purses" That was a definite first for me! If only she knew that 99% of the time I don't make the effort.</p> <p>My only memory of bags in the workplace involved one manager who used the oldest, sadest bag. Her staff saw it regularly as she came and went from the office. And any clients she met with... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465470 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 01:44:33 +0000 Dee 1465470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bags are one of the first things I notice about people's outfits, especially in the colder months. I like my bags to make a statement but still serve a function. For example, most of my winter coats are neutrals (charcoal grey, heather grey, taupe), so I feel a bag adds a splash of color. But in the wnter, it needs to be large enough to toss my hat and gloves in at my destination. I do walk a lot and take transite, but even when I drive, I carry a bag out to dinner or to meet friends, or even things like grocery shopping, so it does get "seen," so to speak.</p> <p>In the summer, my bags tend to be smaller and more utilitarian. Don't need to fit all the winter accessories and I spent more time out of my house (festivals, walking, etc). I like neutral ones to wear with bright colors and colorful ones to wear with black/white. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465421 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:07:56 +0000 Echo 1465421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't carry my bag into work (I generally lock it in the trunk when I leave home so I have it if I need it on the ride home), but a bag is still an integral part of an outfit to me. When I am not at work, all most people will see of me for 8 months of the year is a coat/jacket, footwear and bags (any maybe whatever is covering my legs), so bags absolutely matter. Additionally, once one becomes accustomed to the workmanship on a nicer bag, it is hard to go back, IMO. Regardless of what others see looking at them, they give ME pleasure.</p> <p>The same can actually be said for underwear or loungewear for many people. If no one else sees it regularly, why does it matter? But it makes ME feel good, even if no one else sees it, and it boosts my mood when I am wearing something flattering at home, even if no one else ever sees it.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit/page/2#post-1465406 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:39:57 +0000 Suz 1465406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was never, ever a bag lady beyond mere utilitarian need -- until YLF started to convert me. Now I actually enjoy my bags. Not fancy designer stuff, because I don't have the money for it or (particularly) the desire, but Danier is becoming my friend. Mind you -- I work from home but do most of my errands on foot/ public transit -- and I travel a lot, so totes are key to my bag style (I need a bag that fits my laptop). I love coordinating with my outfit. I never have anywhere to store my bag except at home; thus, when I am out in public, as <b>thimbelina</b> said, it's always an integral part of my outfit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465396 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:12:59 +0000 Brooklyn 1465396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get the whole thing about not caring about a bag that is not seen. I also drive to work and stash my bag away when there. And often don't go out at lunch time. But for all that&nbsp;I&nbsp;still really like bags and like to ensure my bag coordinates with or adds to my outfit. I think for me it is about confidence and feeling good. I think a lot of women dress for themselves and not for how they appear to others in any case.&nbsp;To me my bag is part of my outfit - whether or not others see it - and I walk out of the house more confident if I feel my outfit&nbsp;looks pulled together.&nbsp;I guess&nbsp;it's similar to why some women love expensive underwear even though it is&nbsp;not seen&nbsp;by most people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465378 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 22:11:32 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1465378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, I still go sans-bag to some events, sticking my small wallet and my phone in my jeans pockets. Without a bag you get to go through the express security line at our local hockey team's games, and it's handy as well at other public events where a bag gets tedious to look after, even a small crossbody. It was easier back in the day when all I needed was my wallet and keys, no cellphone, but when I upgrade my phone soon I'm going to buy a case that doubles as a small cc/id wallet. </p> <p>One of my sticking points for not being a bag lady is that they're so stinkin' expensive, the nice real leather brand-name ones, even pricier than shoes or coats. I'd rather get four new garments or two pairs of shoes on sale for the same price as one purse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465353 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:06:52 +0000 Anonymous 1465353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a bag lady, at least not any more, but I do love, appreciate and use daily the best bag I can afford and in updated colours and styles. &nbsp;I hear you though about not caring when no-ones is going to&nbsp;&nbsp;see it - honestly, when I'm not going anywhere interesting, I often just stuff my wallet and phone in my jacket pocket. &nbsp;Hey, maybe we can use those stupid plastic grocery bags we're not supposed to have for carrying our stuff now! &nbsp;</p> <p>In all seriousness, I do consider it part of the outfit on a work day&nbsp;&nbsp;and out of the 3 or 4 I rotate through in a season, I'm picking the one that holds what I need on a particular day, and also finishes off the vibe of the outfit. So that means yes, I have a bag with a skull head padlock thing on it, and I have one with fringes, and on and on. &nbsp;Yay for bags &nbsp;If you are going to carry one anyways, it might as well say something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465350 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 20:55:55 +0000 Lyn D. 1465350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only on this forum have&nbsp;<i>&nbsp;</i>heard the expression '<i>wearing&nbsp;</i>a bag'.<br />This changed my previous view about bags mainly just being useful for carrying around my stuff.<br />I mainly use a black bag that goes with most of my shoes and my watch band, but own some lovely and unique thrifted ones that I find whilst I am volunteering.<br />I like Angie's term 'wardrobe pets' for these, as they rarely come out to play, but I&nbsp;<i>love&nbsp;</i>owning and admiring them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465344 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 20:35:19 +0000 Karie 1465344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm kind of a bag lady, meaning that my bag is a part of my outfit for everything other than work. At work it lives in a filing cabinet. Whenever I dress for any place else, I take what&nbsp;purse I'll carry&nbsp;into consideration.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465332 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 19:55:11 +0000 Marina 1465332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm not a bag person either, but I think this is a matter of circumstance and balancing expenses/practicality with personal taste. Since in normal days people will see me with my "entire outfit" only when I arrive and when I leave, I choose my base outfit thinking in those things I will be using all day long and make sure they work on their own, with no need for any other accessories, but in a way it&nbsp;will still work with some extras that I may need during day - like a bag, scarf or sunglasses.<br />&nbsp;I don't mind having a lot of scarves since they are cheap, but when it comes to&nbsp;bags I usually prefer to&nbsp;keep a small set of basic black&nbsp;bags that can attend different needs/purposes that I may have&nbsp;and will&nbsp;blend easier with my base outfits.&nbsp;That doesn't mean it isn't worthy to have one or two bags&nbsp;with more "personality", either for a&nbsp;situation where you will be keeping your handbag for more&nbsp;time or because sometimes we may&nbsp;feel like using something different.</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465292 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:24:15 +0000 trekkiegirl 1465292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theoretically, I get the bag as an outfit component thing. It just isn't practical for my lifestyle. Even before I had kids, when I actually wanted to empty out the contents of a purse and transfer it all to another purse, I rarely did so because it was just a time-suck (although when I did, I found numerous item that I either 1-didn't need or 2-had thought were lost because I couldn't find them)</p> <p>Now, I'm more inclined to wish for a nice backpack than another purse, since this is what I take to work every day. In addition to my purse lol. Currently wishing for a black faux-leather one. </p> <p>The only time I really pay close attention to my purse is if I'm dressed very formally, like a wedding. Even then, unless I'm actually IN the wedding, I'm not likely to change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465289 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:19:46 +0000 rabbit 1465289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wasn't a bag lady until a little over a year ago, but that was because I was mostly wearing jeans and stuffing my wallet and my keys&nbsp;in my pocket (basically doing it like a dude). &nbsp; I had a tiny cell-phone carrier for plane trips but that was it. &nbsp;Anything else was in a laptop carrier or backpack. &nbsp;When I worked in an office my very utilitarian&nbsp;laptop carrier filled the role.</p> <p>I started to coupon and suddenly needed something to carry around more store cards and paperwork so I bought my first bag. &nbsp; I started expanding my collection as they became a part of my outfit (like <b>Janet </b>I work from home and when I'm out and about am shopping or running errands or going to events or meals -- so I always have one). &nbsp; &nbsp;About half my bags are thrifted and I prefer clutches and small cross-bodies for the size and lightness and ease to carry, but I love them now. &nbsp; I find them much less distracting to wear than jewelry, although I like scarves.</p> <p>When I see someone on the street, I always notice bags --- not the make as that's not my thing, but the size and shape and color&nbsp;and how it adds to, works with,&nbsp;or detracts from an outfit. &nbsp;I think <b>AJ </b>gives some great examples.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465285 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:08:47 +0000 Anonymous 1465285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a WAH/SAH person, I rarely use a bag except for the weekly grocery shop and then it has to be a cross body one so I have free arms for reaching up to cartons of milk. I'm not much of a bag lady and only own about 5 that languish in and ottoman.&nbsp;I feel like I need my outfit to work without a bag so I have to try to find other ways to make it pop.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465281 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 17:55:09 +0000 Kirstjen 1465281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a good bag is the icing on the cake. &nbsp;The cherry on the sundae. &nbsp;It's one of the ways I show my personality and/or mood. &nbsp;For me, the accessories (shoes, scarves, bags, jewelry, eyeglasses) are the fun part of getting dressed. &nbsp;<br />Work is part of your life, but not your whole life. Just because you stow your bag at work doesn't mean that the bag should be ignored.&nbsp;There's drinks with friends, dinners with the partner, museums, concerts, ballgames, kids' events, errands, festivals, vacations, business trips, conferences, volunteer work, milestone events. &nbsp;You can wear the same dress to a baptism &amp; a wedding, but you change up the accessories to freshen it up &amp; change the tone. &nbsp;<br />I have 15 bags (at least) that are only used for going out to dinner - which one I carry&nbsp;depends on my outfit, my mood, and the restaurant.</p> <p>My husband would probably love it if I felt like you - it would free up some time to focus on him... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465211 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:38:27 +0000 AJ 1465211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a bag is a fun way to try out a trend or change the vibe of an outfit.</p> <p>If prints seem too loud for you to wear, a printed bag/clutch would add a dose without being overwhelming.&nbsp; A floral print bag could add a feminine touch to a masculine outfit.&nbsp; A leopard print clutch and a change of jewelry could transform a tonal outfit from day to night.&nbsp; </p> <p>A bag with some fringe when worn with jeans and a&nbsp;pullover sweater or drapey tee&nbsp;would hint at the 70's trend without having to wear a suede vest or bohemian skirt.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465172 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:44:42 +0000 AviaMariah 1465172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like alaskagirl's comment about being a failed bag lady. &nbsp;I keep holding myself back from spending on bags because I fear that would be me too. &nbsp;Plus, with baby #2 I'm still trying to figure out how to incorporate a diaper bag, purse and tote for work without spending a bunch of time repacking every morning. &nbsp;I think to make it worth it you just really have to enjoy the bags for yourself. &nbsp;Maybe I'll get there someday. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465167 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 15:37:58 +0000 Summer 1465167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to think like you, Ann, using one neutral bag for everything until it fell apart. &nbsp;Now, I see them as an accessory, and like to have a change of style or colour depending on activity.<br />&nbsp; When I wear a bag, it's usually for shopping, or a social activity where I will be carrying it&nbsp;on me all the time, so it becomes a part of my outfit. &nbsp;I'm not obsessed by them, but I find but I find them useful for adding interest and colour, particularly in winter when I'm&nbsp;wearing a coat for much of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465141 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:58:48 +0000 catgirl 1465141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a failed bag lady - I love bags but fail to deploy them effectively due to laziness.&nbsp; Googling bright orange bags right now, in fact. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465124 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:32:05 +0000 Anonymous 1465124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you either love them or you don't. &nbsp;I love them. &nbsp;I love looking at them. &nbsp;I love the feel of them. &nbsp;I love opening and closing them. &nbsp;They are absolutely the very first thing I notice in any single outfit. &nbsp;More often than not, I will focus in on the bag and neglect to consider other aspects of an outfit. &nbsp;If I had an unlimited budget, I would have a different purse/bag for every single day of the year. &nbsp;</p> <p>I discovered that no single bag is universal for me. &nbsp;I need a full wardrobe of bags .... everything from computer bags to totes to clutches to satchels. &nbsp;I use them all, depending on what is scheduled in my day. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I never learned to feel this way about shoes. &nbsp;I think it is because every bag I see is an exciting possibility whereas shoes are, well, just shoes. &nbsp;I&nbsp;tend to have to buy very utilitarian shoes and I dread shopping for them. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465110 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:53:12 +0000 Gennifyr 1465110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually go for neutral bags but this year I bought a light blue one specifically for a bit of colour. I work from home but when I go out, I'm walking around a lot outside so a bag is an opportunity for flare. I don't wear scarves or statement jewellry and my wardrobe is fairly neutral so I tend to add interest with shoes and this year, a bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465109 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:49:44 +0000 lyn67 1465109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes want my bag to blend in, other times&nbsp;to pop out from my outfit, but it always has&nbsp;to be coordinated somehow (style, weight/texture/structure, dressines and practicality wise). I heart my bags as I do cary half of my life in&nbsp;them.- so&nbsp;think that's why&nbsp; I don't have straight shoulders anymore:-)) but I have only a few at a time as cannot bear changing them daily, neither with a bag organiser. I have 2-3 bags&nbsp;for&nbsp;each of my 4 seasons and that's&nbsp;OK-but they are choosen carefully: not always a hit&nbsp;&nbsp;but&nbsp;&nbsp;as I grew older more and more&nbsp;often:-).&nbsp; </p> <p>Anne,&nbsp;love your new &nbsp;teal bag-hope you'll enjoy wearing it!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1465098 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 13:41:06 +0000 Janet 1465098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a bag lady. But I walk around a lot, and I'm self-employed, so I'm not doing the office routine. I was much more of a one-simple-bag person back when I worked a typical 9-5 gig. So I get that some people just don't need them to be more than a utilitarian piece, but I enjoy picking out a bag to be the finishing touch on an outfit -- it's just one more piece that can convey personality, especially since in the winter my coats are not very trendy, and in the summer I'm always looking for a way to add a little something extra to hot-weather dressing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464983 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:58:59 +0000 Grey Rainbow 1464983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't get bags either. I want them to function, and blend in. No pops of color there for me! That's what scarves are for. A few years ago I sold all of my leather bags (were starting too feel too heavy, fussy, cumbersome) and switched to Longchamp Le Pilage. Black, grey, navy, dark taupe. The colors blend with everything in my closet, they weigh nothing and hold everything, Two sizes of each is my goal. A metallic clutch for evening/dressy, and that's it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464982 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:47:31 +0000 Sal 1464982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not particularly a bag person either....except for with occasion wear. &nbsp;But I do sometimes feel I don't have the right bag for the outfit, or that my bag will detract. &nbsp;I think ideally a bag should be practical and either blend with the oufit, or if you are more ambitious, lift the outfit.</p> <p>I am much more of a shoe person than a bag person!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464980 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:19:29 +0000 Rambling Ann 1464980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ya know, if I lived in NYC/Boston/Chicgo, it might make a difference, coat/bag/etc. The car culture thing--sometimes I leave my coat and&nbsp;bag in the car, sometimes I stuff my wallet and keys into the my pockets and skip a bag altogether. And also the western thing--I have never been so cold as I was in Chicago, all that damp blowing off the lake, even at 0 degrees. In the west,&nbsp;0F and sunny can feel hot because there's no damp seeping into your bones. That's when you really want moisturizer!</p> <p>As it is, my earrings are more central to my outfit than a bag. But if I didn't have my car/truck as my nearby-supersized carryall and had to rely on what was in a bag, I might find them far more interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464977 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:08:53 +0000 anne 1464977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hooray for the&nbsp;Ann/e contingent! (Just saying) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464976 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 03:58:59 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1464976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that it doesn't make sense for certain lifestyles, but like Anne (and I'm an Ann too BTW), I walk to/from the bus and around downtown at lunch, and walk to dinner/drinks and shopping, all of which are opportunities to put together full outfits including topper and scarf. When I drove to the 'burbs to work, it didn't matter because the indoor outfit was all that was seen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whenhow-does-a-bag-count-in-an-outfit#post-1464975 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 03:58:50 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1464975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I mostly agree with you, Ann. Anyone who sees me often, like coworkers or family members, is not going to see me with a bag very often except where we're going somewhere together. I suppose strangers on the street do, and while I'm running errands or shopping. </p> <p>Living in a city versus living in a suburb/the country, and taking public transit or walking versus driving a car, make a big difference in these things, I think. Coats too - most of us don't spend that much time outdoors just hanging out as opposed to going somewhere. </p>