Handbag advice: how to figure a style as casual or formal?

Hi,
I want to pose this general question on how to pick a handbag to coordinate with your outfit.
I used to think till recently that a structured handbag that can stand on its own is formal looking whereas a slouchy or gathered bag is more casual looking. Evidently not the case. When I look at some sites such as Tory Burch or Kors, they show models carrying bags that look perfectly structured and boxy, in neutral colors, and they seem to wear them with distressed jeans etc (what can be more casual than THAT?)!
(I am not considering special cases such as bags with frills or backpacks etc.).
So I have this question. Is there such a thing as a formal, career type bag versus a casual handbag? Of course I understand that some styles are casual by default, such as Totes.
Or, is this one of fashion's new trends -- that you carry a formal looking bag with a casual looking attire?
Also, while choosing a handbag, should one be giving much thought to one's height and body type? Should a bag balance your proportion (ie horizontal shape for tall and more vertical for short heights)?
Also, while on this topic, I know Tory's shoes have been reviewed here; what does the community think of her handbags? Quality wise as well as style wise? (I think she used to have this chic bohemian style, not sure if she is breaking out of it or not. In any case, I do not pay so much attention to her clothes because they do not fit well on me, but I am smitten by her bags and would love to hear feedback!)
Thanks in advance!

10 years ago

Dimity

Active Member

I think there's a general feeling that it's modern to juxtapose casual with dressy. Birks with dresses, totes with business attire, ripped jeans with a dressy blouse, that sort of thing. If you wore a formal bag and a formal suit nowadays, you might look interview-worthy or funeral-worthy. There have also been a lot of comments about the casualisation of fashion, so feel comfortable in dressing down anything.
For me, a formal, business type bag would be some version of a briefcase.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sometimes it's fun to wear a bag that "matches" your outfit in formality and sometimes it's fun to juxtapose. It also depends on your overall style persona. For instance, I am always more comfortable with a relatively structured bag; soft bags don't make me feel happy. So I wear a structured looking bag with all my outfits. Practicality also plays a role -- some people enjoy a soft bag and others find it impossible to find things in (me, for instance).

I think scale is important, too -- as a relatively small person it is harder for me to look balanced with an enormous tote. I carry one anyway for practicality.

cjh

I like the Tory bags, a bit too structured for me, but really attractive. I think the colors and textures make them blend nicely with more dressed up looks - business or professional, not occasion (wedding/party), as well as smart casual. Don't know anything about their quality.

If giving the brand a style name, I would say it skews to sophisticated preppy with a dose of ethnic or global in the prints and colors. I don't really see bohemian or boho in the lines or fabrics.

fabfash

Thank you all. I also looked at a few reviews of her bags online and found that some reviewers think that her clothes and shoes are great but handbags are a bit lacking in quality. In terms of style, yes I do agree with cjh - yes ethnic/global is better description that bohemian. Thank you!

So I am currently getting a regular tote in carnation red color (York Buckle Tote). I set out looking for a satchel or hobo originally but I guess my search will continue!
http://www.toryburch.com/york-.....cgid=handb

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