How many purses is too many? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

How many purses is too many?

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Hello everybody! I'm trying to reduce the clothing I have, but I can't seem to do the same with my purses--I've even bought a few recently! Some are definitely very chic and a few are utterly practical--small crossbody (I live in a dodgy neighbourhood and need the security of a body strap whilst traveling alone or cycling), large hobo (for intercity commuting: can fit books, papers and my computer), and then the purses for my inner chic gal. How many purses is an "average" (acceptable without being excessive!) number? Or one that an aspiring minimalist can admit to without being deemed hypocritical? Thanks!

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from Mochi

AJ

Veteran

Personally, I feel that accessories help change the vibe of an outfit, so unless you have similar items or they are just sitting there as orphans, I wouldn't worry about the number of purses.

Debbie

Veteran

As many as you want. I happen to be of the mindset you can't have too many.

lilyhan

yes...very much agree with AJ.....:) there is no a number limitation.....so just get rid of these that useless.....:)

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I have an entire plastic crate full of handbags of various kinds, plus several others that are stuffed on shelves or randomly strewn around the house where I last put them down.

As long as you can put them all away, it's probably fine. In my case this is not true, so I have been working on purging them!

rosee

Veteran

Maybe go through your bags to see which ones you really use a lot, and the rest "retire" to another part of your home where they are not as accessible. If you find yourself going into your stored stash for a bag, then that one should also be in your current use bags. After a period of time, maybe 6 months to a year (I do a year since I wear things seasonally), sell off or donate the ones you really don't need.

I have about 10 bags right now but a few are going for resale since I really don't want them (they are listed as "failures" on Una's thread). I have 2 leather messengers in navy and red that I wear a lot, a cognac leather tote that I will wear a lot when I redye it dark brown, and a olive hobo that I also wear at times. I also have 2 beaded evening purses but don't consider these daily bags. So 3 to 6 is ideal for me. You will decide what is right for you -- keep more if you use more.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree that it's nice to have a variety. When I feel like I have too many, I take a look and see if there are any I don't use or enjoy anymore. I've gotten much more choosy lately, so the bag that never seems large enough for the occasions I want to use it? Gone. The bag that's looking worn out? Gone. A nice bag, but I haven't used it in over a year? Gone.

But there's nothing wrong with a collection of bags! Keep as many as you use and love, and for which you have space.

Lisa

Veteran

Bags can really mix up a look, so I don't think there is a set number here. It's more about your personal need to remix up your look with a bag.

For a while I had lots and lots of bags (30+) and would swap them out daily. Striving for a more minimalized collection, now I am down to 13 bags. Still quite a few, but I swap them out less often (weekly or biweekly instead of daily). I'll always have a few bags that sit. I like a seasonal bag for the summer months which sits the rest of the year. And a special occasion bag which is used only a couple times a year for dressy occasions.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glorified Bag Lady here. I have as many bags as my years. It is never enough. I LOVE HANDBAGS.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

How many purses is too many? NO SUCH THING!

ironkurtin

Veteran

Thanks for this thread, I have maybe 10 totes/purses/bags, all of which I use - well, except for my two fancy purses, which are FANCY - and my husband was flipping out that I have soooooo many! I really had to look at him funny for that one. Too many jeans? I'll buy that. Too many cashmere sweaters? Guilty! But too many bags...? Puhlease!

rute

Veteran

ah ah Angie said all!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends on whether they are getting used. I probably have too many at only 6 or 7 because I really only use one for months at a time. I might switch to a clutch for an occassion, but then it's right back to the 'daily' bag the next day.

Laurinda

Veteran

If you can afford them, store them, and enjoy them you don't have too many.

rae

(website)

Veteran

My answer: as many as fit in your handbag storage space! Sorry if you're trying to get rid of some, but I really find bags useful as my main accessory, in place of scarves, jewelry, hats, shoes. So I have way fewer of those things and have lots of bags.

MsMary

Veteran

I'm with rae -- it's only too many if it's too many to store. Otherwise, knock yourself out!

Barbara

Veteran

I don't think it's possible to have too many purses. or shoes/boots/sandals.
or jewelry. or jeans. LOL

As long as you love them, use them, and can properly store them, there IS no limit!

Sylvia

(website)

Oh I should show this thread to my husband, who still feels handbags are silly and a waste. What do I do to convince him that hand bags are great accessories? I always feel guilty about getting another bag, but I so want a big red one!

catgirl

Veteran

Wow, you all are making me feel better. I am NOT a bag lady, and I have about ten bags, which my husband thinks is crazy. Both my mom and MIL carry one pocketbook (as they say back East) until it dies, then replace it. I don't have the time or inclination to switch bags often, so I use one till I get bored, then switch out - maybe every three months.

Maybe if you have more bags than days of the year, it would be too much?

rachylou

Veteran

Truth be told, I use only 4 handbags: office bag, cross body, Queen-of-England purse (ok, I have two of these purses, also associated with Grace Kelly), and one shiny-leather black clutch. I have some shoulder bags, but I don't carry them often - you can't trek with them, they don't do for fancy, and they don't hold a laptop.

So... doing some mathematical contortions... I'd say for 1 for the ultra minimalist, 5 for the merely spartan, 10 for the restrained ;>

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

My collection is modest in comparison--I feel much better about my indulgences. My mum also belongs to the wear-one-out-then-buy-a-new-one club. I'm hovering around ten (maybe?), but will probably try and sell a few once I've sorted out my closet. I've switched over from black to beige for practicality, red for fun and calf hair for elegant.

Anonymous

I don't understand this question???

soobee

Veteran

(LOL @ Alicat)

I have loads of bags. And I want loads more

Mochi

Veteran

The only problem with nice handbags is that they're wicked expensive. I was shocked when I started getting into them relatively recently (through an enabler friend). I think that's worn off, like with shoes...who knew I would eventually not be blinking an eye about a (very infrequent) purchase of $275 shoes or a $250 bag?

BTW I now have two bags, one of which is really old and tired. I need a few new ones for sure. I'm just very very picky.