Let's talk handbags and outfits... - YouLookFab Forum

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Let's talk handbags and outfits...

catgirl

Veteran

I have always been a one bag gal. I will use a bag until something (usually a juice box exploding) forces a change. I'm semi-oblivious to size, color, shape and style. I just like what I like. However, I've actually amassed a small collection for various reasons, including the two recent additions from the auction.

What determines the bag to wear with an outfit, other than practicality? Contrast, matching, size, color, style, pattern, bling? I have absolutely no framework for this. Someone mentioned to me that a certain bag was more formal, and I was all confused. I never really considered a bag part of a "look" - and even though I know better now, I still don't get it.

I'd like to use what I have (though not acquire more!). I know some of you change your handbag daily (head spinning here). What goes into your daily choice of bag?

Dressing

48 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Laura

Akaskagirl, I admire you for your resolve to use just one bag!

I have bags in all the neutral tones and a few brightly coloured ones too as I used to try to have a bag to match each and every dress. Now, I just try to keep it simple and use neutral tone bags so I don't need to have a dozen bags in my closet. My wallet can't afford to do anymore bag shopping although I do drool a bit when I see the new collections coming out from Kate Spade, Prada, Guess or LV .....

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

It's funny that you bring this up. While I love bags and have quite a few neutrals, I tend to use the same "black" one over and over again and the sad thing is that it is water resistant. I am looking for THE bag but have yet to find one.

crutcher

Veteran

I just bought an ah..maz...ing clutch in a sea green...my favorite color...I am delighted to find this bag and excited to own it,,,but, now, what do I do with it?...I am like you a one woman bag for about 2-3 months when I trade for another bag...Now that I have Ms. Clutch which by the way I have anguished over and announced to myself that I needed one, I havn't a clue how to style, wear or use...
Maybe other Fabbers will chime in for your request and I can learn...
What does go into your daily choice of bags?...

rachylou

Veteran

Yeah, no, I shouldn't post on this thread since I'm a bag hater. But I do like a red clutch to add a bit of pizazz when I'm doing plain... not that I actually ever bother.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I love handbags. If it wasn't such a pain to change stuff over (wallet, small pouch, sunglasses, keys) every time, I would have even more bags. I do rotate between two or three per season, usually. This fall / winter I am working a burgundy tote, a black satchel with leopard accents, occasionally my more formal looking larger quilted black bag. And I have my eye on a dark green Tory Burch satchel but am hoping for a sale or coupon.

I had always been a neutral bag person till the last year or so, when I decided it was good to have a color pop from a bag. And then I have this issue of liking any apparent bag hardware to match my jewelry (I usually favor gold).

catgirl

Veteran

Ummlila, how do you decide on a particular bag/outfit combo, or do you just rotate evenly?

deb

Veteran

I usually go by color then style. I like my red slouchy soft leather bag worn with jeans and when I am not in the mood for structure. I have the white structured Brahmin lady bag when what I am wearing is more angular. I use this whit bag all year long. My larger black Cole Haan bag that has a cross body adjustable strap for travel. And sometime I wear it because the 'look' of it just goes with what I am wearing. The green bucket bag that I did not use at all last year, came in handy when I wanted a pop of color in the late summer early fall this year. It made me happy. And then it is like shoes, sometimes I look in the closet and get the urge to use a particular bag because my inner bag being says to.

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catgirl

Veteran

"inner bag being" - wonder where mine is? Perhaps I crushed her with boots. Thanks for the visuals, Deb!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have a hard time switching my bags too. I have several but tend to stick with one at least through a season. I used the same ivory leather bag all summer and loved it. Loved it to death though - it got some weird ink colored (jeans transfer) marks on the handles and edges so it may be retired now. I will definitely get another ivory bag.

This fall I have a gray/taupe bag that is a bit more classic than my own "real" style. But it has the features I wanted - easy to zip open/closed with one hand, two exterior slip pockets, lightweight, etc. And it's neutral but only to a point. It doesn't necessarily work with cognac shoes/belt to my eye for example. And yes, that does bother me enough to consider switching out for the day to my deep cognac bag. But so far I've been lazy about it.

The shape and features of a bag are pretty non-negotiable to me as I move forward. The crossbody (no handles) no longer really work for me as it ends up hurting one of my shoulders - I need the option to hold it by handles to keep from hurting. I won't do a clutch because my hands are usually too bush and I carry things that are not flat and it looks weird to have bulges in a clutch.

Aside from the belt/shoes/hair matching ideas for a bag, I don't really know about choosing color, other than maybe agreeing that a "pop" of color can work well with most neutral outfits.

Purple contrasts well with reds, and many greens, it goes great with blues, deep wine, looks fresh with white, gray, etc. It seems that you could wear the purple bag with a lot of different things in your wardrobe Una. You could also try to work in just a hint of purple elsewhere in some outfits to tie it in further.

Vince Camuto Robyn Satchel

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I always want the bag to go with the outfit in some way and I hate it if it feels like it clashes. The bag with the leopard trim (Rebecca Minkoff cupid) I like if I am wearing an all solids outfit, but then I can't wear it if I am wearing my leopard shoes/ belt because it's a different leopard and looks weird. The burgundy (Cole Haan tote) is if I feel like I need more color in a gray/black/blue outfit, or if it happens to match some other piece. The quilted Coach bag (in my profile pic, actually) I mostly use if it I want to be formal (e.g., infrequent office trip), or if I am traveling and want a bag that fits my iPad and valuables and zips on top.

And I am totally agreeing with TexStyle above in not liking either cross body or clutch bags. I hate clutches. The whole reason I like handbags is so I don't have stuff in my hands or my pockets. And I can't consolidate down to tiny flat bags because my car keys are bulky and I have to trot around an asthma inhaler all the time. Apropos of nothing, why can't car manufacturers make less bulky keys and put purse hooks on the side of the driver's seat?

BTW, I like that grey bag (almost got one this fall too.)

I think you could easily make your new purple bag work with a lot of pieces you own.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I have five bags - black leather, cognac leather, blonde leather, grey waxed canvas, and a black & white print canvas. My decision procedure is mainly color based:

leather jacket + leather boots? fabric bag
dark neutrals + camel/taupe/cognac/grey shoes? matching bag
outfit too dark? blonde bag
outfit too dull? patterned bag
wearing black in summer? black bag

Like everyone else in the world, I am on a real neutrals kick right now, so feel no need for a colored bag.

All five bags are medium-sized, fairly casual, shoulder bags, by design. Medium-sized because I always need room for keys, phone, makeup etc bag, and a book/lunch/yoga gear. Casual because I'm either casually dressed, or in business casual at work, which makes me over-dressed relative to most people there. Shoulder bags because I'm anti-clutch (I am not coordinated enough to hold my bag under my arm while doing anything) and anti-cross-body (I never figured out how they work unless you're pretty flat-chested).

Diana

Veteran

I generally go for neutral-or-nonclashy-for-me (this includes red, of course!) bags, since I'm too lazy to change daily. I prob change every week or two. I do generally switch to a smaller bag (also neutral) for weekends.

For me aesthetics definitely comes after function and convenience when it comes to bags. Honestly at the moment my most used bag is my black nylon longchamp tote, which looks nice but is not flashy, arty, or even particularly original. But it is lightweight, comfy, and holds all my stuff.

Marley

Veteran

I am a devoted handbag girl and change up my bags according to what I am wearing. I usually decide on which handbag to carry once I am dressed and ready to leave the house - then I can pair it up with the outfit. Sometimes I have to try 2 or 3 before I get it "right" - I don't put my stuff in them while I am experimenting (now that would be a pain!)

My criteria that I use in making the decision includes:
* Could my outfit use more structure? - Or do I need a less structured bag to offset the structure/angular lines of the outfit? Sometimes I want the bag to be the opposite (structure/non-structure) and sometimes I want it to be the same - that's where the experimenting comes in. An example of this: I have a pair of extremely distressed slouchy skinnies that I love. When I wear them, I'm not going to carry a slouchy, soft bag or one with fringe hanging off of it. A 20-something could do that and look great. But not a 60-something. I need to bring in some elegance/chicness factors or I'm just going to look ridiculous!
* How much and what do I need to carry in my handbag that day? This determines size.
* What are my activities going to be that day? For example: am I going shopping? - or transporting a dog to the Vet? or going to the movies? etc. etc. That determines ease of carrying/holding things as well as quality of bag (I'm not going to carry one of my precious bags while I'm transporting a slobbering dog!)
* What - and how many - and what size - are my accessories? If I'm wearing accessories that are "enough" for the outfit then I'm going to choose a plain handbag. If I'm not wearing any accessories, I'm likely to choose one that has
some embellishment on it.
* Does my outfit need more texture in order to make it look the way that I want it to? If so, I'll choose a bag that has some built-in texture - suede, patent leather, snakeskin, etc. I especially do this if I'm wearing a monotone outfit.
* I am completely off of cross-body bags. They pull across my chest and I think that the strap takes away from the outfit - UNLESS I want to use that strap as an accessory (assymetrical necklace or scarf?) then I'll use a cross- body bag - but it's very unlikely. I still carry my cross-body bags but I just put the strap on my shoulder and let it hang down my side.
* What is the vibe that I am wanting to project in my outfit?
* Do I want to take advantage of being able to add a color to my outfit that really is not one of "my" colors? If so, I'll bring that color into my outfit with the handbag. Even though though the color doesn't look good on me, because it is not close to my face, I can "wear" it and enjoy it! For example - citron green. LOVE it - looks horrible on me! But I have a citron green bag that works perfectly - and makes me happy - and allows me to wear that color without looking as though I died!

OK - that's all I can think of for now. If I think of more I'll come back to this post. Also - FYI - once you get into the practice of intentionally choosing your handbag, the above process that I just described takes less than 30 seconds! Easy - Peasy!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't have a big selection. I own a couple more now than are pictured here -- a large cream and black colour block tote, and a dark olive/ tote bucket bag/ tote, non-leather. I feel as if I would like a couple of extra bags but will be choosing them carefully.

I choose primarily by the day's activities. I mostly have tote and shoppers simply because I have to do a lot of travel with my computer. So I need the space.

I also decided on the basis of the outfit. What does it need to improve it? I don't really have statement bags that offer a lot of interest apart from colour. This goes along with my dislike of bling. I feel that I could stand to allow a bit of detailing onto my bags, if I found the right detailing. Even so, it can be useful to allow a bag to tie in with hair, belt, shoes, or some part of the outfit.

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catgirl

Veteran

Wow, Marley - that's a tutorial right there! Exactly what I needed. I can't imagine getting that process down to 30 seconds. It would take me all day. Then again, I don't have that many options. The structure and texture factors are the two that most appeal - I don't carry that much stuff, so any bag size witll do. But the idea of contrast and texture through a bag is worth contemplating!

Suz, do you use your clutches much? Are those clutches? I find it really hard to use a clutch, but that's because they are hard to find in a non-flat shape that works for me.

Anonymous

This thread is very informative! Great question Una, and that Marley is a wise lady eh? I'm no expert on bags myself. I own about 8 so not a massive collection.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Just talking everyday - I have a backpack & a cross-body bag as go to bags - they are both a greeny-grey which works with most of my wardrobe. I also have some totes in blue, olive & snakeskin which can be slightly dressier or casual & are good for travel. I have more bags but they are only used a few times a season.

Susie

Veteran

What Marley said

Actually, I don't put quite that much thought in to mine but I do consider the day's activity (which Mon-Fri is work) and then choose based on what works best with my outfit, primarily by color. I have to be running really late to not bother changing my bag! Or, if the current one works with that day's outfit then I'll just repeat it.

I have a variety of colors and styles, including clutches, satchels, totes and shoulder bags. I do have one small fabric crossbody bag but rarely use it.

I've only become a bag lady with a good size collection (around 30) in the last several years. Prior to that I stuck with neutral bags that worked with everything. Now I consider bags, like shoes, to be an important element in my outfit.

gryffin

Veteran

Una - if it makes you feel better I have one bag. Currently the coach madison annabelle below. I'll use it until it dies and I like it so much I have a duplicate waiting to replace it. I only swap bag for formal party. Since I only wear black/gray/denim it goes with everything and if it's not formal enough I'm doing major dressy so clutch time. Boots omg love to swap out daily but bag is a signature.

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Ariadne

Veteran

I have one everyday bag for each half of the year. In the summer it was my taupe Rebecca Minkoff Cupid. Now it's my charcoal Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini. I have a couple of small cross-body bags and clutches that get used on the rare occasions I'm able to travel light, as well as a plain black leather work tote I use during the non-rainy season (open top) and a couple of dressy clutches rarely see the light of day. I hate switching out bags and I have nowhere to store them anyway. I love the ones I have and am really, really picky when I select them.

rabbit

Veteran

Adding on another "What Marley said". I never started carrying a bag until this year, and then starting taking one everywhere and picking up odd and intriguing (to me) bags at Goodwill. But I generally do what she describes, get dressed first, then hold up some bags in front of my outfit to test. I go with a gut feel, it only takes a second, but if I analyze it, I'm thinking about all the things she describes -- primarily shape/texture/color and function for the day/will I need to set it down somewhere less pristine. It doesn't take me long to switch the filling around since I usually only carry a large wallet and phone and all my bags are pre-stocked with tissues (the curse of the allergy sufferer). Some bags can carry a tiny umbrella too and then I'm set.

Deborah

Veteran

Very similar to Marley:) I change my bag most days. I have a medium sized collection of bags. Some are worn very regularly and some not so much. I sometimes use bags to create a juxtaposition in my outfits, say carrying a very lady like bag with a black edgy outfit. My go to bags are a black leather tote and a black leather cross body.. they both kind of work with almost everything. I use bags to bring elements into my outfits that I don't want to "wear" for example an animal print bag is more preferable to me than wearing animal print clothing.

My decision making process is a bit organic, some bags just work with certain outfits.. I know it when I see it:)

There is a part of me tho that would really like to pare down my bag collection and just have say two really really good ones.

catgirl

Veteran

Well, this is fascinating! I know MsMary has a system to transfer her stuff from one bag to another, but this would be my downfall. At the same time, it doesn't seem to make sense to switch weekly (on the weekend would be convenient) if the goal is for the bag to go with the outfit of the day.

gryffin, that is definitely the One Bag To Rule Them All. LOVE.

Joy

Veteran

I used to be a one-bag lady pre YLF. I had to streamline my wallet and other stuff in order to change bags quickly. I have a flat minimal wallet with drivers license, medical cards, a credit card or two, some cash and change. I have a separate small bag with store cards, gift cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, etc.
Any purse has to hold the minimal wallet, phone, keys, comb and small pack of tissues. I keep a comb and tissues in every bag I have and would also keep a pen if i weren't worried about possible ink stains.
I usually have 3 medium to med-large bags for daily use in circulation, but reach for pewter metallic the most. Right now the 3 bags are pewter, black, and dark red suede. For church and going out for dinner or a play I like using a clutch best. I decide after getting dressed what bag I want to use. I often like to blend with footwear or belt.

Sal

Veteran

Interesting. I don't think I can offer much wisdom here. The inside of my bag can be such a mess...

At the moment I have three everyday handbags but am really only using one as one is almost worn out , and the other is more wintry in look.

I have several clutches/evening bags and one orange clutch which can be day or night but is too small to use mostly.

I am hoping in Chile there might be some interesting leather as I would like to add a new daily bag, either bone or black, to go with my tan/cognac and my red. I will probably take my almost worn out one to Chile as it is a good size and style for travelling and it won't matter too much if it is shabby. It was a gift from Portland USA, Queen Bee And it has a bird on it !

shiny

Veteran

Marley about covered it!

I've got a lot of bags and do change frequently, though every season I have a favorite "go to" bag that tends to get the most play. This season I have two go-to bags, both are cognac, one is a Coach shoulder bag and the other is a Clare Vivier fold over clutch. (I'm asking for another C. Vivier clutch for xmas -- red -- I really love the size and the leather).

When choosing a bag, first I consider function & size. Do I need room to stash scarf, hat, gloves, etc... am I traveling and a clutch is more practical because I can tuck it inside my carry on bag.... is my back hurting and a clutch will ease it... do I want to be hands-free and take the cross body.

Next I consider the "vibe" of the outfit and what works best for outfit/occasion: is it the weekend and I want something slouchy and more casual, is it work and I want something more crisp & polished & structured, am I going out for the night and want something with some glitz?

Then I consider color and texture. I do like to give my outfits a pop of color, especially because I do wear quite a bit of black & neutrals. But bag choice also relates to my footwear: if I'm wearing solid on my feet then I want a texture on my bag, or vice versa.

Lastly I stand in front of the mirror and take in the overall effect. Does the bag work or is it competing? Does it work with the scarf I plan to wear? What about my coat? This is how I wind up with so many bags -- because I'll often think "it's okay but would be even BETTER if I had a bag like... "

When I'm happy then and only then do I do the purse swap. I used to have one of those organizers but I find it's actually quicker to just swap, while also cleaning out tissues/receipts/coins etc.

Anonymous

Bags! *claps hands* I LOVE bags and own lots of them. And of course like the idiot I am, use 2-3 at any given time and just look at the rest packed up in a huge Rubbermaid container. The floodgates opened when I got the brilliant idea that I would buy myself a designer bag when I turned 40. So I did. And told NO-ONE what it cost. Since then, I buy one or two a year - not always designer, some from Coach, MK, Danier etc but I do have a small collection of good designer bags (usually bought on annual sale at Holt's) that I'll never get rid of (Prada, Fendi and Burberry) . To me , they are an integral part of my outfit. Because I go to see clients and customers for my business all day long - my bag is seen, and I like to have a nice one that works with what I'm wearing. For work days, they are pretty conservative yet quality bags with a minimum of hardware. For evenings outs, I like something a little smaller that can be stashed behind me on a chair in a restaurant, or something really funky that might work with a jeans outfit for drinks somewhere. Super casual days I use a black nylon shoulder /cross body bag from Lululemon that is practical but polished. Can stuff a water bottle and my sunglasses in it etc.

Black, a brown/black combo, navy, burg, and cognac are my winter choices. And I'm like Ummlila in that I do care to match the hardware with whatever jewellery and watch I'm wearing that day. Call me crazy

DonnaF

Veteran

I have a deep royal blue almost cobalt puffy clutch that goes with almost everything I own. It has compartments and slots to replace my wallet; this also means that is a PITA to switch to another smallish bag. Much of the time, I need to carry at least a small notepad. This means I often stash my blue clutch inside the middle compartment of my medium sized orchid bag which also goes with everything. The outer compartments of that orchid baby are large enough for a small notepad. If the orchid bag isn't big enough, I also have a pale gray tote which also goes with everything and will fit the blue clutch plus newspaper, large notepad, etc. I finally got the tote after I decided that professional conference swag bags can look a little tacky. Of course, I use them for professional functions so as not to look like a newbie.

When I used a wallet, it was easier to switch bags. DD gave me a wallet, but I don't really like the outside design and it's not streamlined enough to be functional for me. My old wallet fell apart.

Dee

Veteran

My mental checklist is much like Marley's, with the addition of:
1) Am I traveling? If so, do it want a more secure closure?
2) Can the bag manage in the elements? I may or may not want to take my nice leather Kate Spade when I know I'll be walking around in the snow/rain for hours.

In terms of the actual logistics of switching bags, I tend to keep a pen and lip balm in my all of my frequently used bags and just switch my wallet, phone and keys when needed. And Sally over at alreadypretty had a post recently about her compartmentalized system for switching bags often and not losing things:
http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....asily.html

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