One great bag, or one for every occasion? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

One great bag, or one for every occasion?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I know this has been up to debate here before, and I've of course noticed that some of you have a mouth-watering collection of bags (Angie, MaryK and Kari to name a few- hi there!). I've never been a "bag lady" myself, but I appreciate the fact that a pretty and well-chosen bag is a great asset to any outfit.

However, since I try to make do with fewer items this year, a huge selection of bags is out of the question. For Christmas my DH gave me a vey nice leather tote, but I felt it was too big for my frame, so I went back with it and chose a smaller one: A Longchamp shoulder tote (Veau Folonné) in black leather. I find it so useful! It may not be spectacular in any way, but it is perfect in size, and I can wear it with every single coat or jacket I have. It is small enough to be worn out to dinner with friends, I think. Agree? For variety, I also have a very nice messenger bag in brown leather. I think a very small bag for evening and weekends would be useful, too, but for now I really don't need many more bags than that. I've added a collage to give you an idea of how many different outfits I can wear it with, and the size in relation to me. This tote will be a stayer in my wardrobe for years.

I have a collection of nine bags (hand bags, clutches, computer bag/beach tote/straw tote) all in all, and I intend to make this collection no bigger at all, preferably smaller. Have a look if you like: https://www.evernote.com/shard.....242f33c15b

Over to you: Do you change bags often? Would you prefer to ha one "perfect" bag, or do you find that mission impossible?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Carole

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

This is one of those things that I phase in and out of. I do have a large bag collection, in all sizes and colors. For a while, I was using a medium to large bag for everyday but since November I've been using daytime clutches and small cross body bags. I use the same bag for a week, then change to a different one. I used to change my bag every night to match or coordinate with the next day's outfit, but it got to be a bit too much for me.

K. Period.

Veteran

I'm exactly the same--I phase in and out. Sometimes I have the perfect bag and I'll stick with it for a long time. Sometimes, I don't and I use a variety. My wardrobe dictates a lot of that. When I have a too neutral wardrobe, I need a bag to pep it up. When I have a dynamic wardrobe, I keep the bag simple. The great thing about bags, though, is that they are easily stored and they last forever if you buy nice ones. I still carry my mom's straw bag from the 70s because is well made and relatively timeless. My early pvc bag purchases? Long gone. My first Coach? Still have it and it is back in the rotation again, even though it is nearly 25 years old.

cciele

Veteran

I really like that bag Ingunn -- so versatile!

I think bag philosophy is similar to clothing philosophy. Some people do fine with less, some people like variety

For myself, I have many handbags but don't rotate them that often. When I analyze my usage, this is what tends to happen:
- One largish bag changed seasonally. Every day bag carrying a bunch of stuff.
- One errand bag. Could be backpack or messenger style. Smaller than first bag.
- One going-out bag. Very small, holding only the essentials. Nice if hands free, but not a requirement.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I am on Team One Great Bag or, increasingly, Team No Bag At All. Like you, I believe that a good bag is an asset to any outfit, and I notice and enjoy other people's bags. But I'm happy with just the one, or if I can get away with it, none. I love the feeling of freedom that accompanies having nothing to carry.

I like your choice for a "universal bag". It is sleek, classic, and timeless. For myself, I didn't go with black, because I wear a lot of black, navy, and gray, and felt a black bag would visually be lost in the rest of my outfit. I wear neutrals almost exclusively, so I could have chosen almost any colour, but settled on a nice tan-coloured vintage-inspired flap bag (by Fossil, but I can't find a link to it on their web page anymore. I got it last year). Tan goes so well with navy, white and black, and doesn't clash horribly with red shoes, which are often my only pop of colour.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Traditionally, I have been on Team One Bag. Sadly, most of mine are nowhere near as beautiful and versatile as yours. (Love that!)

Now I would like to take a mid way approach.

2 larger bags (totes -- to fit computer and other travel essentials into, but not overpowering to my frame) one in a neutral, and one a punch of colour.

2 daytime clutches (ditto)

2 smaller cross body bags.

A couple of small evening type clutches.

I already own the evening clutches and feel no guilt about having several. They are all recycled from my mother and mother-in-law.

I already have the crossbody bags.

I just got one good tote; I have another, lower quality one that I hope to replace next year.

I just bought a colourful clutch. I'd like to buy another.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I have lots of bags after two years on YLF but I realized that I am just not a bag lady. I want to stick with one good bag every day. Next up, a nice big green bag will be my bag of the season.

Kristin L

Veteran

The black purse is gorgeous. I think it all boils down to what do you need. If you're happy with the purses you have and it works for you, I'd stay with that.

Personally, I'm not a one bag kind of gal. I love the variety and I change out which purse I'm carrying every few days. I'm currently not letting myself buy any more purses (and I'm actively trying to get rid of a few), but I'll never be able to bat for Team 1 Bag or Team No Bag.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

A lot of wisdom here, I can tell. Of course this is a matter of preference. I love variety, too, but I also like keeping things simple. Team one bag is probably not for me either, but what about Team three bags?

nancylee

Veteran

I think your bag collection sounds just right, Ingunn. Like you, one bag would not be enough for me...but I don't want to be overwhelmed by choices either. I have one or two shoulder bags for each season, with a couple of cross body bags for traveling purposes. I have to admit I'm a bit lazy about changing bags. I tend to use one for several weeks at a time until the weather changes or I feel the need for something new.

I do have a rather extensive clutch bag collection. I'm not sure how that happened since they are not used very often! Some are casual and some are for formal events. Since they're small and don't take up much space, I tend to hold onto them.

Love your compilation photo. I must learn how to do that!

Raisin

Veteran

I'm like you Inge, I don't like to change bags often, so I tend to go for really versatile, plain bags. I have 5 that include some that are just small enough for wallet, phone, keys, lip balm, and a few that are medium so I can also tote a few diapers and odds and ends. I tend to stick to black, grey and brown, but I did get a lovely mustard one for Christmas from DH, and it seems to go with everything.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Lovely bag - very versatile.

I fantasise about being the type of woman who only needs two day bags (summer & winter) & a couple of evening bags, but it will never be - the downside to being an eclectic.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have a rainbow of bags, but I also really appreciate how versatile yours is. I go on bag kicks where I carry the same one for weeks at a time. It is nice not to have to change your bag if you don't want to!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I also every a serial monogamist with my bags. When I am running errands I like a big bag that I can stash school supplies, drugstore stuff and so on as I run around (I do a lot on foot). Sometimes I am all about cross body comfort - this tends to be in the hotter weather. Meanwhile I have a fairly large collection of thrifted and second hand bags and the common theme is lots of leather without a lot of hardware. So, as you might guess, I think your everyday bag is excellent!

Aida

Veteran

I have a few bags and do enjoying swapping bags out.. just not every day. At least not in coat weather. I will often wear the same bag for several days in a row in the winter. But as soon as a proper coat is no longer needed? Then I do change my bag more often to match what I am wearing. Your new black tote looks really versatile!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I try, I've tried . . . I just can't. I use a bag for at least months at a time. I will use a clutch for a dinner out, but that is just grabbing 4 items and then returning them back to the 'mother bag' when I get home! Confession - the red patent bag I bought a year and a half ago has never been used :/ But I love my purple Fossil for every day

Makrame

Veteran

Hi Ingunn,
Just wanted to say I have really enjoyed your minimalist/capsule wardrobe posts, including this one. Nice bag and seems to go well with every outfit!

I like the idea of using one bag for long periods of time (I like Shevia's "serial monogamist" line). What Aida mentioned about coat weather rings true - I am even less likely to change bags in the winter than during warmer months. Our cold season is quite long (similar to yours, I think) so I am generally wearing the same dark bag from November until April.

Right now I am pretty much settled - crossbody brown bag for everyday in fall/winter, smaller black crossbody for travel, bright red and yellow/orange shoulder/crossbody bags for spring/summer.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Reading your replies convince me that a moderate selection is what most people would find adequate, which of course is no judgement towards liking and wearing a whole lot of different bags. I think the "coat weather" is an interesting determinator. I have a red coat and a blue puffer, and my black and brown bags are both perfect with them. If I had a small cross body bag in addition to these, I wouldn't be interested in getting any more bags at all, special occation wear excluded. A pretty clutch would come in handy for that, but I have one or two already, so no urgent needs there. For Summer, I think my brown bag will be preferred to my black one since I rarely wear black during Summer. I also love my straw tote that I bought in France last year. Then again, a small cross body bag will be useful, too. Maybe a red one would be as versatile as a black one?

Claudia

Veteran

Oh, how I'd love just one great bag to rule them all! My holy grail.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Another seasonal monogamist here!

I used to buy too many bags --- 'too many' because they often saw little use since I'm really lazy about changing bags and tend not to allow myself time for it.

So a smaller list of baggage works better for me --- about three medium-large bags that can be slung cross-body or off the shoulder to go hands-free, for hot, cool/cold and high-humidity/wet weather; another three smaller bags for excursions where I want to travel much lighter (same three seasonal divisions apply), say to lug lots of shopping or just go see a movie; a couple of small evening bags or clutches; a computer sleeve/bag for travelling; a bunch of foldable shopping totes that are stuck in the first set of bags; a couple of bigger travel bags for 'personal item' on the plane or for short weekend trips.

Unfortunately, even this list is longer than I'd ideally like, especially as I duplicate much of this across two home bases --- but I haven't managed to find adequate versatility for bags that cross seasons and needs at my budget yet. I love how versatile and beautiful your little selection is! Well shopped!

Carole

Veteran

I am really inspired by a minimalist wardrobe and it seems having just a few carefully chosen bags is ideal, but I could see myself making an exception here. Sometimes when things are getting boring, a new bag in a great color or style can add some new life to my wardrobe. You have quite a knack for creating the ideal wardrobe capsule, Ingunn, and your bag capsule is no exception. Bowing to Queen Capsule!