Structured or Non-Structured Bags??

deb

I started out the door with my structured lady bag, Brahmin 'Ophelia' then changed to my red unstructured very soft leather bag. On the way home it hit me why I switched. I am not feeling the structured bags lately. My most recent bag purchases (last year) were both structured but I am wearing more unstructured outfits and the structured bags just do not seem to work. Has anyone else noticed this with their own dressing?

9 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Marley

Deborah

Veteran

Deb, yes I have noticed this too. But, I find I am not comfortable with a bag that is too unstructured, I sit somewhere in the middle. Sometimes the structure of the bag seems to work nicely against the unstructured-ness of the outfit but other times semi structure works better. So something that has a distinct shape but is softer (does that make sense?)

At the moment I am using my Urban Originals tote a lot and my Things Terrific cross body bag. Both have a distinct shape but are not what I call ladylike and they are soft.

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9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I prefer unstructured bags in general, for a couple of reasons. First, of necessity most of my bags are on the large side so it's better if they can collapse a bit and not look TOO huge. On a similar note, structured large bags tend to be very heavy. Second, I carry all my bags hands free. So in effect they are always pressed against my body somewhere, either under my arm or on my back. So it's better if they can conform and squish a little against my body.

I would be ok with a small, more structured purse though. In fact, I'm eyeing this Brahmin crossbody. It's still not super structured, but it's about as far as I'd go.

ETA: just read Deborah's comment. I agree with her about just a little structure being good. Basically a bag that has a bit of a base so it'll sit up on its own but the sides are floppy.

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Brahmin 'Duxbury - Mini' Crossbody Bag

$195.00

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9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

What Diana said.
I just can't get into the hand-carried satchel thing. I think they tend to look too "separate" from me, and I feel self-conscious.I like to carry the bag hands-free but don't really like it truly across body--so either a shopper-styles that aren't too floppy, or a long shoulder strap for a smaller bag. I think I tend to stick with a few styles that feel good to use, as in where my stuff goes, reaching in, carrying on shoulder, and mid-size (except for clutches). So I probably have to update through other means like smaller details or color/finish. Plus I am not a true bag-lady and tend not to put as much effort there.

9 years ago

karymk

Veteran

Story of my life Deb. Just when I think I need a sloucher, I grab a stiffy. I know the stiff structured ones are easier for me to use and organize, but sometimes they just don't go with the vibe of a more relaxed outfit. So I guess it's best to keep some of each in one's wardrobe.

9 years ago

shiny

Veteran

In general I tend to reach for the more unstructured bags for weekend (social/casual), and the structured bags for during the week/business. There is room in my closet for both. It never ceases to amaze me how a simple swap of bag (and shoes too) can transform the look of an outfit from business-appropriate to smart casual.

Sometimes I'm in the mood for juxtaposition, so I will play with adding a super-structured bag with an otherwise super-casual outfit like baggy boyfriend jeans and tee shirt, or the other direction, adding an unstructured bag to a more polished outfit.

But overall, on the weekends, I reach for the unstructured bag that I can sling over my shoulder and which conforms to my body, and that I do not have to carry in my hands or the crook of my elbow, as that can get tiring.

Interestingly, I prefer my clutches to be on the soft/squishy/unstructured side. But that's probably because I can pack more things into them.

I always need ONE slouchy unstructured bag, and last season it drove me nuts because I had such a hard time finding one that met my requirements, because structured bags were the fashion. I am seeing more slouchy options for fall - yeah!

9 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

Wow! Interesting observation. I've been more attracted to slouchy bags lately too. I have a few, but they don't get the same amount of wear that my structured ones do, so I normally have an eye for structured one. I think it has to do with the fact that I have to wear more structured, button up clothing styles for work. Fridays and weekends, with their softer shapes the last few seasons, call for a softer bag. So I've been feeling more interest in them lately. Huge thanks for helping me get what was behind my recent bag choices! You are awesome!

9 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I had to look up the lady bag. It's very pretty. And I love the bag Diana pictured.

Hmmm. I think I see a very tailored outfit with a very structured bag. But I'm not sure of the opposite.

Me, I need a cross body bag. Structured or not. I need to be hands free. I know the rest of the world does not feel this way.

9 years ago

Marley

Veteran

What Shiny said!
I like the juxtaposition of unstructured bags with structured clothing items - and structured bags with unstructured clothing items.

9 years ago

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