what makes a handbag "old-ladyish"?

crazyone

I have to say that I'm flummoxed by handbags, and mostly choose them for practicality more than anything else. But sometimes I get concerned that the handbags I choose are too frumpy or "old-ladyish". What makes a handbag hip, and what makes it frumpy? Examples would be welcome.

And thoughts on the bag I bought today? http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....slotId%3D3

but in a bright dark red/raspberry color.

14 years ago

Shopping

7 replies

Latest reply was from crazyone

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

That bag looks classic and not frumpy to me. I am no bag expert, but I think there is a big space between hip and not frumpy. Hip means a lot of different things to different people. And a "frumpy" bag on a young fashion blogger might look hip!

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

That looks like a very "classic" bag which to some people could read as too conservative or "frumpy". Don't get me wrong...I like the bag! However, if you are going for a more trendy look then "classic" you will want to counteract the bag with tougher or edgier pieces. It all depends on what look you are going for.

14 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

A lot of the "hip" bags just aren't practical for well.. holding a lot of things or walking around.

Consider a completely unstructured hobo: How are you supposed to find anything inside it without adding a purse organizer?

Consider studs, zippers, heavy piece of purse hardware du jour: These embellishments keep coming in and out of style so they can date quickly. Also, they add additional, nonfunctional weight to what is already a lot to carry on one shoulder.

To me, the easiest way to keep a handbag from looking old lady-ish, while still being sleek, streamlined and practical is through an innovative shape or a fun color. That bright red/dark raspberry color keeps you well out of frumpy territory.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Attitude

14 years ago

Patty

Veteran

Carrying it in the crook of you elbow, arm extended. ;+P

14 years ago

Emily

Veteran

There is a particular shade of greyish muddy taupe one sees often in the handbag section of thrift stores that I think screams frump, but I echo shevia's thought that the young and extremely hip could probably still make it look current. I think that right now the simplest way to avoid handbag frumpiness is a bag in a bright colour, like yours.

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14 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

Interesting thoughts, everyone!

Patty, that's definitely true

Sylvie: I definitely agree with you, but hobos/detailing seem to be the way to sure-fire escape frumpiness, so it's hard to find the right balance.

14 years ago

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