Handbag Guide: 3 Types of Purses You Should Have
Handbags are so much more than just vessels for your essentials—the right one can pull your entire look together and make a strong style statement.
Most people have at least a couple of different handbags in their arsenal. And like shoes, each serves its own purpose, dresses an outfit up or down, and speaks to the wearer's individual style. So what's the secret to finding the right bag?
Read on for our guide to the nine different types of purses that are must-haves for any wardrobe.
Shoulder bag
This mainstay gets its name from the way it's worn: slung over one shoulder. It varies in size, but is generally large enough to hold all your essentials and then some, making it one of the most functional—and popular—types of handbags. Shoulder bags are ideal for everyday casual and professional situations, so it's a good idea to get one in a neutral color, probably in a genuine or faux leather that can be adapted to different outfits and settings
Crossbody
This single-strap style is also named for the way it's worn. Typically smaller than a shoulder bag, the crossbody still allows you to go hands-free. It's perfect for running errands, social events, travel, and any scenario where you want to keep your essentials on you without being weighed down. Considering it can be worn day or night, this is a great style to stock up on in different shapes, colors, and textiles.
Top-Handle Bag
Like it or not, everything in fashion is cyclical. Just look at all the vintage-inspired elements we've seen come back in recent seasons: Shoulder pads, kitten heels, and wide belts are just a few of them. In the world of bags, it's the vintage-inspired top-handle silhouette that's officially become the It-bag of the fashion crowd, with tons of new options on the market in a range of price points.
This bag trend perfectly complements a floral dress or skirt suit, but it works well with more casual athleisure looks, too. If you prefer to be hands-free, many top-handle bags also include the option of a longer strap, fortunately.