Choosing the Right Handbag for Your Body

Picking out a brand new handbag probably leaves us bag lovers with one of the best feelings in the world. When it comes to the selection process, however, many woman don't take into consideration how the handbag might affect their overall appearance. The truth of the matter is, the wrong handbag can totally break an outfit. But if this is true, then that means the right style handbag can totally make an outfit by drawing attention away from one area and directing it toward another. Pairing the right style of handbag with your body type can be just as flattering as a pair of perfectly-cut jeans.

So which style works best with which body types?

If you are PETITE:
Smaller people can easily become overwhelmed by large handbags. Small to medium shoulder bags are your best bet. If you want to create an illusion of height, then pick a style that is taller than it is wide.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Eva

If you are TALL and SKINNY:
Don't have a lot of curves? Try a large, unstructured hobo style. If you prefer a smaller bag, then select on that hits you right at your waist when worn over the shoulder. Both of these will help you create the illusion of a curvier figure.

Maison Martin Margiela Large Leather Sac Bag

If you are PLUS SIZED:
Go for larger, more structured handbags like totes and briefs. A bag that is wider than it is tall will help balance out your figure. Smaller bags should be avoided since they will appear out of proportion when compared to your size.

Tod's Restyled D-Bag Media

If you are PEAR SHAPED:
Try a smaller bag that fits snugly under your arm. It will help you draw attention away from your hip area and toward your bustline. This will help balance out your figure. Messenger bags and satchels should be avoided since they will cause the eye to move downward.

Fendi Large Patent Baguette

If you are BIG BUSTED:
A large chest will only be emphasized by a handbag that hits you above the waist. Instead, choose a messenger style or handheld satchel. This will help draw the eye downward, away from your bust, and can help balance out your figure.

Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30

Now that you know what style of handbag will flatter you the most, you will be able to make more confident decisions when it comes to purchasing a new bag. But wait, what if you absolutely fall in love with a bag that may not suit your body type? Don't worry! Here at TBF we are all about what makes YOU happy. So as long as the bag makes you feel fabulous, then by all means, wear it with pride!

Find all of the handbags featured here over at http://http://www.eluxury.com/estore/index.jsp!

Source:
Hart, Gill. Choosing the Right Handbag for Your Body. Jan. 29, 2008. Suite101.com.

Cool post, bRS!!!

Thanks Jess! It was one of Jennifer's special post ideas. I think it turned out good though.

Very interesting post brs!

What a cool post! Thanks bRs!!

hmm now this makes me think i have all the wrong bags for my body... i am petite but i have a Kale Chilton which is rather large...

my other bags are smaller...

Awesome! Thanks!

Interesting post! Lucky for me my body type seems to fit with the style of bags I like most! =D

Interesting! I'm petite but my bag sizes are across the board.

Hey that's pretty cool!

And I think my bags follow it to a "T"!

This is really cool. Thank you for posting this. I love the look of some those bigger bags, but being really short, I think I could fit myself in some of those purses. :D

Interesting, I am petite but love large bags.

Very interesting, I love those skinny bags!

This was very interesting. It seems I gravitate toward bags that suit my body type.