With countless bags out there, in every shape and style, you might be asking yourself: How do I choose a Handbag? Handbags are accessories that can easily affect the outline and the proportions of your body. And without you knowing it, you can instantly look heavier, smaller or bigger in an instant! So today have got a really fun topic for you and that is, how to choose the right handbags for your body shape

Shopping for bags without any purpose is passé. If you have been doing so, I suggest you to quit the practice this very moment and start buying bags that go with your body type.
Believe it or not, the type of handbag you choose has the power to make or break your look. What if I tell you that choosing the right bags could make it seem as if you’ve shed some pounds or kilos? Because, like everything else when it comes to fashion and style, it’s all about the play on proportions and bags certainly can help to flatter your figure simply by using them to either accentuate or take attention away from that part of the body you don’t want to draw attention to. You can use your handbag to highlight and as well downplay.

So, before we dive into body shapes and handbags, let’s talk about two important guidelines to follow when shopping for bags
The first guideline is to secure at least 2 high quality bags in versatile colours such as black or brown. For example, tote and hobo bags are basic designs that go with everything. They’ll blend in with most colour combos, occasions or outfit styles.

The second guideline is to avoid carrying bags that highlight areas of your body that you don’t like. For example, if you want to minimize your hips then black and dark brown are the way to go. Light colours and flashy details will only highlight the area you’ve placed them on.
when choosing a handbag by size, there’s an opposite rule in action: which says that your handbag size should correspond with the body size. If your body type is tall or heavy-built, you’d better choose a large handbag. Small handbags will only further accentuate your large body

Also, if you are petite, you should pick a small handbag. It’s bad idea to carry a large handbag that will look disproportionally in comparison to your body. Like for example if you’re petite and skinny go for narrow handbags that won’t overwhelm your small stature.

Or if you’re a full-figure woman, stick to wider and bigger bags with thicker straps. And if you’re anything in the middle, go for medium-sized bags.

When thinking about what style of bag to choose, the easy way to figure out what is more flattering for your body, is to look at your body shape and think about where you don’t want to add additional width, and look for a bag that sits at a different height to that.
So, If you are shopping for a bag, the opposite shape of your body type is the most flattering. For example, if you have a round body shape, don’t go for a round shape handbag. That is a no for you. When shopping, head to the dressing room, carry the bag as you normally would and check it out from all angles in the mirror.

However, the first body shape we going to talk about is the inverted triangle body shape.

Typically, women with this body shape will have broader shoulders and larger chest with narrow hips, flat bottoms and slim legs. Let’s look at images of women who are well known for having inverted triangle shape, celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Miley Cyrus and Demi Moore.
If you have this body type, your goal is to keep attention around your waist area to create a balanced look. So, when shopping for a handbag, always consider the length and width of the straps. Since you don’t need more around your chest, avoid too small or oversized shoulder bags with large straps. You can try crossbody bags, belt bags, long strapped bags, and clutches. Choose bags that add weight around your hips and legs.

And the best bags to help in achieving that are hip-length messenger and crossbody strap. If you choose a shoulder bag, then choose a longer strap to emphasise your waist.

Next is the pear body shape, women with a pear shaped tend to have a fuller hips, bottom and thigh area with a small top half, waist, bust, arms and shoulders. If you carry weight around the lower part of your body, you have this body type. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Omotola Jolade, Rihanna, and Shakira.

If you carry weight around the lower part of your body, go for structured bags that end well above your hips. Bags that add more width to your torso such as waist-length handbags and wide bags. You don’t want to look thicker from the waist down, so keep the focus around your shoulders and chest.
And to achieve this, you only need to be careful about strap length. Your handbag shouldn’t fall below your waist line. Go for shoulder bags, bucket bags, or any bag styles that have short straps and hang above the waistline and if you like belt bags, you can also use one across your chest.

The next body shape is the apple shape body, women with this body shape tend to have shoulders and hips of around the same size, with a slightly wider chest and waist and they usually have slim legs. If you are broader around your bust and waist, or if your waist is larger than your shoulders and hips, then you’re an apple shape.

Celebrities like Tyra Banks, Adele, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah are in this group.

Your goal is to create a balance with a slightly wide, structured bag that rests by your hips or lower to draw attention away from the bust. You want to create an illusion to balance the outlines of your body. And the size and design of the hand bag you choose will make a difference.

Stay away from sling/crossbody bags because they will accentuate the midsection when worn across the body. Also, small bags are a definite no-no because they’d make you appear larger than you actually are. Another bag you should avoid are bags with short straps, and unstructured models these bags will work against your body shape.

Go big instead! landscape tote handbags, and top handle bags are just right for you. Also, you can go for structured leather satchels/boxy bags with short handles which means you can basically pick either wide rectangular totes, bowlers, or top handle bags, as long as you don’t wear them with the long shoulder straps.

The next shape is the rectangle body shape, if you have a straight figure with no waist definition, that is if your waist and hips are of the same size or slightly the same size you have a rectangle body shape.

And you are in the same group with Hilary Duff, Alesha Dixon, Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman.

Your goal is to add dimensions and details to your stature, in other to achieve that, bag with fringes, woven straps, studs, and buckles is perfect for you. You need a handbag that will help create the illusion of curves, that’s why the design and the material of the handbag are important for you.

Keep the length of the straps so that the bag falls around your hips and leave the well-structured and geometrical shaped bags for others. Instead, choose soft leather and oversized satchel handbags, portrait leather totes, these bags are perfect for rectangle body shape, also, you can go for hobo bags, over the shoulder shoppers and of course the classic satchel. Avoid bags that rest by or below your hips; bags that can be tucked under the arm or ones that rest by your natural waistline will flatter your body type.

So, Let’s talk about the hourglass body shape, if your hips are similar in width to the shoulders and bust with a defined waistline, you have the hourglass body shape.

Let’s look at celebrities who are well known for having this shape, Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks.

If you have this body type, is considered an ideal body shape that suits most shapes and designs. so, choose handbags based on other factors, like if you want to look taller, slimmer, or curvier. Since you have balanced hips and shoulders with a well-defined waist, go for bags that sit near your natural waistline or below your hips.
You can choose from medium-sized hobo bags, totes, or crossbody bags, and make sure to accentuate your curves! you are one of the lucky ones!

Choose bags that do not cover your balanced figure. Give smooth textures and patterns a shot and wear them with simple outfits, for a more dramatic effect.

Traditionally this shape is considered the most “blessed” because anything looks good on them. While this may be true, you still need to remember that the size of your bag still needs to be proportionate, regardless whether you’re a tall, petite, plus-sized, or busty hourglass. Whichever you may be, you should draw attention to your best feature – which is your defined waist.

So, what bag should you go for: anything really, as long as it’s proportionated to your stature and physique. Bags like Bulgari’s Serpenti or Loewe’s Puzzle Bag would work well for Hourglass women too, and since they come in various sizes, just remember to choose a size that’s proportionate to your height!

This is just a basic guideline on what looks best on different body shapes. What’s most important is that you choose whatever you feel good in. Like for example, if you don’t mind having pear body shape with wide hips and thighs then by all means, show it off with a bag
that draws attention to that area!
If you are still not sure about the different types of bags that flatters your body shape or you don’t know your body shape, you can leave me a message on the comment section below and I will get back to you.
Now you’re ready to shop for handbags!