It seems as though everyone is on an endless quest for the perfect match: a foundation that matches your skin tone, a perfume that matches your personality, a lipstick that matches your outfit. Finding the perfect handbag is no different.
The search for your perfect handbag match may end here, though. We have compiled a handy guide with essential considerations when shopping for your next piece. After this, you could probably start referring to us as a matchmaker, but instead of the perfect man, it’s the perfect purse. We’ll let you decide which is better.
Where Will You Wear It?
The first thing you must consider when buying a new handbag is where you will wear it. Is your new bag meant to be an occasion bag worn when you go out on a date or to an upscale event? Or are you looking for a work bag that will hold up to your commute (and possibly the fact that you didn’t screw the lid on your water bottle all the way)? The question of where you will wear the bag is essential for narrowing down materials and designs.
Work bags tend to be larger totes or briefcases and are often made of high-quality leather. They can hold everything from your laptop to your lunch and can withstand even the rainiest commutes. Work bags are often in neutral or muted colors, making them look more professional.
Occasion bags, on the other hand, can be rather ornate. Beads, sequins, and glitter can all be something that you look for in an occasion bag. If a bit of sparkle isn’t your thing, you can start looking for more pieces that feature statement hardware. Additionally, you can narrow down your search to clutches or small shoulder bags, as those tend to fit the bill a bit better than the bulk of a briefcase.
As you can see, an understanding of where your bag will go allows you to narrow down your search for your next great bag. Certain styles fit certain events and uses, so this question is a great place to start if you feel overwhelmed by the choices you have.
What Size Do You Like?
Some people love a big statement bag, while others prefer something more modest in size. Knowing what you tend to gravitate towards can help you steer clear of bags you won’t love, and save some time scrolling.
If you aren’t sure what size bag you think you will love, you may want to start with a look in your current bag. Empty out your purse on the table, and have a look at what is inside. Do you have a “Mary Poppins” bag that seems to hold everything but the kitchen sink? Or do you just stick to the essentials?
Additionally, take a look in the mirror. A bag can’t make you look like you dropped 20 pounds, but it can help balance out your appearance. Large bags may overwhelm ladies that are more petite, and crossbodies may not sit right on a fuller bust. Try to imagine how you would hold your bag, and see how that compliments your figure.
What is in Your Wardrobe?
Much like buying a new coat or pair of shoes, you need to consider the style and color palette of your wardrobe. If you tend to stick to neutral colors, a bright pink bag will match, but it may not be something that you love. A wardrobe full of blues may not suit a black handbag, and a closet full of black might not complement a navy purse.
The style of clothes that you gravitate towards can help give you insight into what kind of bag you may be looking for. If you love boho-chic styling, a heavily structured bag isn’t necessarily going to match that aesthetic, while a hobo tote bag will.
A look in your closet can also help you identify what gaps you have in your handbag collection. A deep dive may help you realize that you don’t have a good clutch or a reliable shopping tote. Analyzing your current rotation allows you to see what you are missing and make that bag your next purchase.
What Do You Want Your Bag to Say?
Whether you get one that is bold or not, a purse is always a statement piece. It is one of the first things that someone sees in your outfit, so it is constantly sending a message without you speaking.
A bold, colorful bag can say that you are adventurous and loud in your styling and can present an image of confidence, while an unstructured bag may say that you are more laid-back and like to go with the flow.
When you are looking at potential handbags, think about the message that the bag is sending. While bags rarely send a bad signal, they may not be one that reflects who you are and what your style is.
Consider Gently Used Luxury Bags
Now that you have narrowed down what you’re after, it’s time to hit the shops.
If you are looking for an incredible bag on a budget, a vintage find, or simply love the satisfaction of finding a great deal, shopping for gently used designer handbags is a great choice. You can often find unique items that you wouldn’t have seen on a designer brand's site or in your friends' closets. Shopping for secondhand branded bags is also kind to the planet and your wallet.
With the money you saved, you could probably pick up an extra bag, just in case this matchmaking process suggests you need more than one.