How to use each type of women’s bag: tips and ideas to inspire

“Always remember the rule: a good accessory always changes clothes, for better or for worse” says professor Vanderly Loureiro, professor of the Fashion Design Technology course at the Anhanguera University of São Paulo.

With this idea in mind, one can reaffirm the importance of bags in looks. Currently they have an extra function besides carrying your belongings, they are now a fashion accessory that directly influences the final result of your style.

Therefore, it is worth knowing the characteristics of each type of women’s bag and using them according to your need and preference, taking the best possible advantage of this object in terms of style.

Here are the tips for using each model of women’s bag, according to the guidelines of fashion design professor Vanderly Loureiro and fashion consultant Daniela Christine from GetNinjas.

Satchel bag / executive briefcase

According to the teacher, the satchel bag was and still is used by students and usually has straps to put on the shoulder or carry in the hand. “Legend has it that it was used by Roman legionaries for its practicality,” she says.

Satchel bags are usually made of leather, in dark colors (brown, black, lead), medium or large sizes and have few or discreet details, guides the consultant Daniele.

What kind of look does it match? Ideal to be used in a classic formal production, that is, more discreet social clothes (pants, shirts, knee-length skirts, blazers), sober colors, firm fabrics and tailoring. Piece-de-pile, herringbone or chalk stripe prints are accepted.

Suggested use: At work in formal and conservative companies, meetings or visits to clients, business lunches and solemn events.

structured scholarship

This type of bag is super “high” in fashion. It is structured, that is, it has a firmer (harder) material, says consultant Daniela.

“Larger bags are usually more versatile to use and can handle work or play well. Indicated for work, the structured ones impose greater seriousness, especially if used with social clothes”, explains Professor Vanderly. She also advises that the straps were made to be anatomical and must be used in the appropriate size for the user’s height and hand. Oversized handles are sloppy, even in the world’s most elegant bag.

A) More discreet models, with light colors in medium or large sizes:

What kind of look do they match? You can use this model with beige, nude, caramel colors in a contemporary formal style in which, despite the formality, there is a feminine and more youthful touch (dresses and knee-length skirts and blazers). The colors are light or with some strong color accents. Scarpin or peep toe shoes with medium heels.

Suggested use: Day-to-day work in less formal or not so conservative companies, companies that deal with corporate clients, lunches and meetings with clients and workshops.

B) More casual or retro models, with darker colors such as pink, orange, yellow in all sizes, handheld or with crossed straps:

What kind of look do they match? With jeans and blazer, skirts (long or short), very feminine dresses and even retro-style pieces. Sneakers and shoes with round toes are welcome.

Suggested use: Day-to-day work (companies with an informal dress code), at lunches and less formal events (can even be used in bars and happy hours in general).

hobo bag / half moon

The hobo bag translates the middle ground between structure and flexibility, thus serving perfectly for both functions, says Professor Vanderly.

“Also known as a half moon, this bag has a larger base and decreases in the straps. It’s great for when you need to carry a lot of things inside (your diary or book, blouse, umbrellas, that makeup bag full of makeup, etc)” suggests the consultant Daniela.

Vanderly also highlights two important tips: double attention should be paid to the material from which it is made and that the bottom is not too rigid. The material can make the hobo look more sporty (going very well with casual looks like dresses, skirts and shorts) and its bellows, when firm and wide, tend to fatten the silhouette at the hip height.

What kind of look does it match? Casual clothes, denim shorts, overalls, etc. For a more boho look (which means individual and natural), use the ones made of jeans or malleable materials, plain or printed, and the models with fringes, all in earthy colors. To finish off, combine with long skirts, vests, flowery dresses in light colors or prints.

Suggested use: Informal outings, concerts, shopping malls, cinema, etc. There are models in more malleable leather, which are used with chemises or jeans, blazers and t-shirts for composition in a less formal work environment. On the feet, comfortable pumps or sandals, with medium heels.

Tote / shopper bag

“When in doubt about what to wear for shopping or going for a walk; use a shopping bag! Big, comfortable and great to put your shopping, wallet, books and everything else you need. Always perfect for relaxed and sporty looks. Shopping bags usually have their mouths open, so keep an eye on your belongings” guides Professor Vanderly.

There are also those suitable for use on the beach, which are made of plastic and ecobags made of fabric for shopping at the market, as the consultant Daniela explains.

What kind of look does it match? Pantaloons with light fabrics and spaghetti strap tops, jeans and cardigans, it all depends on the material of the bag. Some are made of leather and give a more sophisticated look even to the simplest productions of jeans and shirts only. On the feet, you can wear a slipper, flats or sneakers.

Suggested use: Informal events in general, in a less formal work environment, mall, supermarket and even on the beach.

trunk bag

This is a classic from the 60s, even seen in Louis Vuitton models. It’s the kind of bag that matches all styles and body types. It can be used by the hand strap or crossbody, guides the consultant Daniela.

What kind of look does it match? It matches both classic pieces and the basic ones used in everyday life, more romantic pieces (shirts and thin coats) but they also look great with jeans with the hem folded, pumps and a knit.

Suggested use: Events and less formal work environment, mall, cinema, theater, etc.

Schoolbag

Comfortable for when you’re out and about and want to be hands free. It’s also perfect for when carrying a lot of stuff. It doesn’t cause discomfort, as it divides the weight between the shoulders (as long as it’s used correctly), suggests fashion consultant Daniela Christine.

What kind of look does it match? In her last role in a recent soap opera, the character of actress Bruna Marquezine wore a backpack with several light dresses, conveying a youthful and comfortable image. It matches a lot with All Star. A model that is on the rise are ethnic prints. Matches All Stars, flats and low-top boots.

Suggested use: Widely used, to go to college/course/club, on outdoor walks and quick weekend trips.

Postman/messenger bag

The messenger bag was born to support weight and usually has a compartment for the most used belongings, since it is a large bag and can be used cross-sectionally, guides Vanderly Loureiro. Fashion consultant Daniela advises people of short stature to wear it transversally, preferably.

What kind of look does it match? Using creativity it is possible to combine from romantic style dresses to shorts and shirts. To match, wear pumps, loafers, low-top or Oxford boots (it all depends on the material of the bag).

Suggested use: The model fits well for more casual and informal events, such as a trip to the mall.

Medium or small crossbody bag

They are usually small bags, have a thin handle and are very practical when you want to carry only the basics and keep your hands free, says consultant Daniela.

What kind of look does it match? As there are many types, from casual to the most sophisticated, there are many ways to use them. One of the most seen models is the famous “ballad bag”, used in more informal parties and can have sparkles, beads or be made of varnished material. They are combined with lace, transparencies and sparkles. Matching shoes are usually Scarpins and Peep Toe.

Suggested use: Ballads and parties in general. Sometimes it is also used in weddings, graduations and solemn parties. However, the handles are usually thin and made of metal, with gemstones or thinner materials.

Portfolio

The wallet can have a strap, is larger than party clutches, is thin and malleable and can be used both day and night, says the fashion consultant.

According to Vanderly, they are used to place documents, in addition to our basic beauty kit, and precisely for this reason, they are used for work and are very efficient even when we have to carry it as a binder and with other papers.

What kind of look does it match? The wallets match ballad looks, such as bandage dresses and skirt looks. On the feet, half-paw pumps, heeled sandals and wedges go well with the style.

Suggested use: It is recommended to use in situations where you don’t need and don’t want to carry many items, because it only fits a few objects, such as a cell phone, keys, documents, a small organizer and money/cards.

party clutch

According to Vanderly, the clutch is a smaller, more structured bag and is a piece used for evening events such as cocktail parties, ceremonies and formal moments. They are favorites at weddings. And if they have an interesting shape, embroidery or different details, they can value a simple dress giving a touch of sophistication to the look.

As it is just a little bigger than the size of the hand, it only carries the basics: key chains, lipstick, money/cards, documents and cell phone, guides Daniela.

What kind of look does it match? It should be taken into account that this bag is suitable for formal parties, such as weddings and graduations. Therefore, the material of the bag must be coordinated with the material of the dress. But avoid combining similar items, for example: a sequined bag should be used with a plain fabric dress, while a sequined dress should be combined with a more basic clutch, without many applications. If you like to play with the looks, you can even mix prints between the clutch and the dress.

Suggested use: Formal parties such as weddings, graduations, cocktail parties, 15th birthday parties and gala dinners.

Now that you know how to use each model, invest in the ones you like best and that really meet your needs and your personal taste.