Bags That Flatter Your Shape and Size

Handbags have become a woman's best friend. Not only are they used to hold everything that we need, from our cell phones to our credit cards, our palm pilots to the papers that will spell the difference between promotion and demotion, they also look stylish. Can you even imagine a world without handbags?

Nowadays, women's bags are not only "receptacles" of your prized items but also style statements. Handbags are often used to display moods, individuality, style and class. You may not actually wear a purse like a blouse, skirts, and jeans, there are still shapes and styles of women's handbags that may be flattering and unflattering to a person's body type. Regardless whether you believe it, the handbag you carry can actually add on or lessen the weight that you seem to carry. Follow the tips below:

Examine the shape

Select the shape that is opposite to your body size and shape. For example, if you are tall and thin, look for bags that are more on the rounded side. Try a hobo or those that are a bit unstructured. This will complement your figure, while providing some contrast. If you are on the short and heavy side, it is good to carry bags that are tall, rectangular, or those with really well defined shapes. Long and sleek styles counterbalance your more rounded figure. Of course, there is no need to buy bags that are absolutely stick thin or those with really sharp edges. Silhouettes in supple fabrics and leathers are just perfect. Keep in mind to stay away from bags with rounded designs.

Think of the size

The size of your handbag should flatter your size. Though the should be contrasting and complementing, the size should must be in proportion. If you are very tall and big for your age, it would be really weird for you to carry a very tiny handbag. The same goes with a really small person carrying a very big bag. It will just plain odd.

Close fitting ladies handbags, or those that can be fit right under the arm at chest level, can only look wonderful with women who are slim and those who want to emphasize their décolletage. Using these kinds of ladies bags are discouraged for people who have large arms and large breasts as the short handles tend to emphasize the arm bulge. Remember that the length of the designer handbag or shoulder bag will always emphasize the part it comes in contact with. For example, if the bag hits your bottom half or hip area, then that area of your body will become more the exposed visual focus for passing eyes.

Many women look great with handbags and shoulder bags that end in mid-torso. This is because it flatters the waist. To find a strap that fits you, try it out. If your arm feels cramped, it is not right. Try out the bag in the mirror and see if it seems to flatter you or enhance flaws.