Bags for Any Occasion: Featuring Fall 2011 Trends

Handbags may be classified as accessories but ask any ladies and they’ll tell you they’re more than that. It’s an indispensible part of the ensemble—a package deal, if you will. We need to lug around a handbag—big or small, long straps or clutch close to our body, slouchy or sophisticated, classy or casual—we feel more secured if we have one close to our body. After all, it helps to hold everything dear to our hearts—our makeup, our check book, our wallet and our secret stash of gums or a pepper spray just in case. Function aside, handbags can add splashes of fun to the outfit or complement it, create a certain look or reflect a certain mood.

So, don’t ask why we need so many handbags..it can get pretty sappy or superfluous but know this, handbags are as essential as putting on your shoes when you go out. And just as you don’t wear one kind of shoes for everything, you don’t tote the same kind of bag everywhere you go. There are varieties and thank goodness, there’s a bag for everyone and one for every occasion.

Types of Handbags:

Satchel

Need a bag with some structure to it, yet not too stuffy to be sophisticated at the same time? Satchels come to mind—they have a more defined body and they spell sophistication and class. Usually, they have double handles and a flat bottom and some come with a strap as well so they can be converted to a shoulder bag if needed. Whether you’re looking for a mid-sized or boxy shape, satchels are great to tote to work or a business meeting.

Hobo

The hobo handbag has a street swagger on its own. It’s the embodiment of everything relaxed and casual. It’s the perfect purse for hanging out with friends, scouring street markets or going on the shopping spree with your BFF. Its signature crescent or half moon shape also makes it roomy and it will sit well against your body. Hobos are quite evergreens, they are easy picks and transcend trends and seasons.

Tote

The ultimate carry-alls, totes are quite purely utilitarian. Of course, it can be chic but totes exist to make life simpler and more functional—there’s so much room inside, you can even throw a water-melon in, if you so wish. Luxe-leather, straw, canvas or leather—totes can morph into beach bags, shopping bags or gym bag. A good tote bag should have wide handles to handle the stress of lugging a whole bunch of stuff.

Messenger Bag

Originally, messenger bags were used in the transportation of goods or mail by postal workers, Pony Express riders, bicycle couriers or the ancient messengers on foot. Now, the messenger bag with its characteristic long strap that can be slung over the shoulder and across the chest, so hands can be free to do whatever is an urban fashion icon. It’s hip and cool to slung a messenger bag and go about your day’s business, especially if the business at hand requires both your hands. Students love these as they can easily tuck a laptop and books inside.

Crossbody Bag

Quite similar to the messenger bags, crossbody bags can also be slung across the torso to free hands. Whereas messenger bags are mostly rectangular in shape, crossbody handbags can be in any shape and they’re usually smaller than messenger bags. Whether they come with drawstrings, zipper or flap, crossbody bags are casual, fun and functional.

Minaudiere

Celebrities carry minaudiere to premieres and gala events—small evening bags embezzled with precious stones and jewels. If bedazzled is not your style, there are good-looking ones adorned with semi precious stones, metal, fabric or leather.

Clutch Bags

Handbags with no handles or straps have to be clutched (quite naturally) and hence the name. That said, there are some that come with cool handles. They make good evening bags and clutch bags are quite the trend now.

Fall Trends

Take the cue from the change of seasons to update your handbag wardrobe. Every fall features handbag trend and this fall’s handbags are wild, bold and glam.

Rich Hues

Think tangerine, purple, yellow, metallic blue and red—allow these bright hues of colors to add some life to your getup. There is nothing more pleasing than a pop of color to light up the gloom of cooler weather.

Metallic Colors

Gold, silver and bronze can enhance basic wardrobe choices. They add glamor and richness.

Two-tone

Many runway models sashayed down the fall runway with the two-toned bags—tan on black, black on white, etc. They are more interesting than basic color and what’s more –they are classy and timeless.

Wild

Animal and snakeskin prints are quite on-trend this season. Sizzle up your outfit with fun, whimsical animal patterns and unleash the rocker in you. That goes for texture as well, think rich and tactile chic.

Classic

Classic colors—nude, cream, beige—are timeless and they work well with everyday settings. This fall color of choice is tan.

Disclaimer: These are fashion ideas. However, no one should tell you how to rock your ensemble. Confidence is the only constant that plays up what you wear and carry.

Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.