Handbags And Your Body Shape
Wear A Bag Which Flatters Your Figure!
Whilst we women love designer bags of all shapes and sizes, from tiny clutches to oversized totes, carrying a bag that compliments your body shape can literally take pounds off you.
When it comes to getting the most out of your designer handbag, no matter whether it's a Lulu Guinness lips purse or a Cavalli tote, it is interesting to note that wearing a handbag that flatters your figure can be just as important as the cut of your clothes.
A particular handbag style can take pounds of your figure or add to it, depending on its size, shape and where it falls.
The wrong bag for your body type can be ageing or unflattering. Just as you would consider the style and cut of your outfit, so should you think about the size and shape of your handbag.
Bags can be used to draw the eyes away from the bits of your body you want to hide, and focus attention on those parts which you consider to be your assets. There are so many styles to choose from it pays to pay attention to some style tricks if you want to play up your assets and hide any figure flaws, when choosing a bag that you are likely wear on a regular basis.
The type and length of the handles are also a consideration, as is the length and where it finishes against your body. Whilst a more rotund woman can carry a tiny purse and a petite woman can carry an oversized tote, it means choosing a bag with care. ....
Big Busts And Shoulders
Women with large breasts and heavy shoulders should avoid carrying short-handled bags that finish around the bust area, as this only serves to accentuate your breasts and shoulders more.
It is more figure flattering to go for a longer length which finishes around your middle, or a clutch purse which is carried in your hand, like the Billy Bag Lexie Clutch..
Wide Waist, Big Hips or Large Stomachs
Choose a bag which finishes at the upper torso, just under the arm, rather than around your middle, like Laguna London's Vivienne Leather Bag
You want to draw eyes away from your thick waist and hips by deflecting attention elsewhere!
"Any bag which falls at your widest part will make you appear dumpy," says Jacqui Ripley, author of The MakeoverBook, (Piatkus 2004).
Large Frame
Try to avoid regularly carrying a tiny bag, as this only serves to make you look bigger.
Choose a more tailored bag, which will give definition and go for a medium to large size such as Billy Bag Faith Shoulder Messenger Fuschia Leather. Clutch purses are fine provided they are oversized.
Says Ripley, "If you're statuesque, a tiny bag can make you look like a giant".
Bony Or Tall Frame
Avoid long skinny-style bags. Counterbalance your figure withsomething broad, slouchy or unstructured such as a Hobo type like Anouk's showstopping Anouk Smokey Black and Patent Leather Duchess Shoulder Bag or Lulu Guinness Large Urchin Canvas Bag with Leather Starfish.
Short Frame
Avoid wide, oversized tote bags which will only make you look shorter. Go for something long and lanky to provide height.
Take a look at Billy Bag's Hattie Boxy Shoulder Bag in Jade Leather
The Basic Rules
As a general rule, select a bag shape that is in contrast to your body type.
Voluptuous or curvy women would do well to choose a rectangular, longer shape, whereas a tall, willowy, slim figure would be better off going for a slouchy, rounded one.
Finally, if you want to flatter your waist then choose a bag that finishes around this part of your torso.
If you want to draw attention to your bust, shoulders or neck then go for a short-handled bag or an underarm clutch such as Anouk's Rocko Black Patent Leather Envelope.
