Handbag Shape Dictionary

Understanding Common Handbag Shapes: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there handbag lovers! Ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of handbag shapes out there? Don't worry you're not alone. This guide is your ultimate dictionary to decoding the world of handbag silhouettes. We'll break down each shape its key characteristics and even give you some styling tips so you can find the perfect bag for your needs and personality.

Tote Bags: The Ultimate Everyday Handbag Shape

Tote bags are the workhorses of the handbag world. They're large open-top bags with two handles perfect for carrying everything you need for a day at the office a trip to the gym or a shopping spree.

Key Characteristics: Large size open top two handles often made of durable materials like canvas leather or nylon.

Ideal Uses: Everyday use work travel shopping.

Styling Tips: Totes are incredibly versatile. Choose a classic leather tote for a professional look or a fun printed canvas tote for a more casual vibe.

Product Recommendations:

• Everlane Day Market Tote: A classic and affordable leather tote perfect for everyday use. Price: $175. Ideal for carrying laptops and work essentials.
• Longchamp Le Pliage Tote: A lightweight and foldable nylon tote ideal for travel and shopping. Price: $155. Known for its durability and water resistance.
• MZ Wallace Metro Tote: A stylish and functional quilted nylon tote with plenty of pockets. Price: $245. Great for moms and commuters.

Tote Bag Comparison: The Everlane tote offers a more structured and professional look compared to the Longchamp. The MZ Wallace tote provides more internal organization than both. Consider your needs for durability organization and style when choosing the right tote.

Crossbody Bags: Hands-Free Handbag Convenience

Crossbody bags are designed to be worn across the body with a long strap leaving your hands free. They're perfect for travel commuting or running errands.

Key Characteristics: Long adjustable strap worn across the body typically small to medium in size.

Ideal Uses: Travel commuting running errands concerts festivals.

Styling Tips: Choose a crossbody bag in a neutral color for maximum versatility or opt for a bold color or print to add a pop of personality to your outfit.

Product Recommendations:

• Madewell The Transport Crossbody: A simple and stylish leather crossbody bag perfect for everyday use. Price: $128. Known for its durable leather and minimalist design.
• Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack Crossbody: A versatile bag that can be worn as a backpack or a crossbody. Price: $198. Offers multiple carrying options.
• Baggallini Everywhere Bagg: A lightweight and water-resistant nylon crossbody bag with plenty of pockets. Price: $78. Ideal for travel and everyday use.

Crossbody Bag Comparison: The Madewell crossbody is a classic leather option while the Rebecca Minkoff bag offers more versatility. The Baggallini is a practical and lightweight choice. Consider your need for style versatility and weather resistance when selecting a crossbody.

Shoulder Bags: A Classic Handbag Shape

Shoulder bags are designed to be carried on the shoulder with a medium-length strap. They're a classic and versatile choice for everyday use.

Key Characteristics: Medium-length strap designed to be worn on the shoulder typically medium to large in size.

Ideal Uses: Everyday use work going out.

Styling Tips: Choose a shoulder bag in a color and style that complements your wardrobe. A structured leather shoulder bag is perfect for work while a slouchy hobo bag is great for a more casual look.

Product Recommendations:

• Coach Cassie Crossbody 19: A structured leather shoulder bag with a detachable crossbody strap. Price: $295. A versatile and stylish option.
• Tory Burch Kira Chevron Convertible Shoulder Bag: A quilted leather shoulder bag with a chain strap. Price: $428. A more elevated and dressy choice.
• Street Level Reversible Vegan Leather Tote & Crossbody Bag: An affordable and versatile vegan leather shoulder bag. Price: $49. Offers great value.

Shoulder Bag Comparison: The Coach bag is a classic and versatile option. The Tory Burch bag is more luxurious and dressy. The Street Level bag provides an affordable and ethical choice. Consider your budget style preferences and material preferences.

Clutch Bags: Elegant and Compact Handbag

Clutch bags are small handheld bags perfect for evening events and special occasions. They typically don't have straps and are designed to be carried in your hand.

Key Characteristics: Small handheld no straps often embellished.

Ideal Uses: Evening events weddings parties formal occasions.

Styling Tips: Choose a clutch bag that complements your outfit. A metallic clutch is a great way to add some sparkle to your look while a simple black clutch is a classic and versatile choice.

Product Recommendations:

• Nina Crystal Clutch: A sparkly crystal-embellished clutch perfect for special occasions. Price: $78. Adds glamour to any outfit.
• ASOS Design Satin Knot Clutch Bag: A stylish satin clutch with a knotted detail. Price: $32. A trendy and affordable option.
• Olga Berg Mesh Pod Clutch: A sophisticated mesh clutch with a chain strap. Price: $99. A versatile choice for evening events.

Clutch Bag Comparison: The Nina clutch is all about sparkle. The ASOS clutch is trendy and affordable. The Olga Berg clutch offers more sophistication. Consider the level of formality and your personal style when choosing a clutch.

Satchel Bags: Structured and Stylish Handbag

Satchel bags are structured bags with a top handle and often a detachable shoulder strap. They're a classic and stylish choice for work or everyday use.

Key Characteristics: Structured shape top handle often with a detachable shoulder strap.

Ideal Uses: Work school everyday use.

Styling Tips: Choose a satchel bag in a classic color like black brown or navy for a professional look. A satchel bag can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Product Recommendations:

• Cambridge Satchel Company 11 Inch Satchel: A classic leather satchel made in England. Price: $180. Known for its durability and timeless style.
• Kate Spade New York Locket Large Flap Satchel: A stylish leather satchel with a flap closure. Price: $358. A more feminine and modern option.
• Michael Kors Mercer Gallery Medium Center Zip Tote: A versatile satchel that can be carried by the top handles or worn as a crossbody. Price: $298. A practical and stylish choice.

Satchel Bag Comparison: The Cambridge Satchel Company bag is a classic and traditional choice. The Kate Spade bag is more modern and feminine. The Michael Kors bag offers more versatility. Consider your personal style and needs for versatility.

Hobo Bags: Relaxed and Casual Handbag Style

Hobo bags are slouchy crescent-shaped bags that hang comfortably on the shoulder. They're a relaxed and casual choice for everyday use.

Key Characteristics: Slouchy crescent shape typically made of soft materials.

Ideal Uses: Everyday use casual outings.

Styling Tips: Choose a hobo bag in a soft material like suede or leather for a relaxed and bohemian vibe. They look great with casual outfits like jeans and a t-shirt.

Product Recommendations:

• Free People Slouchy Vegan Hobo: A slouchy vegan leather hobo bag with a relaxed and bohemian style. Price: $68. An affordable and ethical option.
• Frye Melissa Hobo: A classic leather hobo bag with a timeless design. Price: $348. Known for its durable leather and craftsmanship.
• Urban Outfitters Recycled Corduroy Hobo Bag: A trendy corduroy hobo bag with a vintage-inspired style. Price: $39. A stylish and affordable choice.

Hobo Bag Comparison: The Free People bag is vegan and affordable. The Frye bag is a high-quality leather option. The Urban Outfitters bag is trendy and affordable. Consider your budget style and material preferences.

Wristlet Bags: Small and Convenient Handbag

Wristlet bags are small bags with a wrist strap designed to be carried on your wrist. They're perfect for carrying just the essentials like your phone wallet and keys.

Key Characteristics: Small with a wrist strap.

Ideal Uses: Carrying essentials going out events where you don't need a large bag.

Styling Tips: Choose a wristlet bag in a color and style that complements your outfit. A metallic wristlet is a great way to add some sparkle to your look.

Product Recommendations:

• Coach Corner Zip Wristlet: A classic leather wristlet with a zip closure. Price: $75. A simple and stylish option.
• Kate Spade Spencer Small Wristlet: A leather wristlet with a detachable chain strap. Price: $98. A versatile and stylish choice.
• Vera Bradley RFID All in One Crossbody: A quilted wristlet with RFID protection. Price: $65. Ideal for travel and security.

Wristlet Bag Comparison: The Coach wristlet is a classic and simple option. The Kate Spade wristlet offers more versatility. The Vera Bradley wristlet provides RFID protection. Consider your needs for style versatility and security.

Bucket Bags: Trendy and Functional Handbag

Bucket bags are characterized by their cylindrical shape and drawstring closure. They're a trendy and functional choice for everyday use.

Key Characteristics: Cylindrical shape drawstring closure.

Ideal Uses: Everyday use casual outings.

Styling Tips: Choose a bucket bag in a fun color or print to add a pop of personality to your outfit. They look great with casual outfits like jeans and a t-shirt.

Product Recommendations:

• Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag: A classic leather bucket bag with a minimalist design. Price: $595. Known for its high-quality leather and timeless style.
• Madewell The Drawstring Transport Bucket Bag: A more affordable leather bucket bag with a drawstring closure. Price: $158. A stylish and practical choice.
• H&M Faux Leather Bucket Bag: An affordable faux leather bucket bag. Price: $29.99. A trendy and accessible option.

Bucket Bag Comparison: The Mansur Gavriel bag is a high-end investment piece. The Madewell bag offers a good balance of quality and price. The H&M bag is a trendy and affordable option. Consider your budget and style preferences.

Minaudiere Bags: Ornate and Decorative Handbag

Minaudiere bags are small ornate and decorative bags often adorned with jewels beads or embroidery. They're perfect for special occasions and evening events.

Key Characteristics: Small ornate decorative.

Ideal Uses: Special occasions evening events.

Styling Tips: Choose a minaudiere bag that complements your outfit. A jeweled minaudiere is a great way to add some glamour to your look.

Product Recommendations:

• Judith Leiber Couture Crystal Embellished Clutch: A luxurious crystal-embellished minaudiere. Price: $3000+. A statement piece for special occasions.
• ASOS Design Embellished Box Clutch Bag: A more affordable embellished box clutch. Price: $45. A stylish and accessible option.
• Etsy Vintage Minaudiere: Explore vintage minaudiere options on Etsy for unique and affordable finds. Prices vary. Discover unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Minaudiere Bag Comparison: The Judith Leiber clutch is a high-end luxury item. The ASOS clutch is a more affordable option. Etsy offers a wide range of vintage and unique minaudiere bags. Consider your budget and desired level of embellishment.

Backpack Handbags: Stylish and Functional Handbag

Backpack handbags combine the functionality of a backpack with the style of a handbag. They're perfect for work school or travel.

Key Characteristics: Worn on the back with two straps often with multiple compartments.

Ideal Uses: Work school travel everyday use.

Styling Tips: Choose a backpack handbag in a material and style that complements your wardrobe. A leather backpack handbag is perfect for work while a nylon backpack handbag is great for travel.

Product Recommendations:

• Tumi Voyageur Carson Backpack: A stylish and durable nylon backpack handbag with multiple compartments. Price: $325. Ideal for travel and everyday use.
• Fjallraven Kanken Backpack: A classic Swedish backpack with a simple and functional design. Price: $80. A popular choice for students and travelers.
• Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack: A neoprene backpack handbag with a sleek and modern design. Price: $185. A stylish and practical choice for work or school.

Backpack Handbag Comparison: The Tumi backpack is a high-quality and durable option. The Fjallraven Kanken is a classic and affordable choice. The Dagne Dover backpack offers a sleek and modern design. Consider your needs for durability style and organization when choosing a backpack handbag.