Did you know that a handbag can flatter your shape almost as much as the right pair of jeans?

Yes indeed, handbags need to be chosen with care, the same way you would pick a suit or a pair of shoes. Your body type is only one of the many factors to consider, but probably one of the most important.
However, it’s also very largely overlooked.

When choosing a new hand bag we consider factors like color and style as more important than size and shape. As a result, you’ll find many a very well-dressed woman with an obviously expensive handbag – but somehow something isn’t right. If you don’t know what it is, I bet she has made a fashion faux pas by picking a bag without taking into account her unique body type.

While the shape should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure. If you pick the right bag for your body type the bag will flatter your figure. So take a deep breath and look in the mirror and see what your figure is like. It is not about the specifics but about your height and bone structure.

The rules:

1. Small and petite women go best with small and petite bags

General rule is when you are small and petite don’t do oversized bags. For petite women with small frames, designer bags that are just as cute are absolutely perfect. So if you’re smaller than most women, avoid oversized bags that look like you can fit in them. They’ll make you look childish and will greatly overshadow you. The opposite is true when you are a grande dame. My advice is don’t do small clutches, it will look too tiny on you and make you look bigger as a result.

2. It’s all about creating the illusion of a perfect body

If your have a wider upper half (a lollipop-shape) balance it by wearing a messenger bag. These designer bags rest comfortably on your lower waist and hip area, so it naturally draws the eyes down.

When you have a wider lower half (pear-shape) your want to draw attention upwards. Get a bag that you can tuck under your arm like a clutch, resting no lower than your natural waist. You will benefit from stylish hobo bags as well because they will do a good job of balancing out your wider lower half.

3. How to balance your weight

If you are tall and thin look for a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to compliment your figure; they can add that much-needed extra bulk. If you’re short and voluptous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek (like a clutch) or a structured bag (rectangular or square silhouettes in soft leathers or fabrics will do the trick).