The Best Styles of Handbags

There are many different styles or categories of handbags. By breaking down some basic features of purses, categories start to merge. Looking at these categories can help us make some generalizations which can enhance or hinder one's body shape. When chosen well, the style of handbag can fool the eye to enhance the positive, and detract from the negative. For example, a short small person should not carry a huge purse with large long straps. Let's look at the definitions of some basic categories of handbags, as described by Kohls.com.

The Tote Bag:
A Tote Bag has an open top design and has handles or straps, and is considered to be a large handbag.
The Clutch Handbag:
The category of clutch handbags is most often used with a formal outfit and occasion, such as a wedding, or black tie occasion. These bags do not have straps, and are therefore hand held and are small in size.
The Satchel Handbag:
You can recognize a Satchel bag by its short straps and large compartment.
The Hobo Handbag:
Iconic hobo bags have a scooped top and are medium-sized. Also, the shoulder strap is long.
The Shopper Handbag:
If you see an open top large handbag with double shoulder straps, you know it is a shopper handbag.
The Barrel Handbag:
Barrel handbags can be spotted by their obvious round shape and small size. They also have a shoulder strap that is long.
The Messenger Bag:
This style has become quite popular again. It is a large bag and has a long shoulder strap, which the flap goes past to cover the front of the bag. These bags are considered to be utilitarian, but at the same time are quite fashionable.
The Bucket Handbag:
It is the short handle that really relates this style with its name, “bucket.” The bag is large, overall. It has a deep interior. However, the purse is structurally vertical, which can make its overall large size seem a little deceptive.