There might have been a time when you fell in love with a bag you couldn’t resist buying. However, after trying it on, you realize that it doesn’t look as stylish as you had hoped. Later on, you see someone with the very same bag and wonder, “Why does she look so fabulous in that bag?!” That’s a bit puzzling, isn’t it! In all honesty, it probably comes down to your body type. Perhaps not enough people realize it, but bags also fall under this rule, not only clothing!
Also, what if I told you that picking the right bag could help you look as though you’ve lost weight? Fashion and style are all about proportion, and bags can instantly flatter a figure by emphasizing or drawing attention away from undesirable body features.
Indeed, even when it comes to choosing the ideal bags, there’s an art to it! Now, without further ado, let’s get to our definitive list for picking the most flattering handbag style regardless of your body type.
Rectangle
Usually called an athletic body type, it features evenly proportioned shoulders, hips, and waist. Seeing as your silhouette tends to be “straight,” you need to create the illusion of curves.
Bags to Wear:
Tucked-under clutches or slouchy hobo bags worn on the shoulders for a hint of curves and dimension. Such as Bottega Veneta’s Jodie or Pouch or the iconic Baguette from Fendi.
What to Avoid:
Bags that rest on or below your hips since they accentuate the boxiness of your figure.
Apple
Apples have a larger waist, while their shoulders and hips are narrower and around the same size. Some people may have a big bust, while others may not. Whichever the case may be, the goal is to make the waist appear smaller by de-emphasizing the midsection.
Bags to Wear:
A boxy/structural bag with a short handle. You can choose from wide rectangular totes, bowler bags, or top handles bags, as long as the straps aren’t too long! For example, the 16 Bag from Celine, the All Set Bag from Louis Vuitton, or Gucci’s Ophidia bag from its bowler-style collection would be ideal.
What to Avoid:
Sling bags and crossbody bags. Since they draw attention to your midsection when worn across the body. Moreover, small bags will make you appear fatter than you already are, so they’re a no-no.
Inverted Triangle
As with an inverted triangle, this body type features shoulders that are wider than the waist and hips. If you want to balance everything out, you want to draw attention away from your broad shoulders and direct it to your narrower lower half.
Bags to Wear:
Straps long enough that they rest on your hips. You could carry a satchel, shoulder bag, or crossbody bag as long as they have long straps. Belt bags are also a good option. However, ensure that they are worn only on the hips or waist, not across the body. It would emphasize your top half, which is not what you want! You can’t miss Prada’s Cahier Belt Bag with its ornate buckle, while Valentino’s V-Logo bag and Saint Laurent’s Kaia bag are examples of crossbody bags that can come in all shapes and sizes while still looking great!
What to Avoid:
Short-strapped bags, clutches.
Pear
Pear-shaped people are often labeled “bottom-heavy” due to their gradual “flaring out” from the shoulders to the hips and thighs, which are their bulkiest parts. Therefore, you should choose bags that de-emphasize your hips and thighs and instead emphasize your upper half.
Bags to Wear:
Between-the-hip bags create the illusion that your hips are narrower. Choose handbags with longer straps or belt bags you can wear across your body (avoid wearing them on your waist/hips, as this will add weight to your lower half). Prada’s nylon studded belt bag stands out for its edgy stud details, while the Classic City backpack from Balenciaga and Boyy’s Bobby (in larger sizes) cover your hips.
What to Avoid:
A bag with extra long straps, slouchy bags, or purses that rest on your hips (including crossbody bags and belt bags when worn on the waist) will draw attention to your hips. Also, small bags will make you appear heavier than you are.
Hourglass
Those with hourglasses seem to be the most “blessed” since anything they touch looks good. It may be so, but the size of your bag still needs to be proportionate no matter how tall, petite, plus-sized, or busty you are. The most important part of your figure to draw attention to is your defined waist.
Bags to Wear:
Anything, as long as it’s proportionate to your physique and stature. Dior’s Book Tote looks best on tall women since it is large and oversized (I’m sorry, but the bag doesn’t work for petite or shorter women since it weighs you down and makes you look stumpy). Choose a smaller handbag like Delvaux’s Tempete if you’re petite. Bulgari Serpenti and Loewe Puzzle are also suitable for hourglass-shaped women. Since they come in several sizes, make sure you choose the proper size based on your height!
Now that you have the list, you can put it to the test. With these tips, I hope that you can become more confident by highlighting your most attractive physical attributes!
