August 26, 2006

Bags come in all styles, shapes, colors and prices. You can find a bag for every occasion — work, travel, weddings, parties, sleepovers, the list is endless. Looks and trends in this segment too change just as often as clothes and jewelry. Bags from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Chanel are very expensive and among the most coveted for they are considered works of art.  Carrying the wrong kind of bag is considered a major fashion faux pas!

So be sure to check out the latest trends in the bag industry every time you update your wardrobe in accordance with the season or the styles. Currently, big is better when sporting a casual look or setting off for work. But make sure the bag you choose does not dwarf you. If you are petite, choose something bigger than normal but not oversized. Bags embellished with big buckles, beading, or having metal chains for a strap are very much in style. Braided straps, riveting, buttons and bows, are all seen on bags on runways across the globe.  

The clutch is the existing favorite in evening bags. Clutches in metallic colors are the rage with party-goers. Animal and reptile print bags are also very popular right as are those made of fur or trimmed with fur. Soft leather, varnished leather, and suede are the other materials of choice for this fall and winter.  Red, purple, yellow and gold are the trendy colors for bags this season.

One good way of ensuring that you are “in style” is to keep handy an assortment of bags to choose from. This way you will also end up with less wear and tear on each bag and hence they will last longer. Bags in black, beige, brown and grey are likely to go well with most office wear. Similarly evening bags in shimmering black or gold are a must for a night out.

Learn to distinguish between the four basic categories of bags — daytime bags, evening bags, sport handbags and travel bags. Leather bags intended as accessories for office wear and business suits come under the first category while those made of materials such as velvet or silk with a variety of embellishments ranging from crystals to beads, belong to the second category. Sport handbags refer to the big bags made of cloth or canvas which can accommodate a decent amount of your stuff. Travel bags are the kind that you might take on a day at the beach or perhaps a picnic. These can usually accommodate a change of clothing and are also handy when shopping.

If you find yourself unable to decide which bag goes with the outfit you are wearing, remember one simple rule — match your bag to the shoes you are wearing. You are fine as long as the two are of the same color family, if not the same shade.