We all have a favourite handbag bag. For many of us, our handbag is more than just something to carry our purse, phone in and jets in. A handbag can be a very public statement – some rely on them to as an economic or social indicator, to exert their power and or wealth, others to portray an image of the kind of person that they want to be, and some just use them for their functionality, looks be damned. Indeed, handbags can be a tell of our personalities. With this in mind, here’s what your handbag says about you.
THE DESIGNER HANDBAG
High-fashion luxury accessories, like a Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Versace bag, with their logos taking centre stage, are a little ostentatious, flaunting their luxury high fashion provenance on the arms of their owners.
Even when taking into account fashion trends for larger bags, they tend to run on the smaller side and can be a little more delicate. This bag can be impractical for these reasons because you may well be concerned about stretching, tearing, or other damage to the bag.
However, this doesn’t deter the label lover. In fact, it gives off the idea that they can afford to buy expensive items, even when there was a cheaper and more practical alternative. If this is your style of bag, it tells people that you’re a dedicated follower of fashion who doesn’t mind flashing the cash.
THE FASHIONABLE, YET FUNCTIONAL TOTE BAG
This is typically a lightweight nylon and leather shoulder bag, which is durable and desirable. It holds its shape, even when fully packed, and is sturdy enough to handle your laptop or a pile of reports that need to be completed on the train home.
It tells people that you care about looking professional and polished, even when you’re working flat-out to meet those deadlines. After all, just because you’re at work, doesn’t mean you can’t work it.
Read: 5 tips on picking the IDEAL handbag for your next holiday
THE JUTE BAG
These strong woven bags are made from plant fibres, making them both long-lasting and eco-friendly. Often, companies will gift printed jute bags, like those from National Pen, to spread brand awareness.
Jute as a fibre, as the Guardian explains “is fast growing, hardwearing and biodegradable”. Also, they highlight that “It is estimated that there’s enough of this fibre to provide every person with two jute bags a year, so there’s no availability problem”. Moreover, there are fairtrade standards for jute, too. An eco friendly handbag? We think so.
Rocking one, whether it’s for your groceries or to take your recycling to the correct bins, shows that you’re eco-friendly because your bag is sustainable and vegan. Moreover, if you carry one with the logo of the retailer that you shop at printed proudly on it, well that says a lot about you, too.
THE CROSS BODYBAG
This versatile bag can take you from day to night in an instant; there’s something about cross-body bags that is effortlessly cool and oh-so versatile. It’s practical and stylish, too.
Designed to be slung over your shoulder, it lets you keep your hands free while you’re on the move. Smaller than most, the cross-body bag says that you think less is more and only like to take your essentials out and about with you. You’re the type of person who doesn’t like to be bogged down with excess baggage.
THE RUCKSACK
This distributes weight evenly between your shoulders so it’s less likely to cause you injury. However, there’s no getting around the fact that they’re less high-fashion and more high school. Yes, rucksacks have made a comeback in recent years but the trendy ones aren’t perhaps large enough to fit office work in.
If you’re a rucksack user, it shows that you’re practical and concerned with your posture, but you might not care all that much about fashion.
THE SIMPLE STRAW BAG
The straw bag is a timeless classic that gives off an easy, effortless vibe. Both practical and versatile, this bag adds texture and dimension to any outfit, making it look effortlessly stylish. This is a summer bag at heart, ideal for hitting the beach on your holiday, looking chic in the city while you run your errands, or going on a country picnic.
It shows that you aspire to to live a carefree lifestyle, love summer days and holidays, and maybe even that Jane Birkin was your fashion icon!