Best handbag styles for your body shape
Here’s your go to checklist for designs of handbags to complement your primary shape.
When choosing bags for your body shape, it’s all about creating balance and making sure the size is in proportion to your height.
Here are the best bag designs which flatter your silhouette:
if you are unsure about your shape (and please note, less than 1 in 3 women accurately know their primary body shape) check out my blog which summarises the six primary body shapes and how you can accurately find out your own shape:
‘How to dress for my body shape’ blog
Size matters
If you are either tall or petite, you should select bags which match your scale.
Large bags will swamp a petite lady and small bags will amplify the height of tall women. So avoid doing so.
If you are an average height and what I define as between 5’3″ and 5’7″, you have more flexibility with your choice. Albeit medium size bags will be the best.
Best Bag Styles for a Column shape
Slouchy shoulder bags
Bucket bags
Totes
Crossbody bags
Waist and belt bags
Structured bags
Hobo bags
Best Bag Styles for an Hourglass shape
Classic satchels
Medium shoulder bags
Curvy bags
Crossbody bags
Sleek leather belt bags
Best Bag Styles for an Inverted Triangle shape
Crossbody bags that fall below the hip
Messenger bags with soft structure
Slouchy hobos & bucket bags
Large hobos
Soft leather bucket bags
Totes with embellishment at the bottom
“The right bag doesn’t just carry your essentials—it carries your confidence.”
Best Bag Styles for an Apple shape
Medium-sized satchels
Rectangular shoulder bags that tuck under the arm
Crossbody bags hitting at hip or thigh
Tote bags with long handles
Vertical totes
Tall, slim bags rather than wide ones
Clutches for evenings / events
Best Bag Styles for a Pear shape
Structured shoulder bags with short straps
Underarm bags that sit at or just below the bust
Top handle bags
Crossbody bags worn high
Medium-sized crossbodies with adjustable straps
Small satchels worn crossbody style
Embellished or bright coloured upper body bags
Best Bag Styles for a Lean Column shape
Structured shoulder bags, like clutch bags
Crossbody bags and saddle bags
Hobo style bags
Small satchels worn as a crossbody
Waist and belt bags
Remember, the right bag doesn’t just carry your essentials – it carries your confidence!
So, now you know which bag designs complement your body shape and height. The next step is to look for colours that complement your capsule wardrobes.
Just make sure you know your correct body shape. You can find out in a matter of minutes, by becoming a member of My Secret Stylist.
Where you will also see the best styles of clothes you can buy according to your unique body shape, across all the popular U.K. brands:
Cristina Holm
Cristina Holm is one of the UK’s leading personal stylists. She is based and operates from her studio in Warfield, Berkshire (U.K.) Cristina serves clients locally and internationally.
Cristina is also the founder of My Secret Stylist, the U.K.’s ‘best kept’ clothes shopping secret. For only £35.99 per year, you can find and ‘see in seconds’ clothes which complement your body shape. Across all the popular brands, all in one place. For more info, click here: www.mysecretstylist.co.uk