Essential Bags for Every Closet

The Celine Small 16 Bag in Satiny Calfskin is a great choice due to its neutral shade and timeless style. / 24s.com

A handbag makes every outfit better. From fancy dinner parties to everyday errands, the right bag takes your look from bland to exceptional.

However, not every handbag is appropriate for every occasion. This article reveals what essentials you should have in your closet so that you’ll always have the right bag on hand.

Neutral colors

The best way to ensure you always have a matching handbag for your outfit is to shop for neutral-colored bags. Thankfully, these colors are the easiest to find in stores. Most bag styles come in neutral shades, so you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite look.

Neutral colors are muted and soft, matching anything. They include:

Beige
Tan
Black
White
Gray
Brown

Neutral colors look amazing with colorful, busy, and patterned outfits. They don’t steal the spotlight from a bold look. Instead, they accent it perfectly, providing the ideal finishing touch.

Matching shoes

An excellent way to tie a handbag into any outfit is to match it to a pair of shoes.

The first aspect you should match is color. However, you must ensure that the shade is an exact match. Nothing will ruin an outfit quite like similar yet different colors.

The next thing you should match is style. For example, if your heels have a bow on the front, pick a handbag with a similar bow. This kind of attention to detail will elevate your outfit the most!

Additionally, don’t forget to consider material. Sometimes, a different material can ruin the look, even if the pairing is in the same color and style.

Classic styles

The classics are classic for a reason—they’re timeless, never go out of style, and look great with almost any outfit.

A few qualifications identify classics:

Brand: For example, you can never go wrong with Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Celine handbags. Brands like these have a reputation for crafting high-quality products.
Shape: Rectangular bags look good with any outfit.
Material: Leather bags hold up well due to the toughness of the material. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
Simple: The bags that tend to last the test of time are simple and elegant.

Functionality

Another type of bag you need in your closet is a functional staple. These bags have lots of pockets and closures. They’re typically bigger to fit everything you could ever need during a busy day. They have strong handles capable of hauling heavier loads.

Remember that functionality doesn’t mean losing style! There are plenty of beautiful designer bags that are meant for everyday use.

Due to their larger size and number of pockets, functional bags are best for everyday adventures rather than fancy parties or extravagant gatherings.

Mini horizontal cabas in Triomphe canvas and calfskin. (Credit: Celine)

Handles and straps

Another important consideration is whether your bags have handles and straps. Bags without these are called clutches. They make excellent finishing touches for fancy occasions.

Some outfits look best with a bag slung over the shoulder and falling right below the arm. Others sit on the hip. Others still have shorter handles meant to be held instead of worn.

Think about how you’ll be most comfortable throughout the day. Will you be setting your bag down? Will you have a free hand to hold a clutch? Or do you need a sturdy strap to loop around your shoulder?

It’s best to have all kinds of bags in your closet so that you can pick whether you need a purse with straps or not.

Medium travel bag in Triomphe canvas with Celine print. (Credit: Celine)

Size

An athletic outfit will look better with a bigger bag, while a fancy party outfit typically needs a smaller bag. Not only are you carrying fewer items, but you don’t want your bag to become the centerpiece of a look when it’s not meant to be.

A good rule of thumb to remember is to match the size of your purse to what you need to carry in it. You may only need your wallet and phone for a dinner party, but a lot of equipment if you go to the gym.

Triomphe shoulder bag in shiny calfskin with chain. (Credit: Celine)

Closures

Another essential consideration is how the bag closes. Some common closures include:

Zippers
Clasps
Magnets
Buttons
Snaps

Zippers are the safest type of seal, perfect for a compartment where you keep your wallet. However, a magnet or snap is better suited if you want items within quick reach.

If you are building your handbag collection, an excellent closure type to start with is the trendy clasp. Elegant and well-suited for many purposes, it’s a classic that goes with many outfits and occasions.