The right handbag can flatter your figure and complete a favourite outfit. You might end up carrying your handbag every day for months on end, so it is essential that you choose one that is right for you!

Below is an easy-to-remember five-point process for choosing the right handbag every time. There is one easy rule to remember here. The part of your body where the bottom of the bag sits will be accentuated. So, if you have small, bony hips, having a bag which sits on them will make your shape look more feminine.
If you have large hips, try a bag which sits at your waistline, accentuating the tapering of your waist and making you look slimmer. Handbags that sit at waist level will flatter most shapes in fact, so it is always good to have a bag of this type in your collection.
Don’t be tempted just to follow the fashion here, as very small bags on very tall girls will get lost, and alternatively, if you are on the short side, you will be swamped with a large or oversized bag!

Try to choose a handbag which compliments your own shape. To do this, think about your overall shape, then buy handbags with opposite features. For example, if you are tall and slim, choose a handbag which is rounded and slouchy. If you are short and curvy, handbags with strong angles will look great on you.
Think about your general style. If you usually wear casual clothes, going for a very formal handbag is not a good idea! This can be tricky, so make sure you do a bit of research.

Look in fashion magazines for models wearing similar-style clothes to you, then make a note of the types of handbags that they use.
You may not like a particular handbag, but note the style, and think about whether you would like it in a different colour, a different material, or if it were slightly bigger or smaller. The main thing is to note the style, i.e. if it is a tote, a clutch, or a slouch shoulder bag.
Having said all that, if you are buying a handbag for a particular occasion, where you will be wearing something outside of your usual style, be sure to follow the above steps for the style of outfit you will be wearing.
You are not going to buy something you don’t like, so there will always be a bit of ‘you’ in the handbag, no matter what style you choose.

Another important factor is the practical part. What do you want this handbag for? Is it to be used everyday for work and going out? Does it need to carry books, a laptop or your gym kit?
Perhaps you are looking for a small handbag for going out, which needs to match a particular outfit. Either way, once you know what you will use your bag for, you will have an idea of what compartments and pockets you need it to have.
As a final check when you find bag that you like, always find out what is inside. Is there a separate pocket for your phone and is there a secure area for your wallet or purse and keys?
A handbag is a great and essential accessory but a particular handbag, no matter how nice it is, is no good if it can’t keep your stuff safe!