The Devil Wears Prada said it best, “Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity.” And the best accessory there is, the purse. A purse can completely revamp an outfit but other than that, it’s beyond practical. These ten types of purses are essential for every girl’s wardrobe.
Tote bags are my go to for work. With as much time as we all spend at work, we basically live there, so the purse you use there needs to carry everything. My tote bag is huge and at times it weighs more than I do, but it carries makeup, medicine, my lunch, coffee cups, keys, sweaters, and honestly loads of other crap that I may need but probably won’t use. Tote bags are a more fashionable option for weekend getaway bags, they can fit several outfits and are a great option for traveling because of its versatility, making them an absolute purse essential.
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Cross body bags are another essential for their versatility and ease. These are ideal for traveling, as they are more secure to your body than a shoulder bag. For running around cite seeing, going out to bars, or even just as casual dinner these are great for throwing our your shoulder and being able to be hands free for whatever you are doing. Most of these are smaller, so just the essentials will fit in this purse; phone, keys, wallet and a lipstick. Honesty what more do you really need?
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Clutches are a great option for more formal occasions. Weddings and other black tie events you don’t want a purse to overshadow your outfit. Bigger purses also get in the way so this is the perfect option for those occasions where you just need a few things. Getting a bold print can add a pop to your outfit, but going with a neutral like black will ensure you can use it for every formal occasion. Stock up on a few of these since they’re typically cheap but they are a definite purse essential for formal occasions.
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Although a wallet isn’t necessarily a purse, with how cute wallets are these days, we may as well use them as such. When I’m just running errands and all my smaller purses are too dressy I typically just grab my wallet and go. There’s so many options when it comes to wallets, but the one that is an absolute purse essential is a larger one with several card slots and a few zippers. You can find great everyday wallets for super cheap, and ones that even resemble a clutch. Wallets are the foundation of your purse essentials, since it typically goes with you everywhere. Mine matches majority of my purses so I can just throw it into whatever bag I’m using that day instead of having to switch wallets all the time.
Hand bags or shoulder bags, depending on the length of the handle, are chic and stylish and usually give you more room than a cross body but isn’t as large and bulky as a tote bag. These also come in better finishes than most tote bags, so they look nicer and are perfect for work or date night. Without the extra room a tote bag has, you won’t just throw random things in that weight you down. Investing in a nicer one that will last you several years will make sure that you’ve got all the perfect bag options for your wardrobe.
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Backpack purses are all the rage right now, especially with younger girls. But backpacks can be fashionable for all ages and aren’t just meant for school. Yes, a backpack is the most practical option for books and school but backpack purses are super cute these days and not at all Dora The Explorer vibes, unless that’s what you’re going for. I was always hesitant to get one because I look much younger than I am and I didn’t want people asking me, a twenty four year old if I missed my school bus. Thanks to some chic and fashionable options, that hasn’t been a problem. These can be casual or a bit dressier with a faux leather look. I use mine for more casual outings when carrying a purse is too much but I need a little e more room. These are great for being hands free and another great option for traveling, in fact I have three different backpack purses now all because of how perfect they are as a personal bag when traveling. Any kind of air traveling, this is my absolute must bag making it a purse essential.
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Who doesn’t love a good statement bag? For those like me who just can’t splurge on a luxury bag (Kate Spade style on a Target budget)getting a cute statement bag can be hard. Typically when one thinks of a statement bag, they think designer, but a statement bag can be something that just pops and looks chic as can be. A snakeskin bag from T.J. Maxx may not look as cute as the one from Versace, but if you only use it once or twice and don’t want to have to give up an entire house down payments worth of money; then the T.J. Maxx bag is the option for you. And let’s be honest with ourselves, designer bags are adorable but let’s not count out the amazing ones we can find at more affordable options, a statement bag doesn’t have to cost you the same amount as a car, if you know where to look.
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Just like a multiway bra, this probably isn’t your first option, but its an essential. Purses with multiple straps that can change are an option for someone who doesn’t have a whole lot of storage space or who just really isn’t that into purses. Having a purse with two small handles as well as a crossbody strap is great for traveling, work or anyone who needs more than one purse option without multiple purses. I only have one of these, and it’s usually not my go to, but I’m always glad to have it. This was the only purse I took with me to New York as I only had a carryon and couldn’t fit any other bags. I used this as a crossbody when I was in the airport and was able to fit more stuff than a normal cross body. When site seeing I was able to convert it from a cross body to a hand bag so it looked nicer for nights out.
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Belt bags are just glorified fanny packs in faux leather. Instead of that weird windbreaker material they were made of in the nineties, they’ve been replaced with nicer fabrication and now they make for a purse essential. These are actually amazing, they’re small like a crossbody but hands free without being a backpack and a little more causal than a clutch but still able to be dressed up. Belt bags now with everything form slip dresses to jeans to sweatpants, there isn’t an outfit these don’t look good with. For traveling they’re great, you wear it just like a belt through your belt loops and it sits secured in front of you so you don’t have to worry about watching your bag all the time. There’s not way for you to accidentally leave this purse at your table for dinner since it’s always on you. These are everywhere these days, so if you don’t have one already, get one before your next night out!
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Bucket purses are a perfect transitional bag from everyday use to more formal. Bucket purses offer you more room than a traditional crossbody purse, but with the use of a crossbody. They can hold more essentials so if you’re heading from the office to a dinner date, you’ll need this bag. I’ve had one of these for almost ten years, and it’s still in great condition. It’s perfect for your busiest days when you’re running around and need to carry around a few more things than just your wallet and keys. Except at the end of the day, you won’t have a sore shoulder from lugging around a giant heavy tote. This style is a must for your wardrobe.
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