How to Choose the Perfect All-Purpose Purse

The purse: it's a carry-all, a fashion accessory, a status symbol. If it were up to the purse designers and fashion experts, we'd all buy a purse to go with every outfit. If you're just not that purse-obsessed, though, and you're looking for that one perfect purse you can take just about everywhere, here are some tips on finding it.

Choose a reasonable size
Dump out your current handbag and decide what's in there that you really and truly need on a daily basis. If you've been hauling around a watermelon-sized purse, you'll probably find half the stuff in there really should be. If you do need to carry larger things like books, an umbrella, or lunch gear, get a tote. Totes are designed to let you carry more weight comfortably and will look better on you than a huge, overstuffed purse. Another benefit of a smaller purse is that you can't fill it with junk. You'll be able to find things more easily and it will take you five minutes to sort out your handbag, not half an hour.

Consider your body type
Your body type will also factor into the size of purse that will work best for you. Purses may be practical bags to carry your everyday essentials around in, but they also accentuate your figure. Why spend all that time picking a perfectly tailored overcoat and just the right shoes to flatter your calves only to have your purse make you look short or pear shaped.

If you're petite, choose a smaller purse that won't overwhelm your figure. For thinner women, whether tall or short, a purse held close to the waist will help give you curves. If you're larger, avoid tiny purses, which can look out of proportion on you. Your purse can also draw attention away from problem areas. A shoulder bag helps balance out heavy hips, whereas a messenger bag minimizes top-heaviness.

Pick a color and pattern
Neutrals like black, navy, and beige, whether monochrome or with subdued patterns, fit any wardrobe. Keep in mind, though, that for some wardrobes, black may be too stark. A navy, beige, or even dark brown may work better. If you wear a lot of black, a sophisticated shade of red can nicely accent your wardrobe. As for designs, regular patterns like basket-weaves or hound's tooth tend to work best, although simple floral designs can set off monochrome clothes well.

Pick a material
Leather and leatherette aren't the only materials for the perfect all-purpose purse. Fabric purses, especially ones with leather accents, can look just as classy. While it's harder to find an all-season straw purse, there are some with tighter weaves that won't look too out of place in winter. In any case, if you're going to be carrying the purse every day, pick something that can be washed easily and without a lot of detailing like beads or logos that will show age quickly.

Set a budget
Okay, we all know there are Luis Vuitton or Prada handbags out there that sell for hundreds, but there are also plenty of sturdy, fashionable purse you can find for under $50. Whatever your budget, try to set some kind of price range. Then start looking for purses $10 to $20 below what you know you can afford. That way, if you're out shopping and come across the perfect purse, but it's a little out of your ideal price range, you can still buy it guilt-free. Just be careful with spending more than you know you should or you may end up with a very nice purse that you're afraid to take out of the closet.

For as much as you use a purse, it's worth taking some time to consider the type of purse that would suit you best. When it comes to handbags, size, color, and material are as much practicalities as they are fashion statements. Get all these elements right and you'll have a purse you can carry just about anywhere.