Life & Beauty Weekly: Life & Love

Purse Matchmaker: Find the Best Bag for Your Personality

By Michele Meyer for Life & Beauty Weekly

You never outgrow them. They never pinch your feet. No wonder most women love to “bag” a new purse each season. No matter what your style or needs, there’s a purse that’s just right for you. Better yet, for every pricey “It” bag, there’s an affordable knockoff near you at fast-fashion fixtures like H&M, Zara, Forever 21 and Uniqlo. Check your “purse”-onality below to find your perfect fit!

Personality: Fun and Easygoing

Your bag: Pouch

This relaxed version of a strapless silhouette has become 2014’s most coveted bag. The relaxed frame suits this year’s upscale sweatshirts, track pants and sneakers. Gotta have it? Lanvin’s gold and blue “paper bags” are spring’s must-haves, while Dries Van Noten’s kaleidoscope-patched soft envelope pouches will make fad followers drool come fall.

Personality: Flexible and Ready for Anything

Your bag: Tote

Call this the SUV of carry-alls. Totes are practical, roomy and perfect for moms and travelers -- especially if they have outer pockets or inner compartments, which save you from digging around in search of your keys. This year’s totes include fun furry styles from Marc Jacobs and Fendi -- but if you opt for that look, be sure to streamline the rest of your outfit or you may be mistaken for a Muppet.

Personality: Unpretentious and Earthy

Your bag: Hobo 

Perfect for hippies and cowgirls, these bohemian bags feature slouchy posture, scooped center, long shoulder strap and zipper closures. Add fringe or tassels, and you look ready to head into the sunset. The hobo’s cousin is the bucket bag, named for its shape. Our fave source is eBay, where you may be able to snag a vintage Coach hobo for a song.

Personality: Practical and Organized

Your bag: Saddlebag

Perfect for work and play, saddlebags typically have outside pockets that make it easy to find your smartphone and keys, plus top and side compartments with buckled flaps provide extra organization. Barbour makes stylishly earthy versions of this highly practical purse.

Personality: Elegant and Sophisticated

Your bag: Clutch

They’re not just for evening gowns anymore: These small, simple bags have become a daytime “do” in the last couple of years. Choose one with a loop that you can hang around your wrist to free your hands -- perfect for navigating buffets. Need to carry more than just your lipstick? Go for a larger version with pointed flaps, known as an envelope. We’re expecting 2014’s lust object to be Salvatore Ferragamo’s hard case.

Personality: Retro and Classy

Your bag: Handlebag

This top-clasp, hard-sided purse is perfect for pencil skirts, nipped jackets and other ladylike fashions that evoke the ‘40s and ‘50s. Huge, round-top, hard-sided versions are called doctor’s bags -- a nod to their inspiration. Christian Dior’s yellow or red bags for next fall are gorgeous, but if you go vintage, you might be able to afford Louis Vuitton and Hermès versions. Better yet, ask your mom or grandmother if you can raid her closet!

Personality: Always On-the-go

Your bag: Messenger

Whether you’re dashing about the city or hitting the club, you’ll want this carry-all bag by your side. Smaller versions hold the essentials, while larger versions can take on anything you care to stuff inside. Best of all, we adore the ones we’ve spotted at Kohl’s and J.C. Penny!

Michele Meyer is a freelance beauty, fashion and celeb writer for MORE, Travel + Leisure and USA WEEKEND. The former Allure and Lucky correspondent has also contributed to InStyle and Real Simple. She has previously contributed to Life & Beauty Weekly.



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