Your Bag and Your Body Type

Your favorite fashion magazines may be gushing over the latest oversized bag, but assuming that you’re not paying attention to momentary trends, here are some general guidelines:


For Petite Women
Smaller styles are best, with shorter straps or handles. Choose a bag with minimal hardware and flash. When the body is petite, you need to keep your accessories clean, simple, and tonal to your outfits. Your bag should not compete with your small frame.

For Taller Women
Most styles will flatter your figure. You’re the coat hanger of the body types, so you wear accessories well. But keep in mind that a super-sized bag will only play up your lankiness and small delicate bags will get lost on you. Long shoulder bags, bucket bags, and hobos are all winners. And bags with bold patterns and details will also play well against your model height.

Women with Fuller Figures
Carry a bag that has some volume and size to keep things in proportion with your silhouette. Keep your outfits simple and let your bag do the talking. Smaller pochette bags carried under your arm will only play up your fullness. Make sure the bag sits above or below the fullest part of your body not on it. Try and keep your bag away from your body if possible by carrying it in your hand, in the bend of your arm, or dropped low at your knees.

Women with Larger Busts or Hips
The bag you carry should stop below your bust or above your hips, never at them. This will help you avoid extra padding where you don’t need it. Try a stiff bag with structure to contrast and balance your curves.

The American "Average" Size 8 to 12 Woman
You should have an easy time choosing the size, shape and style of the bag you’ll carry, since most will flatter. Keep things in the middle just like your body. Avoid extremes, large and small, and you should be fine.