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Everyday Essentials
Bags 101


Wearing the right bag can take your outfit from basic and everyday to stylish and polished. With such a variety of bags available, it can be challenging to choose not only which style will look the best for a given occassion, but also which has the functionality and space you need. Some bags get their name from their overall shape, what is commonly kept in it, or from how the bag is worn. Below is a quick look at some of the most popular bag styles and the occassion where each is generally used.
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BACKPACK
-Two thick straps generally slung over both shoulders
-Originally used as school bags by kids
-The sizes have shrunk and now they’re often worn as a fashion accessory
BARREL
-Carried by hand by two short straps or across the body with one long strap
-The ends are shaped by two circular sides
-Used for travel
BELT
-One long, adjustable strap worn around your waist
-Used for travel
BINDLE
-Inspired by bags hobos would tie at the end of a stick
-Worn by tying the ends together and slinging them over your shoulder
-Sassy and creative bag usually carried as a fashion piece
BOWLING
-Two short handles carried by hand
-Broader at the bottom and a bit slimmer at the top
-Usually worn with business attire
BOXCLUTCH
-Sassy and incredibly classy evening bags that go great with formal attire
-Come without straps or handles, and are meant to be held in your hand
BRIEFCASE
-Small handle to carry around by hand
-Narrower than a satchel or a messenger bag
-Gives classy look to those in business settings
BUCKET
-Worn either with a long strap across your body or handheld by a short handle
-Shaped like a bucket, usually closed with a drawstring, supported by a hard bottom
-Great piece for semi-casual wear
CAMERA
-Used by photographers and vloggers to carry cameras and their equipment
CANTEEN
-Inspiration for its design comes from a flask
-One long strap worn over your shoulder or like a crossbody bag
-Great with casualwear
CLUTCH
-Mini-sized purse that is either handheld or worn on shoulder with detachable straps
-Sophisticated and classy accessory for a cocktail dress, gowns or short dresses
COIN PURSE
-Small bag typically designed to carry coins and change
CROSSBODY
-One long and adjustable strap made of either a chain, leather or canvas, worn across your body
-Casual and chic look
DOCTOR
-Typically made of leather
-Fashionable accessory for a vintage outfit
DUFFEL
-Big, spacious bag with a single long strap and two shorter handles with a zipper closure
-Used as a carryon for travel or as a gym bag
EVENING
-Comes without a strap, but with a detachable chain to wear on shoulder
-Compact and fashionable piece often covered with stones or sequins-Worn with formal wear​
ENVELOPE
-Small and narrow usually with a detachable chain or a leather strap
-Blend of a flap bag and a clutch
-Perfect for a casual evening or even day weddings
FANNY PACK (WAIST AND BELT)
-Waist worn around your waist, belt version worn on a belt
-Unisex style looks great with streetwear or when travelling
FLAP
-Flap closure on top of a zip closure
-Worn with casual outfits
-Found on many different types of bags
FRAME
-Metal or wooden frame gives this bag a defined structure and typical trapezoidal shape
-Closures such as zipper, kisslock, magnetic, etc.
HALF MOON
-Curved at bottom with a long strap to wear over your shoulder or across your body
-Typically closes with a zipper but can also feature a flap
=Cute and creative when worn with sundresses
HOBO-Slouchy in shape, features a single round strap to either be held or worn on the shoulder
-Classy and chic casual look
MESSENGER
-Rectangular bag with a long strap to wear it over your shoulder
-One of the most functional bags for carrying documents, books, etc
-Stylish and cool worn with casual attire, to work or while commuting
MICRO
-A bag smaller than your palm used as a statement accessory
POUCH
-Small bag featuring a drawstring closure commonly used at Asian weddings
-Also zipper pouches that you can carry around casually
SADDLE
-Curved bottom with a flap closure
-Stylish especially with a buckle on the flap
SATCHEL
-Horizontally rectangular in shape with a single strap to wear across your body or over your shoulder
-Also handheld by a small handle carried like a briefcase
-Usually used for casual travel. asa school/college bag, or a work bag
SLING
-Small bag with one long strap meant to be worn across your body from the shoulder
-Very commonly worn during travel
TOTE
-Wide-open top with two broad straps designed to hold just about anything and everything
-Very functional and fashionable for casual every day wear
WALLET
-Mini, narrow bag meant to hold onto your important cards and cash
-Foldable and comes without a strap or handle
WRISTLET
-Typically are wallets or small clutches that come with a strap worn around your wrist






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