From Handbags to Totes: Bag Styles and Colours That Work Best for You
There’s nothing like the perfect bag to pull together an outfit. Whether you’re heading to work, brunch, or a fancy night out, your bag says a lot about your style - and it’s often one of the first things people notice. But with so many styles, colours, and materials out there, how do you pick the right one?
Good news: this guide is here to help you nail your handbag game. We’ll break down the best bag styles for every occasion, when to wear them, and how to pick colours that actually suit your personal palette (because yes, your bag should match your skin tone too).
Table of Contents
The Importance of Choosing the Right Bag
Overview of Bag Styles
Best Bags for Casual, Work, and Formal Settings
How to Choose the Right Bag Colour Based on Your Colour Season
Material Tips: What Works Best for Each Season
Everyday Styling Tips for Bags
Colour Capsule Can Help You Match Your Bag to Your Palette
Final Thoughts
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The Importance of Choosing the Right Bag
We don’t always realise it, but our handbags carry more than just our phones, keys and 17 lip balms -they carry our style. The right bag can make an outfit feel polished and intentional. The wrong one? Kinda ruins the whole vibe.
That’s why it’s worth learning which styles suit your lifestyle, which colours match your wardrobe (and your colouring), and when to switch things up based on the occasion.
Overview of Bag Styles
Let’s start with the basics. Here's a quick rundown of the most popular bag styles and what they’re best for:
Tote Bag
Roomy and practical
Perfect for work, uni, or shopping trips
Usually structured with two long straps
Crossbody Bag
Worn across the body for hands-free ease
Great for weekends, travel, or errands
Comes in small and medium sizes
Shoulder Bag
A classic staple
Ideal for everyday use or casual events
More secure than a tote but less bulky than a backpack
Clutch
Small and sleek, often handheld
Reserved for formal events or dinners
Can be embellished or minimalist
Backpack Purse
Stylish and super practical
Perfect for on-the-go mums or active days
Now available in luxe leather versions too
Top-Handle Bag
Structured and chic
Best for polished office looks or dressy daytime events
Tip: A capsule wardrobe doesn’t stop at clothes - you can apply it to your bags too. Three bags (everyday, casual, formal) in your colour palette = sorted.
Best Bags for Casual, Work, and Formal Settings
Casual Settings
Go for slouchy shapes, lighter fabrics, or canvas
Crossbodies, backpacks, or relaxed totes
Colours: Tan, navy, olive, or soft neutrals
Work
Structure is key—think top-handle or a sleek tote
Look for space for a laptop or notebook
Colours: Classic neutrals (camel, charcoal, navy) or your best dark neutral from your seasonal palette
Formal Events
Smaller is better—clutches or compact shoulder bags
Luxe materials like satin, velvet, or leather
Colours: Metallics, black, soft blush, or bold jewel tones (depending on your colour season)
How to Choose the Right Bag Colour Based on Your Colour Season
Your handbag doesn’t just need to match your outfit—it should also flatter you. A personal colour analysis helps you find your “season,” which influences what shades work best against your skin tone.
Spring Season
Go for warm, clear colours: French Vanilla, Persimmon, Blarney, Pale Marigold
Try leather bags in French Vanilla, Persimmon, or Pale Marigold
Summer Season
Cool, muted colours suit you: Bone White, Violet Tulip, Sachet Pink, Blue Elixir
Think suede bags in Sachet Pink or Bone White
Twilight Leather Cross-Body Bag
Autumn Season
Earthy, rich tones are your best bet: Split Pea, Gold Coast, Orange Rust, Bison
Leather or canvas bags in Bison, Orange Rust, or Split Pea
Winter Season
You look amazing in bold, cool colours: Black Beauty, Brilliant White, Surf the Web, Silvery
Patent leather or velvet in Surf the Web, Brilliant White, or Silvery
Bonus Tip: If you wear a lot of neutral clothing, your bag is a great place to add a pop of colour!
Material Tips: What Works Best for Each Season
Bags don’t just come in different colours—they come in all sorts of materials. Here’s what’s trending and when to use it:
Autumn & Winter
Structured leather or faux leather
Suede (goes perfectly with knitwear)
Velvet for glam evenings
Spring & Summer
Canvas and linen blends
Woven textures (hello, raffia and straw!)
Lighter leathers or crossbodies in breathable fabrics
A good rule of thumb? Match your bag’s material to the weight of your outfit. Light dress = light bag. Chunky knit = structured bag.
Everyday Styling Tips for Bags
Here are some quick styling hacks to keep your handbag game strong:
Match your hardware (gold vs silver) with your jewellery
Don’t be afraid of colour- especially if your outfit is neutral
Swap your strap! Some bags come with interchangeable straps that let you dress them up or down
For a coordinated look, match your bag with your shoes or belt
If your outfit has a pattern, go with a solid-coloured bag
Colour Capsule Can Help You Match Your Bag to Your Palette
Not sure whether a soft blush bag or a deep forest green one suits you more? Colour Capsule can help you figure it all out. Our online colour analysis service helps you find the shades that flatter you most - so every bag you buy works with your wardrobe, not against it.
With Colour Capsule, you’ll get:
Your custom seasonal colour palette
A personal guide for accessories and bags
Styling tips for building a cohesive wardrobe
Optional Zoom or recorded sessions based on your preference
Don’t waste money on bags you’ll never wear again. Let us help you choose colours that love you back. Book your session here.
Bags aren’t just a fashion statement, they’re a key part of how we express ourselves. By understanding which styles work for different occasions and picking the right colours for you, you’ll not only look put-together - you’ll feel amazing too.
So next time you’re eyeing off that tote or clutch, don’t just ask if it’s cute. Ask:
Will I wear it regularly?
Does it suit my lifestyle?
Is the colour part of my palette?
If the answer’s yes, you’ve found a winner.
