Shoulder bags: from casual to smart
Shoulder bags are one of the most simple and popular styles of handbag. Comfortable and practical, yours will take you from the office to the street. One of the most classic choices of material for these types of bags is leather; functional and hard-wearing, it will still look good years down the line. If you prefer to avoid real leather, there are plenty of synthetic versions available nowadays. Alternatively, go for a fabric bag. Sturdy cotton canvas is a classic choice if you want a tote-style bag, while denim gives a funky modern twist. One added benefit of fabric bags is that they can come with fun printed designs, which is ideal if you love colour!
Bags for everyday life
When you're considering a shoulder bag for women, you should always think about the size. A large tote is a good choice if you tend to carry a lot; you can easily keep a jacket, book and your purse inside, along with your computer if you need it for work. Smaller shoulder bags are fine if you don't usually take much with you. Look at the number of compartments, too. A single, roomy pocket is common with tote bags, while other designs may be divided into multiple smaller compartments; depending on how you like to organize things, this might be useful for you. Zipped pockets are a good way of keeping certain essential possessions safe, while magnetic fastenings are quick and easy to open and close.
Choosing one to suit your wardrobe
If you're looking for an over the shoulder bag to take to the office, then you might want to stick to classic neutral colours. Black, brown and tan leather are all easy to wear, and go with just about everything. However, they may be too formal for weekend or street occasions, particularly if you tend to favour a casual wardrobe. A bag is a great way of injecting a little bit of colour into your daily style. If you tend to wear neutrals most days, go for a bright red bag or one with an unusual print, and you'll have an instant signature piece! On the other hand, if you wear a lot of colour, opt for plain and simple shoulder bags; you want to make sure that it works with most of the pieces in your wardrobe.