This is an age-old question that many women struggle with when it comes to shopping and accessorizing. Purses come in so many styles, colors, sizes and price points – how do you determine how many is enough? Most women have a collection of different purses for different occasions and needs. But at what point does a practical purse wardrobe become purse overload?
Quick Answers
- There is no magic number for how many purses a woman needs – it depends on her lifestyle and needs.
- Factors like budget, occupation, frequency of use, and variety of occasions should guide purse purchasing.
- Experts often recommend 3-5 quality, versatile purses as a solid starter collection.
- Consider cost per wear when investing in more expensive designer bags.
- Rotate purses regularly to get the most use out of your collection.
Everyday, Casual Purses
For everyday use, most women need at least one go-to casual purse for running errands, commuting to work, shopping, and other daily activities. This purse should be roomy enough to hold your essentials – wallet, phone, keys, small makeup bag, etc. – while still fitting comfortably under your arm. Leather or nylon handbags, tote bags, and crossbody bags are popular choices for everyday casual purses. You’ll want something durable and neutral in color – black, brown, tan, navy – that can match everything in your wardrobe. Having 2-3 options for casual daily use gives you some variety while still keeping this portion of your collection minimal and practical.
Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing everyday purses:
- If you commute via public transportation, a crossbody bag that zips securely may be preferable.
- If you’re frequently on the go with kids, a larger tote or shoulder bag makes sense.
- Smaller satchel or wristlet styles work well for quick trips and minimal essentials.
Having options in different silhouettes ensures you have the right casual bag for every situation that arises.
Occasional Use: Evening Bags
In addition to daily purses, most women need at least one special occasion evening bag – a sparkly minaudière, beaded clutch, or satin shoulder bag perfect for date nights, weddings, and formal events. Having a chic evening bag elevates any dressy look. Prioritize one that has:
- Versatile neutral color like gold, silver, black, navy, or nude.
- Removable chain strap to transition from handheld to shoulder wear.
- Room for keys, phone, lipstick, and essentials.
Whether embellished with beads, sequins or jewels, an elegant evening bag is a wardrobe essential for women. Start with one in a classic style and color, and add trendier novelty bags for variety if desired. But one go-to evening bag should serve most needs.
Travel Bags
A practical travel purse or tote is another essential for women constantly on the go. Look for quality leather or nylon bags that are:
- Roomy enough for magazines, books, water bottle, tablet/laptop and travel documents
- Feature interior and exterior pockets to keep essentials organized
- Have a comfortable adjustable strap
- Zip securely with locking options
- Come in a dark neutral color
Whether jet-setting for business or pleasure, a sensible travel tote helps keep you organized and stylish on the go.
Factors to Consider
When building your purse wardrobe, there are several factors to keep in mind as you determine what’s practical and essential versus overkill:
Budget
Be realistic about what you can afford to spend on purses. Costly designer bags are beautiful investments, but may not suit everyone’s budget. Focus first on finding quality, versatile purses in styles you’ll use frequently. Then supplement with trendier or more expensive bags as your budget allows. Setting a total dollar limit for new seasonal purses helps avoid overspending. Consider cost per wear when investing in pricier bags.
Lifestyle and Occupation
Your daily lifestyle and job duties should guide your choices. Busy moms, frequent travelers and professionals need practical, durable purses to stay organized. Students and creative types may gravitate toward funkier or more whimsical designs. Formal environments necessitate elegant, structured bags. Adjust your purse wardrobe according to your individual needs and tastes.
Variety of Occasions
Ensure your purse collection has options suitable for daily errands, weekends, evenings out, travel and more. Don’t buy too many similar bags just because you love the style – aim for versatility. Unless you’ll use a novelty bag frequently, limit more trendy purchases to keep your overall collection tailored and practical.
Frequency of Use
Be practical – if you carry the same 2-3 purses all the time, you don’t need a vast collection. But it’s smart to have backups in case of stains, tears or other damage. Rotate your bags regularly to evenly distribute wear and get your cost per wear down. Bags tucked away unused indicate it’s time to declutter and pare down.
Storage Space
Take stock of where you’ll actually store your purse collection. Shelving, hanging racks and drawer organizers all help keep bags protected and accessible so they stay in rotation. If you’re short on space, keep your collection curated down to essentials you’ll actually use.
Capsule Collection Recommendations
As you build your purse wardrobe, aim to keep it streamlined and functional. Here are some expert recommendations for creating a versatile capsule collection:
3-5 Versatile Purses
A practical starter purse wardrobe includes:
– 1-2 neutral daily handbags like a tote and satchel
– 1 functional crossbody bag
– 1 elegant evening clutch
– Potentially, 1 practical travel tote
This covers all occasions with room for some variety while avoiding excess. Quality over quantity ensures cost per wear stays low.
1 Bold Statement Bag
For a pop of personality, most experts recommend one statement bag in a trendy silhouette, unique color, or eye-catching embellishment. Just keep it versatile enough for frequent use. This gives your wardrobe a stylish focal point without going overboard on impractical trendy bags.
1 Designer Investment Bag
Many fashionistas choose to save up for 1-2 luxury designer bags like Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, etc. View this as a long-term investment, and opt for the most classic, enduring style that aligns with your lifestyle. Cost per wear makes this sizable splurge worth it in the long run.
Maintenance
To maximize use out of your purse wardrobe:
- Stuff with tissue paper when not in use to maintain shape
- Treat leather regularly with conditioner
- Zip compartments and use purse organizers to protect lining
- Spot clean stains right away
- Store dust bags to prevent dust and scratches
- Hang or shelf purses rather than stacking
With some care and maintenance, your quality purses can last for many years of use.
Conclusion
The ideal purse wardrobe has enough variety to suit your lifestyle and occasion needs without becoming cluttered. Start by investing in a few classic silhouettes and timeless neutral colors. Fill any gaps with trendier seasonal styles you love. Consider your budget, how often you switch bags, and storage space limitations. Most importantly, choose high quality, durable purses with great design – your collection should reflect your personal style and stay practical for everyday life. If cared for properly, a curated capsule wardrobe of 3-5 go-to purses and 1-2 special statement bags should meet the needs of most women.
| Purse Type | Recommend Quantity | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday Handbags | 1-2 | Leather tote, large satchel |
| Crossbody Purse | 1 | Nylon or leather crossbody |
| Evening Bag | 1 | Jeweled minaudière clutch |
| Travel Tote | 1 | Leather weekender, nylon carry-on |
| Statement Bag | 1 | Colorful or embellished satchel |
| Designer Investment | 1-2 | Chanel, Hermes, etc. |
