How to Choose a Stylish New Handbag

Here’s how most women choose a new handbag: “I’ll know it when I see it.” Not a totally bad idea since any accessory purchase is partly emotional. However, that strategy is very time-consuming and won’t help you narrow down the search to the color, style and useful features that’ll make your choice “the one.” Aside from those in pursuit of a pre-loved designer bag, most women 50-plus just want a more updated piece of shoulder candy that freshens their look without breaking the bank. Here are six tips to finding your next style-maker.

Left to right: Old Navy Crescent Crossbody Bag for Women in Taupe ($11, oldnavy.gap.com); Mango Quilted Bag with Flap in Light/Pastel Brown ($30, mango.com/us); Quince Italian Leather Shoulder Bag in Cognac ($99, quince.com); JW Pei Carly Metallic Saddle Bag in Silver ($99, jwpei.com)

Old Navy; Mango; Quince; JW Pei

1. Know what’s trending

Let’s start here since it’s easy to get sidetracked by ongoing sales, special promotions, compelling store displays and social media. Bag trends include the impractical in size and shape – like jumbo and micro-mini sizes, giant clutches and top-handle-only bags that require constant gripping. On the practical side, you’ll see a lot of rounded and crescent shapes (just avoid too-skinny moon-like slivers and too geometric circles), soft slouchy hobos, roomy buckets and tailored shoulder bags that riff on iconic versions of the saddlebag, fold over flap and double C (you-know-who) styles. Design details include knots and hardware accents, woven leathers, chain straps and quilting. It helps to know what’s new.

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Left to right: Charles & Keith Cassiopeia Bucket Bag in Black ($76, charleskeith.com); Montana West Hobo Bags for Women Shoulder Bucket Bag in Special Red ($30, amazon.com); Austin Shoulder Bag in Sage Leaf Smooth ($124, macys.com); MKF Collection Daphne Crocodile-embossed Vegan Leather Shoulder by Mia K in Charcoal Gray ($44, walmart.com)

Charles & Keith; Amazon; Macy's; Walmart

2. Select a color that complements or accents your wardrobe

Many women opt for a goes-with-anything black or brown bag and love its ability to hide dirt and stains, sit carefree on the floor of a restaurant, car or office and make even relatively inexpensive styles look upscale. In addition, if you wear a lot of black or earth tones year-round (from tees to turtlenecks, sandals to sneakers), adding a like-toned bag to your outfit does create a pulled-together look. Then again, if you’re on your 10th black bag in as many years or just want something a little different, a bag in a cool gray, muted green or soft camel can add a hint of color along with the quiet luxury vibe often found in high-end fashion. Ready to make more of a statement? A metallic or red bag can update everything you wear with an eye-opening spark. Both are on trend for a this-minute, this-season look. Still unsure which color to buy? Here’s a foolproof guideline: Stay with a bag style you love but update the color, or stay with black or brown but try a new-for-you style.