10 Tips for Finding Your Best Handbag

Cheryl Baker wears a flat cross-body with zipper compartments (but, sadly, hefts a tote, too). Note the long diagonal strap that hits right at the hip for a body-elongating line.

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4. Multi-straps make sense

Multi-straps are especially important if you must carry a laptop, iPad, e-reader and chargers for work. Choose a structured satchel or tote with several compartments and straps that can be worn different ways. Look for top handles to hand-carry your bag and an adjustable strap that works diagonally across the body or hung over one shoulder. Exterior and interior pockets keep tech items and your other basics organized. A shoulder bag with convertible straps offers hands-free security for commuting, traveling or working off-site so you can walk and sip your matcha or latte.

Kate Moss hand-carries a round-handled satchel.

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5. Look for comfy handles and padding

Rounded handles on satchels and totes make gripping comfy so rings don’t dig in and manicures stay chip-free. Chain-strap bags benefit from shoulder-top leather pads to prevent marks and grooves and drag on clothes and bra straps.

Elizabeth Bourgine wears a structured yellow shoulder bag over a black outfit — note the short drop of the strap so the bag rests nicely.

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6. Try on bags in front of a full-length mirror

Whether you shop for a bag online or in an actual store, check the proportions and versatility at home before removing the tags. First, fill the bag with all your actual stuff for a reality test. Examine every angle and see how it looks with a variety of clothing, from jeans to a dress. A medium-size bag is sensible for everyday wear. Skip oversized bags (ouch!), minis (evenings only), framed lady bags (royals only), belt bags (that emphasize tummy bulge) and weird shapes (like circles and triangles) — all are impractical.

7. Make a fresh style statement

Your bag can personalize any neutral or casual outfit in seconds. If you choose an everyday black bag (as many of us do), make sure it has some major fashion details — studs or buckles, a print pattern, quilting, an interesting buckle or a gold chain strap. Ready for a bigger change? How about an orange suede chain-strap bag, a vibrantly patterned tote or a beige bag that will pop against all your dark neutrals?

Marisa Paredes forgoes a shoulder strap on this day and hand-carries her satchel.

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8. Alternate shoulders, or shoulders and hands

Break the body stress cycle:  Vary the ways you wear and carry your bag to relieve muscle strain. Any sign of numbness, a stiff, tight or tingly feeling, and it’s time for a quick switch. Don’t keep consistent pressure on the same spot for long periods of time.

9. Security counts  

Many bags now have magnetic top closures that click shut, although zippers, flaps and turnkey closures offer more protection. At the very least your bag (even an open-top tote) should have an inside zippered pocket or two. Some things do not belong in your bag at all. Leave your Social Security card, your passwords list, checkbook, passport or birth certificate, and store-specific credit cards at home unless you will need them. And this is another reason to keep your bag high, where you can watch it — not on your back or low at the thigh.

10. Two last words of etiquette and caution

Never put your bag on the table in a restaurant or at a meeting (rude and unsanitary) and never leave it dangling on the back of your chair in a restaurant or cafe (thief bait!). Place your bag on the floor between your feet or loop the strap under one leg of your chair.

For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson.