How-To

Upgrade Your Bags From Everyday To Elite

Elite Bags Featured Image

While putting together a compilation of affordable party clutches, it occurred to me to write a generic post highlighting elements of a bag that instantly boost a look from drab to dapper. It is a misconception that to exude chic appeal one needs to expend hefty sums of money. A tweak here and a trick there is all you need. Simple features like specific shape, color and bag accents, detailed below, can transform your everyday carryalls to elite handbags.

Shapes

1. Envelope Clutches

A clutch is the preferred gear for celebs to all Page 3 events. But I often find that it gets trivialized in comparison to the outfits. And if you want to carry anything more than a phone and some cash, switch to an envelope clutch. Due to its unique shape and large size it stands out even in inexpensive materials like fabric or canvas.

Jabong Lara Karen

 Image Courtesy: Jabong

Handheld Bags with Top Handles

2. Handheld Bags with Top Handles

If one observes high society, it is customary to carry a bag in the fold of the elbow rather than over the shoulder. Not only does it convey a fashion conscious mindset but also displays the bag in all its glory.

Prada Calf Leather Top Handle Bag
Prada Calf Leather Top Handle Bag

Image Courtesy: Prada

3. Baguettes

Immortalized by Fendi, a baguette shaped bag speaks in volumes unthinkable for its modest size. It scores high on convenience too as it fits snugly under the shoulder giving the bearer an almost hands-free experience.

Fendi Baguette

Image Courtesy: Fendi

Colors

1. Black & White

These are eternal colors that will never fail, no matter the reason or season. Opt for all black or pristine all white or even monochrome mixes and you are effortlessly stylish.

Rediff Monochrome Bag

 Image Courtesy: Rediff

2. Rich Saturated Hues

Offbeat colors like royal orchid, marine blue, powder pastels when on their own make an irresistible style impression. These colors have tremendous potential to ramp up even the most simple of outfits.

Viari Promenade

Image Courtesy: Viari

Accents

1. Tassels & Fringes

A growing trend these days is to have fringes and heavy tasselled zip pulls that add character with their miniature movements. In fact, fringes have had a field day in recent times all over fashion runways.

ANQI Fringe Bag

 Image Courtesy: ANQI

2. Charms

Fendi bag monsters sometimes cost more than the bags themselves. The sheer variety available online gives ample options to pick according to occasion and mood. This is one of the most inexpensive ways to get your bag to do all the talking.

Bag Charms

Image Courtesy: Craftsvilla

Quirky, Bold Prints

3. Quirky, Bold Prints

Quirk is more of a norm these days. People are open to experimentation and eccentricity today than ever before. Choose one carefully and you will grab attention for all the right reasons.

Inspirasia Ludo Clutch

Image Courtesy: IndieBazaar

4. Bag Stickers

Pioneered by Anya Hindmarch in a way that caught the fashion world’s attention, bag stickers are relatively new entrants, more so in the Indian market. Again, they are only as limited as one’s imagination. You can add your signature style by using stickers that match your personality. Word of caution though, don’t go overboard by using loud stickers else you run the risk of ending up with something tacky.

Anya Hindmarch Sticker Satchel

Image Courtesy: Anya Hindmarch

Add one of these elements and transform your look in a jiffy!

About the author

Vidya Gupta

Mother to three lovely boys and wife of a banking professional, I am extremely passionate about a host of topics, bags being one of them. For the record, the others are - makeup, travel, photography, in no particular order. Here I share my perspective on the Indian as well as the international bag-scene. As a youngster I would spend most of my money on bags and carry one according to my outfit. It is this love that I express through this blog. Needless to say, any suggestions for improvement, even healthy criticisms, are highly encouraged. Hope you enjoy your stay here and find something useful to help you on your next bag purchase!

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