I don’t think I could officially point out why women are obsessed with handbags. It’s just something that all women love and unconsciously grow into wanting. Most women I know will save up to buy a luxury bag that will stand the test of time and trends. And why not? But the fact of the matter remains that most of us never know where to begin because the options are endless.

It’s always good to start off with a checklist and work your way through that list when investing in heavy-duty luxury products. A few things one should consider before purchasing a handbag: Figure out what kind of person you are? Do you need to carry around your life with you or are you a minimalist and don’t like the bulk? Once you answer these questions you know which handbag you need to start your purchase with.

Here are the 6 must-have bags every woman should own:

1) Tote Bag

This style is my favourite because yours truly is the kind that loves to carry around her world. I mean, I struggle with the paranoia of not having something when you need it most. So I like to be prepared for all scenarios. Most of my friends will not bother carrying the essentials because they know they can count on me to have those items 100%. I tend to prefer my totes to be structured as opposed to the big, grocery style handbags. I don’t like the way the flop and tend to look messy with their wrinkling.

Tote. By HighKey | www.shutterstock.com
Tote. By HighKey | www.shutterstock.com

2) Duffel Bag

I feel this one’s a must when you’re travelling or going away on a short trip or something like that. Just the ease of strapping everything to your shoulder and not having to check your baggage. Duffels are also great when you need to carry your work-out gear about. Most times people like to go to their gyms or yoga classes after they’re done with their work. Seems like the best way to cart your essentials around.

Duffel. By Susan Schmitz | www.shutterstock.com
Duffel. By Susan Schmitz | www.shutterstock.com

3) Backpack

Another item I favour because you can carry your life around in a backpack too and avoid all the struggles of a tedious shoulder spasm. I mostly end up with those from carrying a lot of weight on just the one side of my shoulder. This way I balance the weight out on both my shoulders and look cool too. Plenty of innovative styles and colours to suit your every mood.

Backpack. By progressman | www.shutterstock.com
Backpack. By progressman | www.shutterstock.com

4) Crossbody Bag

This is my go-to bag when I’m heading out at night or a drinking session with my girls. I like the idea of being hassle-free and since I don’t really need my whole world at that time, it serves the purpose efficiently. Mostly these kinds of bags will hold my lipstick, my debit cards, my hand sanitiser, a comb and a lip balm. Exactly all the things you need to look cute and help you have a fuss-free night on the town.

Cross body. By Victoria Chudinova | www.shutterstock.com
Cross body. By Victoria Chudinova | www.shutterstock.com

5) Bum Bag

This is one of those must-have items for festivals and when going sightseeing. This type of bag will rid the possibility of getting robbed completely because it is tightly secured to your waist, in front of you. You see it all the time and can reach out for your essentials whenever needed. you may not be able to carry along with you your world but just a few basics that you need. They vary in size so you can buy them depending on your needs. The latest trend is to wear these across your chest as shown in the image below. I think it’s quite cool, no?

"Bum

6) Clutch

This item I mostly tend to use when I’m going to more formal functions. Otherwise, I really don’t see the point in carrying a bag that constantly comes in the way and needs to be clutched all the time. But these look great with gowns and make for an elegant statement accessory.

Clutch. By korobskyph | www.shutterstock.com
Clutch. By korobskyph | www.shutterstock.com

Which of these do ya’ll already own? Let me know in the comments below.

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