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Among all the existing accessories, it is the bag that is the most important for any woman. This is the most functional (in addition to the clothes themselves) item in a woman's closet, which is a faithful assistant in any situation. Let's understand what kinds of bags for women are available today, on what criteria to choose a convenient version of the bag and learn interesting facts about the life and formation of this accessory. 

Back in the ancient world, bound animal skins were used to extract provisions. Then it looked simply as bags of different sizes, rough pieces of hides were tied together with ropes. With the advent of money in civilization, the size of "sacks" began to decrease - it was taken everywhere with you, attaching it to your belt and hiding it under your clothes. 

In the Middle Ages, bags have a more decorative value. The aristocracy could afford really magnificent copies with embroidery, precious stones and fittings of precious metals. Ladies no longer hid handbags under their skirts - it became an additional decoration for the dress. It is from this moment the cult of handbags begins to develop rapidly and one of the first models with parameters familiar to us becomes

Ridicule

In the 18th century, bags for valuables "to take with you" become almost the main marker of a lady's status. In France, the center of fashion, begins the epic of creating incredible ridicules: unusual fabrics, decor and a variety of handles that could be used to hold the bag on the wrist or even in the hand, rather than on the belt. At the same time, the first bag frames began to appear, so that the bag could hold a fancy shape. The craftsmen of the time drew on the knowledge of creating women's corsets for this purpose. In our days, the reticule has not lost its popularity, becoming a perfect example of a bag for dates and festive events. The main difference between a reticule and any other small bag is the fermoir clasp, a cross-clasp made of hard material. 

Clutch

This little darling in the world of handbags is a relative of the reticule. The first clutches appeared in the 19th century as a new invention and an alternative to "bags". Society appreciated the advantages of rigid bags with a frame and therefore masters began to create even more elegant festive variants. Clutch in the classic version does not have a shoulder strap, it is usually held in the hands, pressing against the hip or waist. Today, designers, not limited by the technology of development, create clutches of various geometric shapes. An unusual clutch, such as a round one, is the perfect solution for creating an attractive accent in a basic outfit.

Shoulder bags

The most common and widespread type of modern women's handbags is the shoulder bag. It is a handy "universal soldier" with endless options and modifications. Whatever number of compartments, handles and material color you choose, the shoulder bag will be your basic option. Shoulder bags are direct descendants of the reticule, formed around the time of the Industrial Revolution. Thin wrist straps were uncomfortable, and the shape of the reticule did not meet the standards of a rapidly progressing society. So the handle of the bag was lengthened to a version where the bag could be hung on the shoulder or held in the hand, and silhouettes became more versatile and flattering. Shoulder bags come in a variety of sizes, which has made this bag model a great solution for a date for a couple of hours, as well as for long flights, when you need to have all the essentials with you.

Mini bags

Mini bags are a versatile option when you don't need to carry too many things. Mini bags, unlike a clutch, for example, are suitable for both festive outfits and everyday use. There are so many modifications - choose the shape, number of compartments, and handles depending on your preferences and requirements.

The most win-win option is to buy a mini version of your favorite bag model. For example, Hermes Birkin, Chanel 2.55, Gucci Bamboo present a wide range of sizes. What could be more versatile than having a proven model in sizes 32 and 18 in your wardrobe?

Backpacks

The modern rhythm of life assumes practicality, but to help can come to the invention that emerged in antiquity - and this is a backpack. Of course, the first backpacks have very little in common with modern ones, but the main distinguishing feature has been preserved - this product is worn on the back. Approximate ones to today's copies were popular among the military and travelers already in the 18th century. And the fashion boom emerged thanks to the creation of the nylon backpack by Prada in the 1980s. The backpack today is a fashion accessory that not only frees our hands, but also to some extent preserves our health: it is better to carry a lot of weight not in one hand, but evenly distributed. But even if you don't need to carry kilograms of things with you, a backpack is a great alternative to bags. 

Almost every luxury brand presents an already iconic model: Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Chanel and others can boast beautiful copies. It is worth noting that you can choose a backpack according to the same principles as the bags: start from the preferred style (you can make more emphasis on sporty or classic etc.),favorite material and a standard set of necessary contents.

Bucket bags

The bucket model is actually much older than one might imagine. In general, the forebears of bucket bags can be considered to be the medieval sack bags so popular with noble ladies. However, Louis Vuitton, the master of travel luggage and large bags, created the most similar to today's silhouette. The bucket bag was originally created to transport champagne - yes, yes, there was no goal to create a woman's bag. The container with cooling elements was simply wrapped in Louis Vuitton's signature material and this "accessory" was popular for some time. It was only a few decades later that two separate brands - Coach and Lancel - transformed this element into a ladies' accessory. 

Today, bucket bags come in many different styles, made of different materials up to raffia, with one or several compartments and different straps - both long shoulder bags and short hard handles. The main advantages of the bucket bag are rather small dimensions and at the same time impressive capacity due to a rather non-standard shape. Such a bag combines literally with any style, as it becomes an elegant accent.

Messenger bag

Surprisingly, but among roomy bags, this particular model appeared one of the first - back in the middle of the 19th century. Moreover, its classic look almost did not undergo global changes in its exterior. This invention originating from the USA appeared at the same time as the first mail service. The so-called Pony Express delivered letters and documents to different states with the help of the first horsemen letter carriers. To keep papers from getting wrinkled, a rectangular bag made of thick leather was invented to protect them from rain. Even then, the messenger had small pockets. The bag was attached directly to the saddle, i.e. initially it had no handle. Later, already in the 40s of the 20th century, such a bag was made as an addition to the uniform of construction workers to store tools for work. The bag was noticed and appreciated by courier services and ordered messengers for their employees (in the mid-20th century, couriers were already traveling on bicycles). Today this bag is a great option for office or study - your laptop, documents and other things will be safe. By the way, if you like Dark Academia style or you are a follower of business style in clothes, the messenger bag is a must-have for your closet.

Crossbody bag

Without this model of bag it is impossible to imagine any fashionista or just a stylish woman. The author of that crossbody, which we are used to, can be considered Coco Chanel. It was her brand that introduced in 1955 the famous Chanel 2.55 - one of the most feminine and stylish bags for more than 60 years. In general, the crossbody bag has absorbed the best elements of many other models: its silhouette guesses the messenger, thanks to the rigid rectangular shape, and also often crossbody is created in small sizes, making it a great option when you are light (although today for extraordinary outfits are used and giant formats, which are worn across the body).

Tote bag

The history of the origin of the tote bag is quite unusual. The main purpose of a bag of any shape and type, as we know, is to help move some items. Tote was originally not related to fashion or women's needs. The first tote bag originated from the need for something to carry...ice! In the 1940s, when not every home had a refrigerator and plastic bags had not yet been invented for household functions, the L.L.Bean company developed a special bag in which to move ice. The contraption became quite popular, but that was the end of its function. Two decades later, the tote returned already as a shopping bag. Several rather similar variants were developed in different colors and from different dense materials. Other companies also liked the invention and many started producing such bags as a promotional move. The peak of popularity of tote bags as a household accessory came in the 90s and 2000s. Then the model migrated to fashion houses, which gave free rein to their imagination, developing tote bags in various forms.

Hobo bag

This rather popular bag today didn't have any fashionable look at first either. In the crisis 30s in the United States there was a high percentage of unemployment, so many people literally became migrants in their own country. The need to carry their own movable possessions with them everywhere gave rise to the initially rather strange-looking "luggage". The hobo bag was literally a sack that was tied with a knot. Gradually the bag gained a handle and began to look solid. In the 70s it became very popular even with luxury brands and it could be found made of leather, suede and other materials. In its classic form, the bag always has one handle and one compartment and is made without a frame, making it one of the most spacious bags that are still popular today.

Beach bags

When you think of vacation, you immediately want to update your closet - and the best place to start is with bags! It's not the most obvious item in a summer closet, but it's worth noting that beach bags fit perfectly into an urban ensemble. Designers have created enough options for women's beach bags to diversify our style for summer. For example, one of the main trends today can be called a basket bag: inspired by real wicker baskets, luxury brands suggest choosing models that hold their shape well. The handles deserve special attention - they are almost the main decorative element - round, straight and even square, made of bamboo or rattan. Usually in such bags there is always one compartment, but it is enough for everything: from beach towel and sunscreen to laptop. 

Shopper bags as beach bags are hardly the most popular option. Here you can go for the largest size possible, because you need to fit everything in. Wicker shoppers fit perfectly into relaxed outfits, with cotton maxi dresses or linen suits with palazzo pants and oversize shirts. Besides, this is the case when you can afford immoderate decor - summer-themed embroideries, bright color blocks will always be appropriate in hot weather even in the city.

By the way, beach bags in the classic version are made of raffia, rattan or straw. They always look very aesthetically pleasing and have quite strong properties. However, if you opt for a genuine leather option, it will also be acceptable. Also, beach bags that look like shoppers or similar silhouettes look great in a variant made of thick cotton, linen or even burlap - natural fabrics are what you need during the hot season.

Duffel bag

The bag itself was a practical solution for the military during World War I, but its roots go back to the 15th century in the Belgian town of Duffel. There, the textile industry was already doing well and one of the best inventions was a very dense fabric that sailors began to use - from protecting things on the ship to patches on the sails. In the 1910s this fabric came in handy for soldiers - it was used to sew spacious bags for personal belongings. Before World War II, the duffel bag was improved in size and acquired a cord to tighten the opening. The bag eventually had a wide strap and was not forgotten in the post-war years - it was a great alternative to bulky suitcases. Today, when we live in multitasking mode and take a lot of things when we leave the house, the duffel bag is the perfect roomy solution.

Notes for choosing:

A woman's closet should have at least 2 bags of versatile models: a spacious one and a small one for festive events and leisure activities. Choose the model and shape based on your lifestyle, so you will have a reliable assistant for every day.

The classic choice of basic colors is not limited to black. If your closet is dominated by bright shades, it is better to buy a bag in a light shade, such as light beige. Black can be replaced by any color in a very dark shade - be it red, brown or blue.

Pay attention to the attachment of handles, especially for models such as tote and other roomy bags, to guarantee a long time to use the bag, loading it with quite a lot of weight. 

The hardware is the key to the durability of the bag. It should be made of high quality metal, protected from rust. Pay attention to screws and other fasteners and the possibility of replacing them in case of loss. If the bag is fastened with a zipper, it should be tightly sewn.

In today's world, we can observe hundreds of new models of women's handbags. Styles and shapes are intertwined, forming new incredible silhouettes, not lacking both practicality and creative approach to displaying their own style.