Not every handbag is ideal for every woman. The rule for a flattering look is to pair a handbag that is the opposite shape of your body type.

2. ss
URBANISTA IMAGE CONSULTING LLP
Select Bags According to Your Body Type

3. "Confidence is a habit that can be developed by
acting as if you already had the confidence you
desire to have”
Enhance

4. Body shapes and
Bags

5. Types of bags
 Tote - An open-top bag with straps or handles.
 Hobo bag - A crescent-shaped shoulder bag. This style is often soft and slouchy.
 Duffle - Tall shoulderbag, often with a wider opening on top.
 Field bag - A flap-top shoulderbag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).
 Clutch - A small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm or
carried in your hand.
 Satchel- A large, handheld bag. Many satchels are structured.
 Baguette - Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.
 Messenger - A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
 Pouch - A soft, small bag.
 Crossbody bag - A bag -- often smaller in size -- that is worn across the body at an angle.

6. Scale
Will the right bag make you look thinner? Not exactly, but it can flatter your shape. While the shape
should oppose your body type for maximum flattery, the size of the bag should be in proportion to your
figure.
 Think scale here: a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14 would look lost with a teensy hand-held
bag.
 A petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy bag.
 A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part
of the body it comes near.
For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn
to the bag).
 Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.
 Crossbody bags are difficult to carry off for busty women because the strap cuts right across the
bustline.

7. PETITE BODY TYPE
 The most common body type
among Asians, petite women
should choose bags that are
neither too bulky nor too big.
 Big bags tend to overpower the
small frame of petite women so
Asians need to go for longer bags
such as a rectangular tote to give
the appearance of a longer torso.
Ø Petite women should also avoid oversized
hobo bags as it tends to weigh down their
small frame.
Ø Petite ladies should avoid huge prints on
the bag as well and opt for vertical stripes
and monochromatic colours.

9. TALL AND SKINNY
 The model type can get away with almost anything.
 The tall and skinny woman can don just about any handbag type – oversized will look great,
shoulder hobos, or even oversized slouchy clutch bags that you see on the runway.
 Colours also flatter their figure. Long sling bags are also perfect for the tall and skinny.
 Boston and dome bags are also perfect for the tall and skinny as it comes in a round shape
which gives an illusion of a slightly curvy figure.
Ø Just remember to avoid too small bags and
choose slouchy or rounded bags to flatter
your figure.

11. CURVY WOMEN
 Structured bags are perfect for curvy women as it makes them appear skinny.
Ø If they like carrying shoulder bags, curvy women
should avoid bags that sit below the waist, it
should always end just above the waist.
Ø Slouchy bags aren’t for curvy women so they
should avoid that as well.
Ø Curvy women should avoid rounded bags as it
tends to make them look even curvier.

13. PEAR-SHAPED
 The most common body type for women, the pear shape has an ample hip and a small
torso, making it the most flattering shape among all body types.
 Try donning a bowling bag or sling bags that sit just above the hips.
 Hobo bags will be the best bet for these women.
Ø Make the most out of this shape by carrying a bag
that avoids the hip area.

15. PLUS-SIZE
 Plus size women should know how to
flatter their assets and hide their flaws.
 To look put-together and smaller,
 Stick to bags with a defined structure
as this make one look slimmer.
 Bags with short to medium length
straps will flatter plus-size girls.
Ø Big girls should stick to the medium-sized bags and
should avoid both too small and too big bags as it
tends to make them look even bigger.
Ø Avoid carrying bags with big prints.

17. Let's summarize

18. Tips on Handbag Size, Shape & Length
The size, shape and length of a handbag will determine how a person looks wearing it. Here are
some fashion rules on which dimensions will work for you.
• The size of handbag should be proportionate to the person’s body type
• Short and petite women appear taller with small handbags and shorter with large handbags
• Tall and slim women appear larger with small handbags and look best with midsize, large and
oversized styles.
• The shape of a handbag should be opposite of the person’s body type
• Short women look taller carrying a long rectangular handbag
• Slim and tall women benefit from a round handbag
• The length of a handbag – where the bottom hits the body – emphasizes that area
• Short handbags make busts appear larger, so choose styles with longer straps to avert attention
• Most women look good wearing handbags that hang to the mid-torso

19. Some signs of crappy handbags include:
 Useless pockets or too many compartments. They might seem like they'd be great for
organization, but interior and exterior pockets often aren't big enough or could be too big
that your stuff will just disappear forever into.
 Unreasonably heavy. A heavy handbag is a prescription for shoulder and back pain.
The ideal weight of a handbag, according to a USDA study is under 2.2 pounds
(meanwhile the average woman's handbag weighs 5.2 pounds).
 Poor straps. Adjustable straps are best for flexibility and fit, but if the straps aren't
adjustable, make sure they're not too long or short for your body. Also avoid straps that
are pencil thin; they'll cut into your shoulders more and aren't ergonomic.
 Low-quality materials. Leather bags should be soft and buttery, not plastic-like, stiff,
or squeaky. Non-leather bags, such as canvas or fabric handbags, should be sturdy rather
than thin (check if they've been coated for weather endurance). Also look at the interior
lining, which shouldn't be flimsy, have tears in the corners, or loose.

20. Examine your handbag for:
 Stitching. The stitching and seaming should be consistent throughout, without any loose or stray threads. If
the bag has a pattern, the print should also match at the seams. Also tug on any embellishments like hanging
pulls or chains to make sure they aren't loose and won't fall off.
 Quality zippers and other hardware. One of the best signs of quality is how the zipper opens and closes—it
should glide smoothly. Similarly, other closures like buttons or clasps should close neatly and easily.
 Connections for the straps. The seams where the straps meet the bag body are very important, since those
are high pressure areas. Also, Real Simple advises us to stay away from bags with handles that aren't stitched
along the edges of the straps and that are only glued, because those handles will eventually separate.
 Fewer seams and parts. The more parts (snaps, latches, buttons, etc.) there are to a handbag, the more ways
your bag can break. Similarly, as Saddleback Leather explains, many pieces of leather stitched together into a
sort of quilt means lots of seams—and a weaker bag.
 Other fine details. Sometimes it's the little touches that show off a quality handbag. Things like feet on the
bottom of the bag so it doesn't get dirty when you put it down, a key fob on the inside of the bag, a comfortable
zipper pull, and exterior pockets with magnetic closures.

21. Tips
 Take time in a store to try on handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.
 Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.
 Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags: if you're toting diapers and graham crackers, an artsy vintage bag won't
hold up.
 Don't forget about comfort and practicality. Yes, handbags are the easiest way to make a fashion statement, but they
also have to carry your personal items. Think about size, compartments, and how long you will be holding or
wearing the handbag.
 Handbags are a great way to complement an outfit. Use statement pieces in seasonal colors to add extra pop and
handbags in go-to neutrals (like white, cream, brown, black or metallics) to carry alongside busier ensembles.
 Consider the occasion when selecting a handbag. Size, structure, material and colors will help define the handbag's
formality. For example, a satin clutch is perfect for a cocktail party but most often is too formal for work.
 Be detail oriented. Handbags with many rhinestones, zippers, buttons and embellishments steal the spotlight, so
don't wear them with clothes that compete for attention.
 Consider closures, as some styles offer more security than others.
 When buying an everyday handbag, pick one made in a durable material to withstand wear and tear.
 A simple way to look put-together is to follow the classic rule of matching a handbag, shoes and belt. For a modern
look, wear mismatched but coordinated accessories that are of the same formality.
 A well-rounded handbag collection includes at least a large weekender bag, a medium-sized handbag for everyday
use and evening handbag.
 Regularly remove unnecessary items that weigh your handbag down.

22. IN THE MEDIA

23. About Sheena Agarwal
Devoted to inspiring people to be their best version, Sheena Agarwaal
founded Urbanista Image Consulting LLP in 2010. Trained by master
trainers Carla Mathis, Christina Ong and Lynne Marks, along with the
unparalleled background in the arena of Image Consultancy, she is a
Neuro Linguistic Practitioner and one of India’s first Reach Certified
Personal Brand Strategist.
Experience
• Director Urbanista Image Consulting LLP, REACH Personal Brand
• Worked with Big Cinemas, Apollo Munich Life Insurance, Shoppers Stop,
IIT Chennai, TiE, Ranjan Narula Associates, Beetle, Bharti Foundation,
Vodafone and GE.
• Finance Analyst with Goldman Sachs
Personal Branding Expert
Communication Expert
Body Language Expert
International Etiquette Expert
Business Protocol
Strategist
Skills

24. ABOUT URBANISTA IMAGE CONSUTLING
Established in the year 2010, Urbanista Image Consulting LLP is the renowned Image Consultancy firm
based out of New Delhi, India and was founded by Sheena Agarwal one of India’s first certified Image
Consultant and Reach Personal Brand Strategist.
With the vision to enable people to express their core competence and brand values effectively, Urbanista
Image Consulting works on three broad aspects of Powerful Presence: Appearance, Behaviour and
Communication.
We are committed to positively impacting lives, which in turn leads one to securing better opportunities and
higher recognition and delivering noticeable results for clients - both at an Individual and Corporate level.
An innovator in Image Management, we conduct consultations and workshops for individuals or groups
respectively, on matters related to Executive Presence, Communication Skills, Body Language, Business
Protocol, International Etiquette, Storytelling and Personal Branding.
With a desire to bring internationally acclaimed Master Trainer from across domains to Indian Shores, in April
2014 we hosted Master Trainer Carla Mathis from United States of America in New Delhi, India to train
aspiring Image Consultants and look forward to host many such trainers from across the spectrum in the
near future.
We creatively use the theory of evolution on all our clients that involve not just superficial verbal consultation
but a total involvement and a sensitive approach.
We encourage you to contact us and discuss how to enhance your personal and professional presence.

25. www.facebook.com www.twitter.com www.urbanista.in +91 852 797 8886 Building No 845, Ist Floor,
Ghittorni, New Delhi - 110030
“Image is not about beautification. Its about projection of your purpose, goal
and objective, in life. We help you create a brand that speaks for itself, day
on day!”
~Sheena Agarwal~