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How to Wear a Shoulder Bag: The Ultimate Kipling Guide
How to Wear a Shoulder Bag:
The Ultimate Kipling Guide
A shoulder bag can be much more stylish than a backpack and can also be as functional. It comes in various designs, matching many occasions and even elevating an outfit. We’re here to explain everything you need about this satchel, from how to wear a shoulder bag to how to style it.
What is a shoulder bag?
A shoulder bag has a single strap or two straps joined together (some have both) that you can wear over one shoulder. It fits under your arm, allowing you to wear it hands-free. It comes in multiple sizes, some more fitting for everyday use, while others might be for going out. Channel pioneered this type of bag in 1955. Since then, women all over the world have enjoyed this stylish yet practical bag.
People might mistake other bags with one strap for the shoulder bag. For instance, a messenger bag is larger with a more unisex design. It’s big enough to carry a laptop, and people often use it for school or work.
Some people might also mistake the handbag for a shoulder bag. However, you can discern the difference in the name. The straps of a handbag are usually shorter, meaning you’ll have to hold onto it. In some cases, you can sling it from your wrist or elbow but the shoulder bag has a strap long enough not to feel like it’s cutting your circulation.
Finally, we have the crossbody bag. Here, the lines become blurry. This is because a shoulder bag sometimes has a long enough strap to wear crossbody. And vice versa. So it falls more to the wearer to decide what type of bag it is.
How to carry a shoulder bag
There are multiple ways to wear a shoulder bag. It’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and what looks best for you. Also, try to make it work well with your outfit.
On the shoulder and under the arm
When you choose to wear a bag like this, make sure that you have some space under your armpit so it’s comfortable. But also make sure that it’s tight enough to stay put. Usually, you can’t adjust the stiff straps, so it’s best to try it before buying. Also, it’s best to rotate what shoulder you put it on to ensure you don’t hurt your posture in the long run.
On one shoulder, hanging from the hip
If your bag has a long, adjustable strap, you can wear it lower. This gives you more access to your belongings. When you do so, ensure the bag sits at your hip level or a little above. Lower or higher than that can look messy.
Also, keep the bag to your side to let it complement your outfit and not overpower it. This is especially important if it’s a large bag. Remember that carrying a bag like this makes it easier to snatch. So you might want to keep your hand on the strap in busy areas.
Crossbody
As we’ve mentioned, if the strap is long enough, you can drape it over your body. It will go from one shoulder, over your chest, to your opposite hip. Make sure that you adjust the strap so it hits your hips. If it’s a smaller bag, bring it forward to make the outfit look its best.
Over the elbow
While the shoulder is in the title, it’s not the only way to carry this bag. You can also put it on your arm, in your elbow crease, while you fold it to keep it in place. Use the fixed straps to achieve this.
In your hand
Finally, you can use the handles to hold onto your shoulder bag. But you should ensure that the bag is not too big that it drags on the floor or makes you look shorter.
How to style a shoulder bag
Since shoulder bags come in so many designs, they can go with any outfit. For example, larger bags can come with you to the office, while smaller, shiny bags will look amazing on a night out. Here are a few tips to remember when picking a shoulder bag to go with your clothes.
Consider the season
Like with clothing selection, the color of your shoulder bag should go with the time of the year. So if it’s winter, you can go for the blacks, browns, and dark blues. But in spring and summer, pair your floral sundress or white t-shirt and jeans with lavender, tan, or other pastel bags.
Wear a printed outfit with a solid-color bag
It doesn’t matter if it’s floral dresses, striped shirts, or animal print skirts. All of these should have a solid color shoulder bag. You don’t want the prints to compete with each other. Choosing a solid-color bag will allow your outfit to shine.
Add a shoulder bag to your wardrobe
We hope we inspired you to get one if you don’t already own a shoulder bag. And if you do, we hope this guide will help you understand how to use it to complement your outfits best and make you stand out.
