6 Tips for Choosing your new Handbag

6 Essential Tips for Buying a New Handbag

Choosing the right handbag is an important decision. Your bag choice says something about you. It is both a practical item and a style statement. Your bag should be versatile, match your style aesthetic, make sense cost wise, and add joy to your everyday. But with so many choices available, it can be a little overwhelming to pick the right one.

Whether you’re looking for a chic evening clutch or an everyday tote, making the right decision requires careful consideration about your needs, style, and budget.

Here are six essential tips to help you choose your next handbag, so that you find one that is perfect for your lifestyle and enhances your personal style.

6 Questions to consider when choosing your next handbag

                          👜👜👜

1 Purpose - What do you need it for?

It is important to think about how you will be using your new bag. Different occasions and uses call for different bag styles, so having a clear idea about what you need will be helpful when you are choosing a new handbag.

• Day-to-Day Use: If you're looking for a bag for everyday use, you'll want something sturdy, spacious, and practical. Totes, crossbody bags, or shoulder bags are great options for daily errands or work. These styles usually offer ample room for essentials like your phone, keys, glasses, wallet, sanitiser, makeup and even some snacks or your water bottle. 
• Special Occasions: If you're purchasing a handbag for a formal event or a night out, consider something more elegant and compact, like a clutch or a small evening bag. You may not need to carry as much in your bag, but you still need room for the important things. Think about what look will complement your special occasion outfit, you might even like a little sparkle.
• Travel Needs: For travel, consider a desigh with compartments or a secure zip closure to keep your belongings safe. A crossbody bag might also come in handy for hands-free convenience while sightseeing. Choose a neutral colour in a size that works for the way you like to travel.

At Willow & Zac, we have handbags for every occasion. Whether you need a spacious tote for work or a chic clutch for an evening event, our collection covers all your needs.

👜👜👜

2 Cost - What can you afford?

The price tag on a handbag often plays a major role in the decision-making process. While we all want value for money, it’s important to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Handbags come in a wide range of prices, from cheap everyday bags to luxury designer pieces. Determining your budget before shopping will help narrow your options and prevent overspending.

Why it matters:

• Quality v Price: Often, a higher price reflects better craftsmanship, durable materials, and longer-lasting wear. However, paying more doesn’t always guarantee quality. Research brands and read reviews to check it is worth the cost.
• Frequency of Use: Think about how often you'll use the bag. For a handbag you'll use every day, such as a work tote, spending a little more on quality might be worth it, as it will probably see some wear and tear.
• Classic style v current trend: consider if you will feel comfortable wearing the style in 5 or 10 years. Opting for a more expensive choice may make sense for a classic style that will stand the test of time. If you’ve got your eye on something trendy and seasonal, it may see only one or 2 years use, you might choose something more affordable
• Investment Pieces: Some handbags, especially from well-established brands, hold their value over time. If you're inclined toward bags from luxury design houses, you could view them as potential investment pieces. 

At Willow & Zac, we focus on creating high-quality handbags that offer both luxe design elements and practicality at a reasonable price point. We aim to provide stylish bags that last, ensuring you get value for every dollar spent.

👜👜👜

3 Material - What should your bag be made from? 

Choosing the right material for your handbag is essential for both style and functionality. The material you choose affects the bag’s durability, weight, and overall feel, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle and needs when making your choice.

• Leather: Leather is one of the most popular materials for handbags. It is timeless, durable and versatile. Known for its strength and ability to withstand daily wear and tear, leather is perfect for everyday bags, and for a luxe, more sophisticated look. With the possibility to present in a variety of different finishes, it can be smooth to heavily textured (pebbled), naturally tanned or brightly coloured.  Properly cared for, a leather bag can last for years.
• Suede: another form of leather, suede is made from the underside of the hide, giving a soft velvety texture with a luxe look and feel. Suede can need a little more care, which is why Willow & Zac offer some suede bags with foil print embossed onto the suede as a protection and an extra WOW factor.  
• Vegan Leather or faux leather: For those who prefer not to use an animal product, vegan leather provides a look similar to real leather but using synthetic materials or plant fibres. 
• Canvas: If you need a lightweight, casual bag, canvas is a great option. It’s durable, easy to clean, and perfect for tote bags or backpacks.
• Nylon/Polyester: These materials are lightweight, water-resistant, and practical for outdoor or travel bags. They’re great for those on the go who need a versatile, durable bag.
• Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly options like recycled fabrics or cork are growing in popularity. These materials are perfect for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on style.

At Willow & Zac, our handbags are handcrafted from high quality pebbled leather and/or beautiful printed suedes. If you prefer your accessories to be made from real leather, you should take a closer look at Willow & Zac.  

👜👜👜

4 Size - What size is best?

Size is another crucial factor when choosing a new handbag. The perfect size depends on your needs, lifestyle, and how much you typically carry around.

• Small Bags: If you’re someone who carries just the essentials—phone, wallet, keys, and maybe some lipstick—a small crossbody or clutch might be all you need. These bags are lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for minimalists.
• Medium Bags: For those who need a little more space but don’t want to be bogged down by a large bag, a medium-sized handbag, shoulder bag or a medium tote might be the perfect option. These bags offer more storage while still being easy to carry around.
• Large Bags: If you’re always on the go and need to carry a laptop, books, or gym clothes, a large tote or weekender bag will suit your needs. Be sure to choose a design that is not only spacious but also comfortable to carry.

One of the signature features of Willow & Zac handbags is our thoughtful design, offering various sizes to suit every need. From small crossbodies to roomy totes, we have a wide range of sizes to ensure you find the fit that is perfect for you.

👜👜👜

5 Frequency of Use - How often will you use it?

Another questions to ask yourself when purchasing a handbag is, "How often will I use this bag?" This helps determine whether you need a versatile everyday bag or a more occasional piece.

• Everyday Bags: If you’re looking for a handbag to use daily, opt for something durable (such as leather) with high-quality stitching and materials that will stand the test of time. It should also have features like adjustable straps and secure closures, ensuring comfort and functionality. 
• Occasional Bags: If the handbag is meant for occasional use, such as for formal events, you can be a bit more adventurous with the design, color, and material. A fun, bold clutch in a fabulous print or colour might be perfect for special events, even if it doesn’t get used as often.
• Work and Professional Use: If you need a bag for the office or business meetings, focus on professional-looking bags with clean lines, quality hardware and enough space for work essentials. A structured leather tote in neutral tones is always a safe and chic choice.

At Willow & Zac, our range of handbags is designed with versatility in mind. We create bags that transition seamlessly from day to night, and from work to play, so you can get maximum use out of every purchase.

👜👜👜

6 Colour - What colour suits your style? 

Your new handbag should align with your personal style. The color and pattern of your handbag needs to fit in with your clothing choices, and offer options that make sense with your palette.

• Neutral Tones: Bags in classic colors like black, navy, brown, grey, and nude are extremely versatile and pair well with almost any outfit. A neutral-colored bag is perfect for everyday use or if you prefer not to change bags very often.
• Bright Colors: If you’re looking to make a statement or add a pop of color to your wardrobe, consider a handbag in a vibrant hue like red, pink, yellow or the fashion shades of the season. These bags can act as an accent piece and elevate even the simplest outfits.
• Patterns and Prints: For those who love a bit of flair, patterned or textured handbags are a great option. Think about metallics or interesting printed suedes that attract attention and can add personality to your look. 
• Animal prints, florals, or geometric designs will make a statement, just be mindful that bold patterns may not match every outfit (if that is important to you).

At Willow & Zac, our pebbled leathers come in a variety of colors and our printed suedes offer a real point of difference. We have something for everyone who loves leather bags. From timeless neutrals to bold, fashion-forward finishes, you’ll find something that fits your personal taste and style.

Conclusion 

It can be fun to choose your new handbag, but with so many options available, it’s important to make a well-considered decision. By keeping these six essential tips in mind—considering the cost, purpose, frequency of use, size, colour and style—you’ll find a handbag that suits your needs and enhances your wardrobe.

At Willow & Zac, we believe in creating handbags that blend style, function, and quality, making it easier for you to find the perfect bag for any occasion. Whether you're investing in an everyday bag or a statement clutch, our collection is thoughtfully designed for your busy life.

Make your next handbag purchase one you’ll love and use for years to come!

SHOP WILLOW & ZAC HERE