By In the winter months in particular, it’s easy to fall into the pattern of wearing the same rotation of outfits over and over again. You have your favorite chunky knit sweater; your coziest pair of jeans; your standby over-the-knee boots; your warmest puffer coat.
These classic, enduring pieces can be pricey additions to a wardrobe, and it’s not practical for most of us to have a dozens of pairs of designer jeans and endless outerwear options on hand. A great way to add some variety to your winter looks without breaking the bank is to accrue a wide range of statement bags. Adding a pop of color or unexpected texture to a neutral ensemble can wake up an outfit in one easy step.
Although Celebs (including Katie Holmes above with her red Clare Vivier) don’t usually have the problem of a budget to worry about, they do use the bright statement bag trick to dress up or enliven casual, understated looks.
(Above, left) Jessica Alba gives a twist to her neutral school-run ensemble with the Bulgari Serpenti shoulder bag, while Nicole Richie (above, right) adds a dash of high fashion to her casual errand-running ensemble with a bright yellow tote.
(Above, left) JustJared.com shows us Sienna Miller putting a feminine spin on her otherwise utilitarian look with a red Chloé shoulder bag and (above, right) Mandy Moore shows us it’s stylish to rock a monotone ensemble with one fab accessory in head-to-toe grey with a Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel.
As previously discussed, these lucky ladies don’t have the constraints of budget most of us need to keep in mind while shopping. But fear not – a statement bag doesn’t have to cost thousands – or even hundreds of dollars. Below, find a rainbow of beautiful statement-making carryalls that won’t even come close to breaking the bank!
ASOS Punchout Boxy Bag ($72.99), ASOS Oversized Punchout Holdall ($72.72). Both from asos.com
Mango Shiny Shopper Handbag ($44.99, on sale from $89.90); Mango Handbag ($39.99, on sale from $79.99). Both from shop.mango.com
Volcom Beach Bar Tote ($52); Big Buddha Brianna ($62.99). Both from www.zappos.com
The great thing about this look is that it is meant to add contrast. You don’t really need to worry about matching or clashing colors. As long as your bag is an attention-getter, you’re definitely on trend.
Add a couple of these to your winter wardrobe rotation, and watch your days get brighter!
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I’m so in love with Katie Holmes’ jeans!
I’ve aways loved the concept of a statement bag, and sometimes I even gave in and bought some! Than I realized that in my life style a statement bag simply doesn’t fit! That’s why if you are a working woman, you are always going around town, you need a comfortable bag! Those bags are big indeed, but they don’t look like they’re easy to manage and carry around! Plus, I feel that I’d be uncomfortable coming back home at 11 in the evening with a bright yellow huge bag: it’s like saying “hey mugglars please steal my bag!”
Anyway, I’m afraid I’ll give in to the trend once again soon haha!
Oh God know how much I do agree with the first lines of this article!!! In this cold weather I always wear the same high neck wool sweater, whatever I am wearing underneath! It’s the only way to keep warm but I have to say it’s not really that much of a style… That’s why the bag idea is awesome! I think I’ll go with the yellow, I’ve seen so many wonderful bag in this shade on sale!!
I love statement big bags!! Colour block doesn’t look like it’s leaving the fashion’s world very soon!
You go out and literally every girl and woman in the streets are wearing a huge bag! I own many of them, of almost every colour, of course I can’t afford designer’s ones but nowadays everyone can afford STYLE!
And wearing different bags gives your look that something more!