A handbag can make or break an outfit. Wear a fun bag out with friends to show your personality. Or carry the ultimate bag to work and impress your colleagues. But if you choose the wrong bag, your look suffers.

A handbag can make or break an outfit. Wear a fun bag out with friends to show your personality. Or carry the ultimate bag to work and impress your colleagues. But if you choose the wrong bag, your look suffers.

Just like a great pair of jeans, a handbag should fit your body type. Try to choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type. If you are tall and thin, look for a slouchy, rounded hobo bag to compliment your figure.

If you're short and voluptuous, play off opposites by choosing a handbag that is tall and rectangular or long and sleek like a clutch.

Pass on anything that makes you uncomfortable. Basic designs and styles will last you through the years while maintaining a sense of up-to-date style.

If you are really into fashion, you'll know the feeling: lusting madly over a gorgeous new handbag each season. We're not talking about logo standbys, but really fun, fresh handbags that will absolutely complete your wardrobe.

The hottest shape of the season is the clutch, in everything from slim rectangles to antique-looking hand-held bags.

Whether you go mirror smooth or funky with a bit of crinkle, patent is the best finish for handbags right now.