
There’s nothing like a few days of sunshine and warm temperatures to awaken the desire to ditch those dark wools and heavy coats and walk into a new, happy season of sunshine and brighter colors. One of the key wardrobe pieces to help make this transition is a summer purse.
I always look in awe at those ladies who change purses each day and end up with everything they need in which ever purse they are carrying. That’s not me! Invariably, I am rushing to leave for an appointment or I just simply miss something important (like reading glasses) when making the switch. That’s why I search for an all-around style and size that will work with most everything.

Black is not a good option for summer unless your wardrobe is black. Most people wear lighter, brighter colors during the warmer months so a black purse will be dominate your look and be the first thing people see unless you are wearing black. However, it is not necessary to default to neutral beige. Your wardrobe is probably made up of a dominantly warm or cool color palette. Choose a color that blends well with the majority of what you have in your closet. It need not match; it only needs to complement the colors you are wearing.
Choose a size that fits with your body size. If you are tall with large bone structure, you can carry a larger scale purse than someone who is petite. A non-structured purse gives a casual look while a structured one looks more professional. Choose the style that most expresses your image.

I especially like the short shoulder strap on a handbag. It keeps the bag close to your body so that you aren’t bumping people as the bag swings. A long shoulder strap usually has the bag at your hip, which is not where most people want to add extra visual width. The short shoulder strap is excellent for travel as well. Your hands are free, allowing you to do other things without having to set down the bag. It is always close to your body making you a much less desirable target for a pickpocket. The popular hand strap is not as manageable as a short shoulder strap. Choosing a primary handbag for a season takes time for most of us. Each of us has a completely personalized view of what is the perfect pocket configuration and other features for that ideal purse.

Some purses come in multi-colors allowing a wide range of colors with which it could be worn. This bag by Michael Kors with its combined warm and cool colors will probably go with many different women’s wardrobes. It is a great choice if your clothes are primarily solid colors. Carrying a patterned purse with pattern in your clothing takes great skill and is best not done unless it expertly achieved.
Most of all, find the handbag that makes your heart sing. Summer is the time to be a little daring and show your bold colors.