Chic at 60ish!

Do you love a big handbag? Just how big should a bag be? And what’s in there? Your makeup pouch? Your lunch? Is it necessary to carry all of that around? That is the question!

FINDING YOUR FAVORITE: My fave Ralph Lauren “Ricky” bag, navy with red inside, easily carries everything I need for a day in NYC with Lauren & Margot, from ralphlauren.com

Fashion loves a huge bag. There were tons of them on the runway—Gucci, Fendi, Ferragamo, on & on. But the look is newer, more structured. Like clothes, less slouchy, more polished, a little nostalgic.

CLASSIC & MODERN AT ONCE: Gucci’s iconic “Jackie” bag, carried by Jackie O herself in NYC & today’s versions, at gucci.com

There’s also the argument that the more powerful the woman, the smaller the bag. On both sides of the aisle, you never see a woman in politics with a handbag. Think about it! Queen Elizabeth became famous for carrying small handbags on her forearm, which apparently only held dog treats. Dior created the “Lady Dior” bag for Princess Diana—also top-handle, still one of my favorite handbags. Princess Kate often carries a small evening bag—McQueen seems to be a favorite—but you never see her with a giant shoulder bag, shaking hands as she walks through a receiving line.

BIGGER DOES NOT MEAN BETTER: Beautiful, boxy, classy & classic—recently spied on “The White Lotus,” the “1947” bag from gucci.com; evening bags from prada.com; updated go-everywhere bag from ferragamo.com

It’s not just politics & royalty. Have you ever seen Anna Wintour with a handbag? She never carries one—in every photo, she just has her phone in her hand. So what gives?

BAG IT: An array of classics from bottegaveneta.com; The Row “hero” bag from bergdorfgoodman.com; my Gherardini go-everywhere bag from Boyds, in Wayne & Philadelphia

Women will fill an empty space—human nature. It’s that “just in case” gene we all have. Besides your lipstick, wallet & glasses, you’ve got your to-do list, pens, tissues & mints. A power bar? A bottle of water? Weeks later, I often find sticker books from outings with my granddaughter. Sound familiar?

TO HAVE & TO HOLD: The famous “Birkin” at hermes.com; multi-colored top-handle bags at celine.com & fendi.com

Once more, how big should a handbag be? The answer? Big enough to hold everything you need, without looking like you’re carrying a building—ruining your posture & dragging down the sleeve of your outfit. This fall, try something a bit boxier, more structured & sleek. Like Goldilocks, try out a few & you’ll soon decide what’s “just right!” Enjoy every elegant moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Though not really “fashion-y”—the men are better-dressed than the women— if you need a new TV binge, try “The House of Guinness” on Netflix. Sort of an Irish “Gilded Age,” filled with rich family drama & intrigue. I ran through it in three nights! Enjoy!