While certainly not as essential as the dress itself, carrying the appropriate handbag matters a lot to most women and rank right alongside, if not above, wearing the right pair of shoes and jewelry, in importance. Accessorizing with a bag is something most women learn at an early age and practice for a lifetime.

It's probably a lot easier for young ladies and teenage girls to choose what handbag to accessorize with because informality becomes them. They can look good whether the handbags they carry are quilted or made of denim fabric, leather or some water-resistant material. They may opt to wear handbags on their shoulders instead of clutching one. No one style is more appropriate than others and there is plenty of room for personal preference.

Accessorizing with Handbags Changes with Age

As a woman matures, norms governing what styles are appropriate at her age will be different, and so, most likely, will her preferences. On the whole, the handbags will be more formal. Career-minded types might opt for business-like and practical, but feminine, handbag designs. The more carefree or daring ones will take to retro and replica handbags well. But probably everyone will continue cherishing the thought of carrying a stylish, leather designer handbag made by some well-known designer like Gucci.

In the end, the choice of handbag will be a personal one. Men planning to gift a woman with a handbag will need to make an extra effort to find out what she likes and what's appropriate for her. A good way to start is by recalling the types of handbags she has carried in the past. If still unsure, they should ask another woman for advice. The sales lady would probably make an ideal consultant on the matter, especially if she gets a good idea of the recipient's lifestyle.