When it comes to designer handbags, finding the right one is as important as a trendy pair of jeans, a sexy silk blouse or a killer pair of pumps. It matters which purse you carry, which is why most women have just as many purses as they do outfits.

So, here's a little advice to help you pick the right purse. Your investment should be a wise one, especially since handbags are so costly now.

Things to remember:

A handbag can either take pounds of your figure or add to it, depending on its size, shape and where it falls.
Never rush! Impulse buying, especially when it comes to purchasing a handbag. is a mistake. Make sure the 'fit' is perfect for you.

Nothing is more unflattering than the wrong bag for your body. Just as you would consider the style and cut of your clothes, so should you think about the size and shape of your handbag.

Handbags can be used to draw the eyes away from the parts of your body you want to hide, and focus attention on your assets.

A purse can also give new life to an outfit, update it, change its look and give it a new sense of style. A handbag is as important an accessory as your shoes, jewelry or the colors you put together.

There are hundreds of handbags out there, from oversized, small, short, chunky, skinny, rectangular, square, fussy, elaborately decorated or simple. You can choose from leather to vinyl. The colors are endless and you can hide behind your purse or stand out on the map like a beacon!

With so many shapes and sizes to choose from, which style should you choose?

Bag vs Body?

You should never be in competition with your handbag or anything else you're wearing. The shape of a handbag should oppose your body type for maximum flattery and the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure.

Think 'scale'

If you're a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14, you'll overpower a tiny hand-held bag. And a tiny petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy hobo bag.

Just remember this: A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near.

For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag).

Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

Busty with Big Shoulders?

Women with large breasts and shoulders should avoid carrying short-handled bags that finish around the bust area, as this only serves to accentuate your breasts and shoulders more. Go for a longer length finishing around your middle, or a clutch purse which is carried in your hand.

Wide Waist, Big Hips or Large Stomachs

Choose a bag which finishes at the upper torso, just under the arm, rather than around your middle. You want to draw eyes away from your larger areas and deflecting attention elsewhere!

Large Frame

Try to avoid carrying a tiny bag, as this only serve to make you look bigger. Choose a more tailored bag, which will give definition and go for a medium to large size. Clutch purses are fine provided they are oversized.

Bony or Tall Frame

Avoid long skinny-style bags. Counterbalance your figure with something broad, slouchy or unstructured such as a Hobo bag.

Short Frame

Go for something long and lanky to provide height such as a small saddle bag type. Avoid wide, oversized tote bags which will only make you look shorter.

Voluptuous and curvy

Choose a rectangular, longer shaped handbag.

Tall, willowy, slim

This figure would be better off going for a slouchy, rounded handbag.

If you want to flatter your waist then choose a bag that finishes around this part of your torso. If you want to draw attention to your bust, shoulders or neck then go for a short-handled type or an underarm clutch.

Tips

Take time in a store to 'try on' handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.

Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.

Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags: if you're toting diapers, bottles and animal crackers, an fussy vintage bag won't hold up.

Don't just try the purse on your body. Carry it under your arm, check out the inside to make sure it's roomy enough and has lots of room for your purse contents. Make sure the lining is strong and preferably that there are zippered pockets inside that you can zip shut and secure the contents inside.