How to Style Elegant Purses: 10 Effortlessly Chic Outfit Ideas

1. Everyday tote

First up is this stunning purse in a tan shade. This is what I would consider the perfect everyday chic and modern tote. The shape and folds are hugely elegant and original, yet there's a timeless quality to it as well.

I wanted to complement the classic, timeless silhouette with my outfit, so I went for quite a tonal navy look with a beautiful blouse and tailored pants. I love how the loafers tie in with the purse, and overall it feels chic and elegant yet easy for everyday practicality-wise.

The bag is large enough to get my laptop into, but despite being so big, it's not actually a heavy bag.

2. Minimalist suit

Next up, I have this crossbody bag made from soft quilted leather with a flap opening at the front; it is very minimalist and elegant.

Here, I’ve styled the bag with a suit ( matching jacket and pants). I love the juxtaposition of textures with the matching belt and mules set against the soft leather of the purse. I think it gives the outfit more depth and interest. 

3. Sexy clutch

For the next outfit, I have a clutch bag that also has a detachable strap which you can wear on your shoulder or as a crossbody bag, so you've got lots of options.

I've dressed the bag by pairing it with my old favorite leather pants and a timeless Prada top with a classic blazer layered over the top. It feels hugely effortless and a tiny bit sexy yet obviously in a very understated fashion.

4. Parisian crossbody

Here I have a crossbody bag in off-white which is beautiful. I've styled it with a few favorite classics: one of my Breton striped tops that I seem to wear on repeat, layered with my timeless navy trench coat and some versatile sandals.

5. Branching into olive

I wanted to try out a purse in olive as olive can vary so much from brand to brand. This purse is structured in shape and sleek, and minimal in its design. The shade of olive, in my humble opinion, is spot on; it's not too sickly green but not too dark either.

I made the very sophisticated and structured purse work for everyday chic by dressing it down with jeans, a classic t-shirt, a floaty trench coat, and relaxed high-top sneakers. The bag instantly polishes the look and makes the whole vibe feel more elevated.

6. Breezy spring vibes

Back to another outfit idea with the tan bag. Here, I’ve gone for more of a breezy spring vibe, relaxed yet tailored with these linen pants and a beautiful floaty cutout blouse to add another texture into the mix. 

7. Casual, but polished.

Something I've been wearing on repeat since I bought it is this beautiful midi skirt. I deliberately kept this outfit very sleek and minimal to allow that bag to be the star of the show. It stands out for all the right reasons, and I think it completes the look perfectly.

Sandals keep the look chilled, and there's a casual yet polished feel overall.

8. Daytime clutch

Heading back to this bag now in this lookbook, but I wanted to share how nicely a beautiful clutch can work in the daytime as well as it does at night.

It looks very effortlessly chic when you're holding it like this in the daytime. It's one of those strange quirks a bit like wearing your coat over your shoulders, that suddenly elevates an outfit. I'm not sure why it works so well, but it really does.

I’m styling some of my classic staples here that I tend to wear on a day-to-day basis: a beautifully made t-shirt, my favorite straight-leg jeans, and when need to, I simply layer a blazer over my shoulders for added warmth.

Having a great pair of expensive-looking flats helps to keep these kinds of casual looks feeling chicer. 

9. Evening crossbody

On the flip side of using your clutch in the daytime, I wanted to share how beautiful your classic crossbody bag could be for the evening instead.

I know, I know, I really should have put some heels on but I do love flats with dresses like this. It just tones down that whole short dress vibe to being something that I'm far more comfortable wearing.

I think it looks really effortless, but obviously, if you prefer to glam these sorts of looks up a bit, a strappy mid-heel would work beautifully too.

10. Smart casual

Here with the olive bag, I've opted for a smart but casual outfit, something I'd wear to meetings or you could easily make work for the office. Obviously, it's more dressed up than the look before, but with that undeniably relaxed vibe shining through, which I really like.

As it happens, the oversized silk shirt is proving to be a new staple in my wardrobe; I love that slightly slouchy fit contrasting against such a gorgeous fabric.

How to style purses

I really hope you've enjoyed seeing my elegant and effortlessly chic outfit ideas that I'm wearing on repeat.

In this lookbook, I’ve shown you different types of purses, so hopefully, you can come away with an idea of what style you might like to purchase when you’re next in the market for a new bag. I honestly believe that choosing a purse is a lot like choosing a perfume; there is no right or wrong as we all like something different.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.