I Am a Psychologist; This is What Your Handbag Says About You
When it comes to the quality of their bags, Gen Z and Millennial women can agree, but their choice of style? That’s where the difference lies.
TikTok searches for ‘what’s in my crossbody bag’ surged by 1000% last month, as crossbody bags creep into fashion.
So to better understand the generational difference behind the style of bag UK women choose, Psychologist Mairead Molloy provides insight into women’s handbag habits using the Michael Kors collection and survey data.
For Millennial women they are more likely to choose a practical bag like a crossbody style as some women just like knowing they are fully prepared, which helps reduce stress and gives them confidence.
Whereas Gen Z have a more creative outlook when it comes to their bags. As trendsetters on social media, their bags and contents are carefully curated to show to the world an aestheticized lifestyle.
When investing in a bag, considering what its purpose will be plays a big part in the decision to purchase, whether it’s for practicality or to enhance an outfit. The contents of a bag can also offer a subtle insight into its owner so, what does your bag say about you?
Here, psychologist Mairead Molloy has provided insight into our handbag habits. She says what we carry around with us regularly “is all part of the story we are telling about ourselves.”
1. Prioritising function over form
Almost half of Gen X women (49%) say their handbag choice and contents are driven by practicality, rather than reflecting who they are. Mairead says, “some women just like knowing they are fully prepared, which helps reduce stress and gives them confidence.”
This doesn’t mean that even the most practical bags can’t reveal anything about someone’s personality; being organised can provide a sense of calm and stability even if the bag’s content is not a source of daily inspiration.
Gen Z women have a more creative outlook when it come to their bags. 67% of Gen Z women feel their bag contents are an expression of their individuality. Known for being trendsetters on social media, Gen Z tend to aestheticize their lives.
This may also be with their handbags which are small but curated fashion pieces that reveal a lot about their lifestyle.
2. Bag ‘must haves’ by generation
The style and function of a bag that women purchase often depends on their age. The survey reveals that for Generation X and Millennial women, their bag contents bring familiarity and comfort.
Large crossbody bags are rising in popularity due to their secure designs, with 42% of Gen X and 38% of millennial women using this style for day-to-day wear.
Gen Z turn to style over function. With day-to-day essentials like money all on a phone, fashion trends take priority. Interest in versatile shoulder bags have risen with 25% of Gen Z women choosing smaller bags that complement their outfits, rather than picking a larger bag to carry everything they own. Shoulder bags that come in abstract but sleek shapes are in and they hold just the right number of essentials.
Mairead says “a shoulder bag is perfect if you are going out for the evening as it fits the necessities, but smaller bags might not be practical if you are a person who likes to have extra supplies.”
3. What people carry around reveals how they like to navigate life
A handbag may seem like an effortless accessory to elevate an outfit, but for many women, it is much more than a stylish addition to their wardrobe.
Backpacks that come with compartments and organised storage spaces, are preferred by 38% of Millennial women compared to 25% of Gen Z women. Backpacks are hassle-free especially when running errands, commuting to work or travelling.
“Organising your bag with compartments can help you to find your important items. This may be a small but comforting gesture to ground yourself and is a way of saying ‘I have got this’, ‘no matter what the day throws at them”, says Mairead.
4. Carry the little extras to be prepared for the unexpected
You can tell a lot about someone’s life from their bag habits, for example someone who carries a well-organised bag may prefer a sense of structure. Life is unpredictable, so it is no surprise that 59% of women keep familiar items in their bags to maintain order in their lives.
A bag’s items can often show a form of self-care or a sense of preparedness. “You may opt to keep your favourite hand cream, little wellness kits with supplements, or even herbal teas, – which are all small ways of bringing security and self-care into their daily routine”, says Mairead.
The practical but stylish Michael Kors Nolita is perfect for those that like to fill their bag with unique items.
Mairead adds “”Having the right things at the right time can make life feel a bit more manageable -these small habits reflect how people like to show up in the world. Whether it is all about being prepared or just having a few things at hand to keep on top of things throughout the day”.