Whether you’ve been saving up for several years or money is no object, finding your first designer bag can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know where to look or what to consider beforehand. There are so many emotions that are wrapped up in money and how it is used, so taking the leap and buying a bag that suits your personality and style should never be taken lightly.

Whether you want a designer bag to take with you to work or you’re wanting something fancy to go with your outfit for a date night, here are a few factors to consider before splashing out on your first designer bag.

Set Your Budget

Even if you have your heart set on a particular designer bag, that doesn’t mean you have the funds to afford it. With so many different brands on the market to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start, so to ensure you’re confident with your purchase, you will need to set a budget from the get-go, which will mean you are spending within your means. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in tons of debt or unable to pay the rent at the end of the month. When splashing out on a luxury item like a designer bag, you will want to have peace of mind that you can afford it.

Define the Purpose

Once you’ve worked out a budget, you will need to have a think about the purpose of the bag and how it can benefit you in day to day life. Getting good use out of your designer bag is important, as there’s no point splurging out on something that’s going to collect dust in your closet. Whether you want a bag to take with you to work or you’re off on vacation, there are several questions that you should ask yourself before making your final decision.

There are more difficult questions that you will need to face too, such as how much care you take of your bags, and whether you plan to take your bag with you through all the elements. Durability should be at the top of your priority list, especially as you will be investing in a designer bag that’s built to last. Having a bag that fits into your lifestyle perfectly and is functional will mean you’ve made the right decision.

Size and Silhouette

If you have decided that you will use your designer bag for work purposes, the cost per wear will give you less anxiety. You may have had to save up for the bag for a number of years, so it’s only natural that you will want to get good use out of it. When finding a bag that fits into a more corporate environment, you will want to select a bag that has structure, as well as a bit of room to store your day-to-day essentials. If your bag will be used for special events, you will still want to pick a bag that comfortably accommodates all your essentials. While a small designer bag may look cute and go well with an outfit, if it’s unable to fit everything you want in it, the chances are it’s not right for you.

Color, Texture, and Material of Your Bag

After establishing how and where you will be using your bag, it’s time to have a think about the nitty-gritty side of things. The color, texture, and material of the bag are all huge factors to think about before making your purchase. For example, if you’re after a smooth leather designer bag, while they look sophisticated and beautiful, they can show up scratches more easily, whereas textured leathers are known to last longer, meaning they can be perfect for travel or work.

When it comes to finding the right color designer bag, you will want to select one that goes with many of your outfits. While a bag may look eye-catching and striking on the shelf, if you’re unable to team it well with your clothing, you may find it best to stick with neutral colors. Black is likely to be your best bet, however, gray and navy can be just as complementary. If you do want a pop of color, you may be able to get away with a vibrant red.

Finding Your Bag

Now you have an idea of some of the things to look out for when picking a designer bag, the last step is to do your research into the different brands available. To start, you should hit the internet and visit sites like SSENSE that sell a range of designer brands. If you’re after saint Laurent bags, for example, you can check out their wide selection. SSENSE also sells a variety of clothing, accessories, and shoes.

We all want to look and feel good with a designer bag on our shoulder, so it’s important that you’re confident with your final choice. As long as you take all the factors listed into consideration, you are bound to find a bag that suits your personality and lifestyle.