What the Way You Hold
Your Handbag Says About You
Find out what a body language expert has to say about the way you tote
around your bag.
By Hana Hong
The secrets of the hold
We often spend a lot of time trying to pick out which bag to
carry on the daily, and that preferred purse says
a lot about you. But not much second thought is given into the way
we choose to carry it. Whether you like to showcase it in your hand, elbow
crook, or across the shoulder, it's actually not a random decision. According
to body language experts, it can say a lot about our inherent personality. We
spoke with Patti Wood, body language expert and speaker, to find out exactly
how to decipher hidden messages in the way we present our go-to accessory. She
has spent over 30 years conducting research, writing books, and speaking about
body language. "I am fascinated by purse behavior," notes Wood.
"Purses are a gender identifier: a way to show your status, your taste and
creativity, and personality."
Over one shoulder with
bag close to body
You're practical and need others to prove that they are
worthy of your trust. When you meet new people, you look for these signs that
they can be trusted. As someone mainly looking to get things
done, you don't like to waste your time with little things. Your cautious and
wary tendency means that you feel the need to be smart in public and watch out
for yourself. According to Wood, "If you tightly grip the bag and pull it,
it's more likely fear, lower self-esteem, or concern of your purse being
stolen."
Over one shoulder with
bag swinging freely
Different from the hands-free look, your purse hangs freely
on one side of your body, not your front. You are characterized by your
spontaneous, carefree attitude and like to take life as it comes. People know
you as being confident and self-assured. Wood also notes that you like your
style to show, but you still want a certain amount of freedom. You don't put
priority on designer labels and brand names; the swinging and open style
indicates that you favor functionality over display. Whichever brand you
choose, these are
some things you should never keep in your purse.
In the crook of your
elbow
This approach depicts a flaunting of prestige and authority.
You put priority on status and position, and can indicate that you are carrying
a purse with a heftier price tag. While you may sometimes be referred to as
"high maintenance," you know what you expect to receive from the
world. (Take this
quiz to find out how high maintenance you really are.) According to
Wood, the arm crook can carry the most width, so carrying a bigger bag signals
that you like to be seen. "I see celebrities do this with their big
double-handled high status bags. Part of it is the weight and breadth; if they
don't hold it this way, it makes their body look bigger and matronly in photos.
If it's held out more from your body, a common style practiced by A-listers, it
depicts power. You're wearing the bag as if it's a badge of honor or an award.
You feel as if you've got a sense of superiority."
In your hand
This style exudes a more sophisticated and put-together
quality. People think of you as being assertive, well-organized, and
efficient. This is the most comparable to carrying a briefcase and can
communicate the importance of the person's job. Your ambitious attributes shine
through, and you excel at focusing on the task at hand, probably because you're
armed with these things
you keep in your purse to help you be more productive. People also
tend to carry a bag this way when they want to attract more attention to the
outfit itself—you don't want your purse to be attached to it. Instead, the
purse merely becomes a separate accessory to accentuate your clothing.
In front of body with
both hands
Body language experts refer to this as "twofurr,"
which indicates shyness and a need to protect oneself. You may suffer from
anxiety in social scenarios and prefer to stay out of the spotlight. "I
see young women do this in public situations where they don't know people or in
stress situations, and if they are generally shy," Wood says. These are
the signs your
social anxiety is actually a disorder.
Cross-body with bag in
front
You want as much freedom of movement possible, coupled with
a feeling of protection and accessibility. This method allows for the most
convenience to be able to get into your bag, but until then you want to move
through the world easily without feeling encumbered. "Function is more
important than appearance in any cross-body bag," says Wood. "Some
people carry and use cross-body bags and they think it is the safest, easiest,
and most secure if you are a walking a lot. You see this in people who live in
big cities like New York and with people who travel a lot." Sound like
you? Then, you need these tips on how to pack
lighter when you travel.
Cross-body with bag in
back
You tote around a cool, calm, and collected personality that
is more trusting of others. You are also walking with a clear goal in mind, and
the bag is analogous to your autonomous individuality. You don't like to
concern yourself with the things you have to carry—Instead, you're great at
shaking off life's burdens and like to view life through a more casual, relaxed
lens. In fact, your bra may
reveal the same thing about your personality.
Backpack
People who sport a backpack are more independent and want to
take care of themselves and the people around them. While freedom is important,
you primarily like to be prepared for any situation. Steal these back-to-school
tips to keep your backpack organized wherever you go. Unlike
cross-body gals, you don't like to leave anything to chance and tend to be the
most reliable one of the group. You strongly believe in healthy living and find
comfort in having a sense of belonging. In addition, your natural nurturing
instinct may be stronger than others. You don't stress about what other people
think of you—you determine your own coolness and pride yourself on being
self-sufficient.
No bag at all
If you neglect a bag altogether, you imply a privileged
position where others (whether it be a boyfriend or assistant) carries the load
for you. This personality is the most self-assured of them all; you have so
much going on for you that carrying a bag is not something you have to concern
yourself with. On the other hand, it could just mean that you are completely
unencumbered and want to move freely. According to Wood, in this case it
indicates that you are very secure in your own identity, and you like to be
defined by who you are as opposed to the things you wear. Curious what your
other accessories say about you? This is what your
shoes reveal about your personality.
Link to Readers Digest article - https://www.rd.com/culture/handbag-hold-personality/
Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.
