When it comes to fashion over 60, everyone seems to have an opinion. If you want to buy a $2,000 purse, there are plenty of bloggers, “experts,” and companies willing to take your money. But, the truth is, most expensive bags won’t change your life.

The kinds are bags that will change your life are the ones that you use every day. They are stylish, but, they also serve a purpose. Here are 6 bags that no woman over 60 should live without.

Here are our top bags for women over 60:

1. ADIDAS Essentials Logo medium-sized Duffel Bag – Go to the gym in style.
2. PORTER TRAVEL PACK 46 at OSPREY – For when you are traveling. 
3. Oversize Lambskin Leather Tote MANSUR GAVRIEL at Nordstrom
4. Michael Kors Shoulder Bag – find it at Macy’s in a variety of colors.
5. Kenneth Cole Laptop Bag – Look professional at all times.
6. Sparkly Clutch Bag from INC International Concepts – Find it at Macy’s.

How to Shop for A Bag

Totes, clutches, satchels, cross-bodies, messengers, duffles, backpacks, and more. It can get overwhelming.

No matter what type of bag you are looking for, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your new bag. Let’s take a look at a sort of checklist to make sure that your bag fits you and your lifestyle.

Fit

Yes, fit. Make sure you try on a bag before purchasing it. Try it on with a jacket and without a jacket to see if it is too big or too small for you.

Weight

You don’t want to get a bag that weighs a ton before you even put your 40 lbs of stuff in it.

Quality

Expect to pay more for quality bags. These bags will probably last you much longer also. Check the stitching, the handles, the straps, and the hardware. Purchase the best quality you can for your budget.

Compartments

How do you like to stash your stuff? Do you throw everything in and just hope for the best when blindly reaching in for something? Most probably, if you’re like me, you like to know where things are. This is where compartments come in handy. Look inside the bag and notice how many sections it has and if it suits your needs.

A Bright Gym Bag to Remind You to Stay in Shape

What if I told you that there was a way to look better, improve your love life, protect your brain and reduce your stress? Would you be interested? No, I’m not talking about a new anti-aging treatment. I’m talking about exercise.

With your bright gym bag sitting by the door, you will be reminded to give your body the attention it deserves. Choose a bag that has plenty of room for your clothes, healthy snacks and water – but remember to choose a style that you will be proud to show off in public. After all, the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you will be to make healthy decisions.

A Rugged Backpack to Help You Explore the World

Over the last 60 years, I’ve visited more countries than I can count. During this time, I’ve learned that the less you take, the more you experience. There is something magical about looking for shampoo in a country in which you don’t know the language. I can’t tell you how many shops I’ve pretended to wash my hair in. I almost always end up in stitches!

Rather than taking a tower of suitcases, why not bring a rugged backpack on your next trip? Giving yourself a limited amount of space will force you to focus on what’s important. In addition, only a rugged backpack will allow you to explore with confidence. Just make sure that you get a backpack with a hidden inner pocket for your valuables to dissuade thieves. I’m talking from experience, unfortunately!

A Colorful Tote Bag to Show the World that You Are Visible

Does it ever feel like the world expects you to be invisible after 60? It certainly does to me! Sometimes, I don’t mind being invisible. There are few things that I enjoy more than sitting at a café, watching all of the fascinating people walk by.

At other times, I feel like showing the world that I am still a vibrant, passionate, and visible woman. This is where my colorful tote bag comes in. When it comes to fashion over 60, many “experts” recommend dark colors, like navy or black. Why not go the opposite direction and embrace boldness?

With your colorful tote bag on your arm, you will be a shining light in a sea of “sameness.” Embrace who you are and tell the world that you refuse to be invisible.

A Sexy Shoulder Bag to Remind Yourself that You Look Great

One of the common myths about aging is that women over 60 don’t care how they look. Rubbish! We may not care as much about what other people think, but we still care about looking and feeling our best.

Fashion after 60 is all about finding the right balance between looking and feeling great. This is why every woman over 60 should have a sexy shoulder bag that makes her feel like a million bucks. Having a sexy shoulder bag leaves you free to choose an outfit that is comfortable and stylish.

Take a look at this adorable bag from Michael Kors. You can find it at Macy’s in a variety of colors.

A Leather Laptop Bag to Help You Stay Productive

Another common misconception about older women is that we are all ready to start “slowing down.” While it’s true that many of us experience a career stall in our 60s, this has more to do with ageism in the workplace than any deficiencies on our part.

Whether you set out on your own or continue to work for someone else, having a stylish leather laptop bag will remind you that you are still at the top of your game. Keep it sparkling clean and show it off with pride at work meetings and on business trips. You’ve earned the right to be proud of your accomplishments.

Something like this beautiful professional-looking laptop bag from Kenneth Cole is sure to give you the confidence you need to succeed.

A Sparkly Clutch Bag, to Remind You to Stay Social

Along with exercise, one of the best things that you can do to get the most from life after 60 is to stay social. Many women in their 60s are facing changing social circumstances. Our kids have left the house. Some of us are dealing with a divorce or separation. Is it any wonder that so many of us feel lonely?

Having a sparkly clutch bag will remind you to get out there and explore the world with your friends. You don’t need to go to the opera to get dressed up. Why not invite your friends over for a cocktail party or take your sparkly clutch bag to the movies? Whatever you do, invest in your friendships now. 20 years from now, you will be glad you did!

Take a look at this sparkly clutch bag from INC International Concepts for example. You can find it at Macy’s in a variety of other sparkling color combos.

With these six bags in your closet, you will be prepared to handle everything that life after 60 throws at you. These items communicate more than your personal style. They tell the world – and more importantly, yourself – how you have chosen to live. They say that you have chosen to reject invisibility and aging stereotypes. Their colors, textures, and styles mirror the wonderful complexity and passion that fills your life.

How many bags do you own? Which styles are a must for you? Do you agree that fashion after 60 is more about finding clothes that reflect your lifestyle than following the latest trends? Why or why not? Please join the conversation.

Here’s a short video that I recorded on this topic. I hope you enjoy it!