Fashion Forum

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C’mon, ladies, we know you have one – that carry-all into which you stuff basically every travel doc, electronic, spare sweater, and personal accessory that you will need for your trip but that mimics a black hole when you actually need to find something.  Well, here’s our mini-guide to the most stylish carry-on bags that will make life a lot easier on your next trip.What to Look for:

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•   Consider your personal traveling style. Are you just fine with your purse and a magazine, or do you like to pack a made-for-a-woman baby bag to keep the stuff you think you might need on your flight?  Either way, it is important to know that when choosing a bag.  Simple passengers may only need a good purse or simple tote.  A multi-pocketed duffle or bowler may be just the thing for a woman with more accoutrements.

•   Structure and organization. Don’t you just hate looking into your bag to find crumpled papers, tangled cords, and…where IS that darned gloss?!    A structured bag can help reduce the amount of shifting in your bag by keeping things contained.  Look for those with lots of dividers and pockets on the outside to keep everything organized.

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•   Closure. Not the kind after you break up, but how your bag closes.  Opt for fitted flap-over bags with strong clasps or one that completely zips closed.  It will help against pickpockets of the possibility of anything accidentally slipping out.

•   Texture. More for aesthetics than anything else, bags with a tough exterior texture to the fabric will help you feel more put-together when it comes to your carry-on.  Textured bags tend to show less wear, also, as the more three-dimensional effect will hide scratches, scrapes, and worn-out areas.

•   Color. Don’t be afraid to experiment with “color” neutrals!  Black and brown are THE classics, but why not opt for a dark green number, a deep burgundy, or a pattern that says ‘you’?

•   Material. Tough but smooth leather is always a stylish option that can only look better the more you use it.  But fabrics like microfiber and thick nylon tweeds are also great choices to get you through many trips.   Plus, texture will already be built in, so you can rest assured you’ve got both areas covered.

•   Shape. Sizeable bowlers not only look great but can help you fit your necessities.  A mini-duffel of the none-gym-bag variety are also perfect to carry by hand or over your shoulder.

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•   Roll or carry? Why choose?  Sometimes it’s just easier to carry something (not to mention more comforting), but when you have a heavier load than usual, wheels can be of huge benefit.  Find both in one bag and never have to worry about how to carry your essentials around.

•   Matching not required. Don’t worry about coordinating all of your bags together and with your clothes. Unless you want to start a carry-on bag collection, a couple of reliable pieces that speak to your style and mode of travel will let you choose one to suit your mood.

More tips

•    Pack an extra flat-folding, thinner tote or mini-duffle for those possible impromptu airport shopping sprees.

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•    If your favorite bag lacks pockets, organize all of your items in separate cases or folders.  Make it more fun with coordinating patterns.

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•    Try not to overstuff your bag.  Many are tough and roomy, but you’ll end up compromising the bag’s closure, your things, and probably your sanity, if you must dig through everything to find anything.

•   Cute luggage tags are a must! Express yourself with luggage tags from .

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•   TSA Restrictions | What you can’t bring with you on the plane.

•   Airline Carry-On Luggage Requirements | Scroll down this page to find out general restrictions on number, size, and weight of your carry-on bags.