Like shoes, handbags are essential to any wardrobe, and there are so many to choose from. Here’s a list of the 5 essential handbags that should be in your closet. THE ESSENTIAL SHOPPING BAG: Every girl needs a bag that’s perfect for shopping. It needs to be roomy, cute and casual. The hobo bag is perfect for a day at the mall, or shopping boutiques downtown. Choose something with a wide arm strap, and something with a light material. It’s cute, casual and would go with just about anything. THE ESSENTIAL EVENING BAG: You need a basic bag that will help dress up an outfit. Something small and dainty, yet sophisticated and smart. Clutches are ideal for a night out, and give you enough space to keep all of your essentials in it, and looks good at the same time. Clutches are so small and fit nicely under the arm, or can be worn around the wrist. These are also known as wristlets. THE ESSENTIAL TOTE BAG : Tote bags are a girls best friend. They’re big enough to fit everything you could think of in, can be worn under the arm, and they’re available in a large assortment of styles. If you’re not too big on the tote style, another similar alternative is the messenger bag, which is big enough to fit all of your goodies in, but is worn hanging across the body, rather than on the shoulder. THE ESSENTIAL “GOES WITH EVERYTHING” BAG: If you take nothing else away from this list, take this: you need one bag that will go with everything. Everything from jeans, to dress pants, to a skirt to shorts. The best way to get a bag that goes with everything is to have a basic black bag. Get something that’s simple, and adds to your outfits. THE ESSENTIAL TRENDY BAG: Now that you’ve got a bag that goes with everything, an evening bag, a tote, and a shopping bag, go nuts and get one of those super trendy Gucci Handbags! Happy purse hunting! Tricia's Treasures was given permission to edit and reprint this article by Fashion Writer Crystal Coons. For more information regarding Crystal Coons and her articles, please email me. Thank you.