How To: Style Your Doctor’s Bag

Contemplating a new way as to inject a shot of vintage into your wardrobe? Then, channel your inner professional and say hello to the jolt of pure joy that is the Doctor’s bag!

The Doctor’s bag is often touted as one of the most successful shapes as to appear in handbag history, proven by its persistent appearances throughout the decades. It was even dubbed by many as the shape of the season when it popped up upon several of the A/W 12 catwalks in a plethora of variations, which toyed with both its traditional shape and classic design characteristics. We certainly acquired a style tip or two, and realised that it’s an investment piece that we can continue to use for many more seasons to come. 

Your handbag is an extension of your personality and self style, and the A/W 12 runways taught us that the versatility of the Doctor’s bag makes it the ultimate self expression staple. Not yet convinced? Then, be inspired by the likes of Prada, Marni et al, and learn how one simple Doctor’s bag can be transformed as to be incorporated into an array of styles.  

Feminine
The Doctor’s bag is generally associated with being a fuss-free way of injecting your outfit with a boyish edge yet Jill Sander’s runway proved otherwise, and showcased a variation of the trend with clearly feminine aesthetics. Its form was stretched, which made for a 1950’s feel, with the addition of an uncharacteristically placed shoulder strap, and even a pastel pink handle.

Image via ElleUK.

Androgynous
Marni’s take on the Doctor’s bag proved that it can still maintain a masculine vibe as it simultaneously plays host to its feminine side by sharpening its architectural shape yet bulking up its upper frame and handle structure.

Image via GraziaDaily

Retro
Prada went retro and derived inspiration from the Seventies with psychedelic appliqué flower prints and opted against the bag’s traditional soft leather exterior for a high shine finish instead, which instantly transforms the feel of the bag. It’s a style that would easily slide into a true vintage lover’s wardrobe, and especially those who love a bold statement making print.

Image via GraziaDaily

Minimalistic
Alexander Wang completely transformed the historical shape of the bag with his approach upon the trend, and created much more of a minimal inspired structure with a very modern feel. So much so, that once you extend its strap and drape it over your shoulder, it’s hardly recognisable as even being a Doctor’s bag!

Image via PurseBlog

Of course, you don’t have to make like the runways and completely restructure your Doctor’s bag as to incorporate it into your own personal style, as the traditional design has a classic enough of a feel as to sit alongside many different looks. 

The real proof is in the pudding, though, so, why not see how many different looks that you can create with your own Doctor’s bag and share some of your favourites with us. Tweet us @Nica_Handbags or show us on Instagram by tagging your photos with @Nica_Handbags. 

Love,
The Nica Team x