Big or small, structured or slouchy, women's handbags are an essential part of everyday life. But did you know that a woman's handbag can be used to flatter her body almost as much as the right pair of jeans?

Women's handbags come in dozens of structures and styles, but different designs compliment different body shapes. As a general rule, a woman's handbag should be the opposite of her body shape and proportionate to her figure. Check out these basic styles of women's handbags and our suggestions for which figure they flatter most:

* Tote— A large, boxy women's handbag with an open top and shoulder straps or handles. This structured women's handbag compliments voluptuous figures.
* Barrel— A small, rounded women's handbag with a short or long shoulder strap. The curved shape of this women's handbag provides a nice contrast to a slender frame.
* Satchel— A large women's handbag with short, handheld straps. This women's handbag tends to flatter taller, slim figures because it's generally wider than it is high.
* Clutch— A small women's handbag, either handheld or with a slim shoulder strap. This type of women's handbag is ideal for formal wear and suits most figures.
* Shopper— A women's handbag with an open or zippered top and double shoulder straps. The rectangular silhouette of this women's handbag has a slimming effect, perfect for larger body frames.
* Hobo— A women's handbag with a scooped top and long shoulder strap. Available in many sizes, women's handbags of this shape go well with almost any figure.