Every year, the gods of fashion announce a new trend in purses: the “it” colors, the best materials, the hottest accents. Of course, all women will jump at the chance to go shopping for purses, especially since they’re the easiest and most practical way of updating your wardrobe—a wholesale handbag can cost as little as $40.

Designer handbags are more expensive of course, but you can justify the price by saying that purses cost far less than, say, buying entire designer outfits.

In fact, purses can prove to be the more practical way of incorporating a key trend into your look. How many times will you be wearing that leopard print jacket— but purses in even the most exotic designs can be paired with suits and jeans.

The question, however, is which of the hundred purses available in the market will you choose to buy? Start with classic purses that match most of the items in your closet. These purses have a timeless shape that will always be considered fashionable. Just pick a bright color to inject a little personality into its practicality—fire engine red, or vibrant yellow.

Or pick purses with rich, interesting patterns like mock crocodile, or a luxurious fabrics like velvet. Basic rule of thumb for shopping for classic purses: they need to have at least one stand-out detail, whether it be the shade or the material, so they don’t turn out drab. Check out the Dooney & Bourke purses and Cole Haan purses—the mid-range price will let you shop without guilt.

For high glam purses you can use for evening, pick those with beadwork, jewel accents, or dramatic shapes.

Some purses accent the clasp with a beautiful brooch, others have diamonds or small mirror accents set into elegant patterns. Gucci’s gorgeous metallic purses are the “it” evening bag of the year; you’ll spot it on the red carpet walks of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities. Drool, drool.