• Call it a pocketbook, purse or a bag; either way, it is an important accessory.purse image by Robert Grzywaczewski from Fotolia.com
  
  The word "pocketbook" is rather open-ended and can mean many things. It can refer to a purse, a handbag, a billfold or a pocket-sized folder to hold papers. Those definitions can be narrowed down even further; totes, messenger bags, clutches. Each style has its own distinguishing characteristics and uses. For many women (and men), this choice is a very personal one, and is often a reflection of the carrier's own personality.
  
  

Purses; Day and Night

• Purses are typically stylish and of medium size.handy bag image by Salem Alforaih from Fotolia.com
  
  A purse designated for daytime use is usually of medium size, and has plenty of room to carry all of a woman's essentials. They are typically stylish, with a slightly professional appearance. They come in a wide variety of materials, including leather. The night owl version of the purse is the evening bag. More glamorous than the daytime style, they are made to compliment dressier attire and are better suited for more formal occasions. They are usually of smaller size than the daytime purse; only large enough to hold the necessities a woman may need during the evening.
  
  

Totes and Bucket Bags

• Tote bags are able to carry heavy items.Jute shopping bag image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com
  
  Tote means "to carry," which is precisely what a tote bag does. They are rectangular in shape, and large, meant to carry books, groceries and whatever else needs to be hauled from place to place. They are made of sturdy material, like canvas, nylon or heavy cotton, with strong handles. Some have zippered compartments inside. Bucket bags were made popular in the 1930s and are similar in appearance to the tote, but are more fashion-forward and stylish. They often have a hard base and are commonly made of leather.
  
  

Hobo Bags

• The hobo bag has a characteristic crescent shape.shirt and bag image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  So named because they resemble the bags that "hobos" carried on a stick over the shoulder, this bag comes in small, medium and large sizes. Hobo bags are crescent in shape, soft and slouchy. They have a single or double strap that is long enough to be worn over the shoulder. They are able to hold a lot of items---books, makeup, wallets, sunglasses---yet still not appear bulky. Tame or wild, there is a hobo bag in a style suitable for every woman's taste.
  
  

The Clutch

• A very versatile style, the clutch is rectangular in shape and fits under the arm. The clutch is available in evening styles, sequins, crystals and elaborate detailing. For daytime they are often more professional, often leather or faux leather. They are more commonly seen and used during more formal occasions.
  
  

The Baguette Bag and Barrel Purse

• The Baguette bag is named after the shape of the French bread that shares the same name. Longer than it is wide, the Baguette bag features a short strap and is small to medium in size. Similar to the Baguette, the Barrel purse is also small to medium in size, but usually features a longer strap. It is made in the shape of a barrel lying on its side.
  
  

Box Purse

• The box purse became fashionable in the 1950s. They are box-like in shape and often made of a hard material like wood, plastic, cigar boxes or Lucite. The usually have short straps and are meant to be hand-held rather than worn over the shoulder.