Chain link purses are just as popular this season as they have always been. No matter the reason, chain link handbags are never out of vogue. You know the kind, you see them on the arms of the very rich and famous on the red carpet, and you see them on the shoulders of the not-so-famous. Generally, though, the women who carry chain link bags are those who can afford to spend on a decent handbag.

Balenciaga, for example, makes a wonderfully original chain link handbag called the Cherche Midi, which retails for about $2500.00. The beauty of this bag is in its design; it almost looks like a work of art. Made of goatskin with a stingray medallion, it has palladium-plated hardware and a design that could only be Balenciaga. However, one need not spend this much or buy from this designer to get an original chain link bag. You can find almost any style chain link in any metal you prefer by a number of fantastic designers at more reasonable prices.

What makes the above-mentioned bag so special is its unique design. While it appears to have heavy links, it manages to stay slim and feminine. This handbag's neutral coloring allows for pairing of endless combinations, and the style of the bag is such that you can pull off a shopping trip or a very important interview wearing this handbag. If you are dressing to impress the other ladies at lunch, this is also the perfect bag for you.

Chain link can be a bit more edgy, too. You may want to wear this type of bag for a night out on the town, especially if it is paired with a short mini or a form-fitting dress. Especially if the outfit is one color, a great bag with a standout chain can speak volumes that your other accessories cannot.

So what looks good with a solid, form-fitting dress, skirt or suit? Depending on the color, you can choose your chained bag in silver, bronze or gold. Sometimes, you can find an offshoot of these colors as well, such as pewter or copper. If you are wearing a royal blue or any other electrifying color, bright silver probably looks best. Gold tones with this type of color can tend to look garish, or they can appear too flamboyant when worn so close together. If you have a deep, warm brown or black, however, a brilliant gold or bronze can look stunning.

You need not limit the metal to just the chain, of course. Metals on handbags ? be they silver, gold, or anything in between ? also extend to the hardware used in making the purse. Sometimes, the right catch or lock or button can make all the difference on a bag. A good designer will usually show off by leaving his or her mark or insignia on the handbag's closing mechanism.

However, this is not the only reason the hardware is so important! More than just showing off the name of your bag, the closure is also the most important functional part of your purse. A reliable guideline is that the better and stronger the metal, the better your handbag. The closure need not be large and obtrusive in order to be secure, either. You can have quite a small clasp on a beautifully large bag and have it be strong and stylish.

One trend that is fairly new with chain-linked bags or bags with any exposed metal is the brightly-colored large hobo. In days past, the only way a woman could get away with carrying a bag in ? for example ? a bright tangerine color was if it was a very small box purse. Even then, it would have had to be worn with a severe black outfit or something in neutrals only.

Now, the extra-large hobo bag in bright colors is very popular and it is often strapped by a large-linked metal strap. Of course, you still have to be careful how you wear this bag and with what outfit. While you may not have to dress severely, you still need to keep things fairly mild when pairing a bright, large bag with metal accents or straps!

Metal on handbags can be worn in so many wonderful ways; whether it is on a racy club outfit or with a demure suit, it is suitable in so many different situations. The way the metals are worn may have changed over the years, but metals have been popular since Coco Chanel made her look famous and it doesn't look like this popularity is waning. Just make sure when you choose your handbag, you pair it to the occasion as you would any other handbag, and make your metal selection to match your outfit and your other accessories such as your shoes and belt. Today, there really is a world of opportunities out there to wear every kind of metal imaginable.