I think this question has an inherent flaw: it implies that the bag you happen to be carrying is directly connected to who you are. Now, does your bag sometimes reflect your style? Yes. Does it sometimes reflect the fact that you wanted a color or size that matched what you’re doing today? Also yes.
I think there is something to be said for matching your attire [and accessories] to your what you’re doing currently. If I’m out at a local polo match [out in the sticks, not a serious match], how I dress is very different than tea at Claridge’s.
The bag we carry also implies what style you’re ‘feeling’ that day. Depending on the season, place, event/activity and other factors, we all lean in different directions stylistically. Even if just minutely.
Other people truly have ‘one’ style that they stick to, which is fine–just be sure you haven’t boxed yourself in and that you still feel comfortable in whatever style you’ve chosen.
Regardless, a lot can be told from a bag. I do think it says certain things if you are carrying a classically stylish but hard to identify bag. It says something else if you’re carrying a bag that’s all labels in all caps. I think we can feel happy for all groups and all styles–as long as they are being respectful of others and polite.
I find that most people pick bags based on color schemes–what goes best with a majority of their clothes, what tones look best with their hair color, other accessories, skin color, shoes, jewelry etc. Some people wear bags as trophies they are proud to display; others wear them as practical ‘holders’ of necessary goods.
I find that many people have a problem with more ‘loud’ bags, feeling they are gauche. I enjoy seeing more than a sea of black and neutrals, though I don’t always choose bright or tropical shades for myself. I like to see a wide panoply of colors, designs, brands and shapes [in terms of purses.] I wouldn’t wear the Anya Hindmarch ‘Space Invaders’ leather crossbody bag, but seeing it out in the world on someone is so fun!
Handbag Hype 