Alter Egos: Longchamp Le Pliage Bag

Aug 18th 2011 at 11:00AM by Gina Nguyen

Anyone who knows fashion knows the Longchamp Le Pliage Bag ($125). It made the L.A. Times Magazine's list of the 50 most iconic signature handbags, joining the ranks of the Hermès Birkin Bag and the Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolore Bag. For the fashion hungry, the Longchamp Le Pliage is as much a staple piece as it is a statement piece. It can be the star of your outfit or it can be styled to seamlessly blend in. As with most hit handbags, there are different colors to suit different tastes, but the basic form and design are never messed with. This makes sense since we're basically paying for that recognition factor. Whatever your pick, the bottom line is this: its stylish versatility can take you far. See five unique ways you could style your summer look with a version of this "it"-bag.

Alter Ego: Casual Chic

One of our favorite features of the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote is its comfort. We'd even say that it is one of the most comfortable bags you could own! Now, for a casually chic look to go with the bag, we like clothes that continue the theme of comfort and ease. Grab a loose-fit nautical top, a pair of stretchy bermuda shorts and comfy boat shoes. Although the top looks effortless on its own, you could wear a simple belt over your hips to define your figure. As for accessories, we think the top really calls for some earthy jewelry. Because one could easily stay in this outfit all day, we also suggest throwing into your tote some cool shades and SPF body cream to wear throughout the day.

American Apparel, Caslon, Nicole Miller, LAVANILA

Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Nylon Tote, $125
Lavanila The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 30 Body Cream, $38
Madewell Noonday Stripe Shutterbug Top, $110
Nicole Miller Dark Wooden Bead Layer Necklace, $19
Juicy Couture Beach Bum Sunglasses, $98
Asos Pieces Luisa Bangle Set, $20.69
American Apparel Flat Edge Leather Belt, $34
Timberland Amherst 2-Eye Boat Shoes, $49.99 (Retail $75)

Alter Ego: Classic Charm

Longchamp is quintessentially classic. You can easily throw it on as a handbag or briefcase for work or as a carry-on during your next vacation. This versatile, red Longchamp bag would be amazing with a sophisticated Ellen Tracy wrap dress and sexy Enzo Angiolini red stilettos. These Jackie O-inspired sunglasses, Lancome makeup, pearl earrings and pearl bracelet are the perfect, to help create an all-around polished look.

Lancôme, Lancôme, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Topshop

Majorica Pearl Bracelet, $147
Enzo Angiolini 'Martini' Red Pumps, $89.95
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, $32
Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Nylon Tote, $125
Lancome Brightening All-in-One, $48
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara, $25
Ellen Tracy Wrap Dress, $89.60
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Pearl Stud Earrings, $24

Alter Ego: Eclectic Mix

If you're looking for an edgy spin on the Longchamp, just give the bag a backdrop of interesting textures, patterns, materials and bold colors. Of course a slight smirk wouldn't hurt, either! A neutral plaid dress complemented by a collage of feathers, braided leather, hard metal and suede and wooden heels is a media mix that any eclectic would gush over! Finish it all off with some loud turquoise nails -- in case you didn't already give onlookers enough to stare at!

GUESS, All Saints, SpaRitual, Elizabeth and James

AllSaints Cinta Earring in Antique Brass, $65
Asos AllSaints Laima Corset Dress, $120.68 (Retail $241.35)
Guess Woven Embossed Belt, $45
AllSaints Cabouchon Rings, $30 (Retail $60)
Elizabeth and James Eden Sandals, $245 (Retail $350)
SpaRitual Nail Lacquer Shimmer in Crystal Waters, $8 (Retail $10)
Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Nylon Tote, $125

Alter Ego: Modern Vogue

Give the Longchamp bag a fashion-forward makeover just by pairing it with the right elements. On-trend are skinny black jeans. This is the foundation of your outfit. A fun tank with a shark-bite type cut and fun nautical theme are perfect for August weather. Next, you've got to layer. First, a trendy vest, and second, a bold floral bib necklace that adds the perfect amount of femininity to your trendy vibe. A pair of simple, low, red peep-toes pull your generally casual bag into this outfit that can only be described as "Modern Vogue."

Old Navy, Merona, Alloy, Twenty8Twelve, Longchamp

Old Navy Lighweight Tie-Front Sweater Vest, $17.50
Natasha Accessories Mixed Flower-Bib Necklace, $48
TWENTY8TWELVE Peg High-Rise Skinny Jeans, $66.25 (Retail $265)
Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Nylon Tote, $125
Alloy Sequins Anchor Top, $24.90
Target Merona Maris Peep-Toe Platform Pumps, $24.99

Alter Ego: Uptown Luxe

A Longchamp bag standing alone is the perfect marriage of classic style and functionality. And, when paired with an elegant navy blue ruffled sheath dress, a tasteful gold watch and rich, red lipstick there is no denying its versatility and understated elegance. Everyone knows that red is a power color. But if it's too bold for you, your bright red bag can be easily downplayed beside rich accessories like a trendy loafer, inspired heel and crystal flower earrings.