Style Your Bag: Creative Ways to Use Keychains, Bag Charms & Purse Straps

Jessica Richardson
2026-04-19T10:46:35-05:00

Your handbag is more than just functional—it's a canvas for self-expression. Discover how to transform any bag with keychains, enamel charms, and guitar-style straps. From playful mahjong tiles to Western cowhide keychains, learn the art of personalizing your everyday carry with small accessories that make a big style statement.

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Your handbag is more than just a place to stash your essentials—it's a canvas for self-expression, a reflection of your personal style, and an opportunity to make a statement before you even say a word. While investing in a quality bag is important, the real magic happens when you personalize it with the right accessories. Enter the world of bag charms, keychains, and purse straps: small details that pack a serious style punch.

In Western-luxe fashion, it's all about blending heritage with modern flair, and accessorizing your bag is one of the easiest ways to achieve that balance. Whether you're drawn to playful crystal charms, bohemian beaded accents, or eye-catching guitar-style straps, these accessories let you refresh your look without buying a whole new bag.

Bag Charms: Make a Statement

The Power of the Charm

A single bag charm can completely change the vibe of your handbag. Think of it as jewelry for your bag—a small accent that adds personality, color, and conversation-starting appeal. From whimsical designs like our Bling Strawberry Crystal Keychain to fresh, floral pieces like the Daisy Darling Keychain, the right charm tells your story and showcases what makes you unique.

Styling Tips:

Go Solo for Impact: Choose one statement charm that reflects your personality. The sparkly Bling Strawberry Crystal Keychain brings playful, eye-catching energy, while the Daisy Darling Keychain adds a touch of fresh, springtime charm.

Cluster for a Collected Look: Layer multiple charms together for a curated, well-traveled aesthetic. Mix textures and finishes—pair crystal charms with beaded accents like our Macramé Rainbow Keychain Purse Charm for dimension and visual interest.

Mix Metals and Materials: Don't be afraid to combine gold-plated charms with silver hardware or mix crystal with fabric. The contrast creates a more dynamic, personalized look.

Where to Attach:

Charms aren't just for zipper pulls. Try attaching them to D-rings, bag handles, shoulder straps, or even interior key clips. Experiment with placement to find what feels balanced and catches the eye.

Keychains: Beyond the Keys

Double Duty Style

Who says keychains are only for keys? These versatile accessories have evolved into must-have bag embellishments that serve both form and function. Attach a keychain to your bag's exterior for easy access to your keys while adding an extra layer of style and personality.

Styling Tips:

Bag Identifier: When traveling or checking your bag, a distinctive keychain makes it easy to spot your luggage on the carousel or distinguish your bag from a friend's at brunch.

Layer with Charms: Combine a functional keychain with decorative charms for a layered, collected look. The mix of practical and playful keeps things interesting.

Tell Your Story: Choose keychains that reflect your interests, travels, or sense of humor. Our Blue Navajo Embossed Leather Keychain brings authentic Southwestern style, while the White Leather Paisley Cowboy Boot Keychain adds Western elegance to any bag.

Pro Tip: Keychains with lobster clasps are the most versatile—they attach securely to almost any bag hardware and are easy to swap out when you want a change.

Purse Straps: The Ultimate Bag Transformer

Instant Upgrade

If you've ever felt like your bag needed a refresh but didn't want to invest in a whole new piece, a purse strap is your secret weapon. Swapping out a strap can completely transform the look and functionality of any bag, taking it from basic to statement-making in seconds.

Styling Tips:

Match Your Outfit, Not Your Bag: Instead of matching your strap to your bag, try coordinating it with your outfit. A striped strap like our Khaki Gold Striped Adjustable Crossbody Bag Purse Guitar Strap pairs beautifully with neutral bags and adds a pop of pattern and metallic shimmer.

Guitar-Style for Bohemian Flair: Wide, patterned guitar-style straps bring instant boho-Western energy to any bag. The adjustable length means you can wear it crossbody for hands-free convenience or shorten it for a classic shoulder bag look.

Play with Length: Adjust your strap based on the occasion. Crossbody length (around 51") is perfect for running errands or festivals, while a shorter shoulder length (around 29") feels more polished for dinners or meetings.

Mix Patterns Boldly: Don't shy away from pairing a patterned strap with a solid bag, or vice versa. The contrast creates visual interest and shows off your styling confidence.

Versatility Angle:

One quality strap can work with multiple bags in your collection. Invest in a versatile design with adjustable length and neutral-yet-interesting colors (like khaki and gold), and you'll get endless mileage from a single accessory.

Mix & Match Like a Pro

The Layered Look

The real fun begins when you combine charms and straps for a fully personalized bag. Layering accessories is an art, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few foolproof style formulas to get you started:

Style Formulas:

Minimalist Chic: One statement strap + one bold charm. Keep it simple and let each piece shine. Try the Khaki Gold Striped Strap with the Daisy Darling Keychain for a clean, fresh look.

Bohemian Luxe: Patterned or textured strap + multiple mixed charms. Layer crystal, beaded, and macramé charms together for a collected, free-spirited vibe. The Macramé Rainbow Keychain Purse Charm pairs beautifully with smaller crystal charms for dimension.

Western Heritage: Metallic or leather-look strap + heritage-inspired charm. Think gold-toned straps with cowboy boot keychains or Navajo embossed leather accents for authentic Western flair.

Color Coordination Tips:

Treat metallics (gold, silver, rose gold) as neutrals—they go with everything and add a touch of luxury.

Use the color wheel: complementary colors (like blue and gold) create vibrant contrast, while analogous colors (like pink and orange) feel harmonious and soft.

When in doubt, stick to a three-color palette across your bag, strap, and charms to keep things cohesive.

Seasonal Switching

One of the best things about bag accessories is how easy they make seasonal style updates. Instead of buying a new bag every few months, simply swap out your charms and straps to match the season.

Spring/Summer:

Brighten things up with playful, eye-catching charms like our Bling Crystal Star Rainbow Keychain or the delicate Butterfly Crystal Tassel Keyring. Pair them with lighter, patterned straps for a fresh, sunny vibe.

Fall/Winter:

Transition to richer tones and textured charms. Beaded accents and deeper metallics feel cozy and luxe as the weather cools.

Quick Refresh:

Even if you carry the same bag year-round, changing out one or two accessories keeps your look feeling current and intentional. It's the easiest way to get more mileage from your favorite pieces.

Final Thoughts

Styling your bag with keychains, charms, and straps is one of the simplest—and most fun—ways to express your personal style. These small accessories give you the freedom to experiment, refresh your look on a budget, and make even your most-loved bags feel brand new again.

Whether you're drawn to playful crystal charms, bohemian beaded accents, or versatile guitar-style straps, the key is to choose pieces that feel authentically you. Don't be afraid to mix, layer, and play with different combinations until you find what works.

Ready to transform your bag? Explore our collection of Bag Charms and Keychains and Purse Straps, and start creating a look that's uniquely yours. And when you style your bag, we'd love to see it—tag us on social and share your personalized creations!