Hermes Kelly 32 too big on me???

[Bambs]

Finally purchased my first ever Hermes bag - this stunning Kelly I got it pre-loved. Courchevel sellier 32 in gold from 1994. It’s in pristine condition and I’m loving the color... But I’m uncertain about the sizing on my frame

I’m 5’1” about 120 lbs. I typically like smaller bags with most of my collection consisting of more compact bags (My Lady Dior, Saint Laurent sac de jour baby, medium Chanel classic flaps - so you can get the idea of sizing I typically gravitate towards).

I also do not carry much. So would the 28 or 25 be a better fit for me???

I have until August to decide if I want to keep or return. Thoughts on how the 32 looks on me would be much appreciated.

THANKS!

 

[lilmermaid264]

It's a beautiful bag, and you're lovely and petite. I think the bag is overwhelming, and you'd be better served with something smaller. Best if luck!

 

[SpicyTuna13]

I’m not a proponent for “body size” to “bag size” ratio.

For example, a 500-lb. woman could carry a B25 if that suits her lifestyle. I see nothing wrong with this.

So, I would keep if it fits your lifestyle...

 

[880]

Finally purchased my first ever Hermes bag - this stunning Kelly I got it pre-loved. Courchevel sellier 32 in gold from 1994. It’s in pristine condition and I’m loving the color... But I’m uncertain about the sizing on my frame

I’m 5’1” about 120 lbs. I typically like smaller bags with most of my collection consisting of more compact bags (My Lady Dior, Saint Laurent sac de jour baby, medium Chanel classic flaps - so you can get the idea of sizing I typically gravitate towards).

I also do not carry much. So would the 28 or 25 be a better fit for me???

I have until August to decide if I want to keep or return. Thoughts on how the 32 looks on me would be much appreciated.

THANKS!

View attachment 5133858View attachment 5133859

IMO, especially bc you are already questioning your size choice against your slim frame, yes, too big. The kelly size seems larger in sellier and in a lighter color. Functionally, I would guess it may also be too big based on your other bag choices. It is not only the size but the depth — it can be a bit unwieldy if you are used to slimmer profile bags.

I am 5’2” and am 140 pounds, and my preferred size is 28 sellier. it was also my preferred choice when I was 20 pounds lighter. I think it’s best suited to my frame irrespective of what is in style (I bought my first K28 years ago, when TPF preferred larger bags). However, the 28 is much smaller and less deep, and it holds less. So, it depends on what you want. If I’m going to be carrying stuff, like DHs sun glasses, I find it easier to forego the K28 entirely and use a 30B

I posted a pic comparison of 32 sellier (my prune/Bordeaux) with my 28s on various threads such as this one (post 15) in case pics might help you decide. in the first pic, the K32 does not seem as large as when worn with an oversized shearling coat in the winter. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/should-i-sell-my-vintage-box-kelly.1042140/ I do agree with @QuelleFromage in her post below re wearing a larger sellier with heels. But, since I’ve had ankle cartilage replacement surgery, I have also worn the 32 with shorts, DHs button down shirts, and really clunky Arizona Birkenstocks or Birkenstock collaborations. I have fun dressing a sellier down. It would probably als9 work with a heavy boot like a doc marten.

I would note though that the pendulum is already starting to swing away from mini bags, and if you want to wear it shoulder or cross body, a shorter broader canvas strap might minimize the appearance of size against your frame, or simply carrying it in the crook of your arm. Finally, if you ever feel like you‘ve eaten too much at dinner, carrying a K32, by the crook of your arm, does make you feel slimmer lol.

JMO though! YMMV Good luck and pls keep us updated with whatever you decide!

 

[momoc]

1. I think whether something looks too big / too small is personal opinion and preference, different people will have different answers, and what really matters is if you like how it looks on you

2. However aside from how it looks, based on what you wrote re: the amount of stuff you carry + other bags you use, this sounds like too big of a bag for you from a functional / practicality point of view, which is IMO more important. So I vote you should go for a smaller size

 

[Deneuveness]

I personally think she looks beautiful on you, but if you have some doubt, I think you should probably return. You should be 100% happy with a purchase this big.

 

[QuelleFromage]

The bag is beautiful! Congratulations.

I understand the dilemma, but what you will now get is very personal perspectives from individuals according to their tastes, not yours.

One thing about a sellier Kelly is that it looks completely different depending on what you are wearing. A simple long dress and bare feet, tbh, is probably its worst match, so you are going to hear a lot about how big the bag is. Do you ever wear heels? More structured clothing? I am a little bit smaller than you, and I can carry a sellier K32 when wearing heels and something that works with the structure of the bag. To me it needs more "workwear"/formal/structured type outfits to feel proportionate (whereas for me sellier K28 works with jeans and a t-shirt, but still looks better with heels than flats, and sellier K25 goes with absolutely everything).
Your K is gold, so can go casual, but again it's not quite a barefoot bag, IMO.

I did let my sellier 32 go because I tend to wear less structured things and it felt too big and formal for me (mine was black so extra serious looking!).

If you do wear heels/more structured outfits, I'd try the bag with those and see how you feel.

Retourné Kellys IMO are a lot more flexible and most sizes work for most people.

 

[Bambs]

Thanks for all the responses! I truly appreciate it and like seeing other people’s views…

I am just starting my H journey though and am already in love with the brand! I doubt this will be my only and last H handbag. That’s another reason why I’m on the fence about what to do with this beauty. Esp with bag size trends always changing. Back in the day I used to be a big bag lover also! It’s just the past 5 or so years that I have really downsized my bag size preference.

Realistically, I think I would have preferred my first H to be my dream 28… but I feel like one day down the road, I will want both a 28 and 32 in my collection anyways

I’ve mentioned this in other threads before, but the nearest H boutique is about 3 hrs away and not an easy drive b/c traffic can make it a 5+ hr drive one way and there’s always congestion / car accidents Anyways, this is why I haven’t had the opportunity to form a consistent H relationship with the SA I have chatted with the few times I’ve been to the store (who is always super nice, btw! I love her)… However, I am going to try and make it a point to make the trip to the boutique every so often to build that relationship up. Fingers crossed I will then one day be offered a 28!

So, the question remains… return this bag with the hopes I can find my dream bag on the resale market or be offered one after building the H relationship… OR… keep it AND remain on the hunt

 

[Bambs]

The bag is beautiful! Congratulations.

I understand the dilemma, but what you will now get is very personal perspectives from individuals according to their tastes, not yours.

One thing about a sellier Kelly is that it looks completely different depending on what you are wearing. A simple long dress and bare feet, tbh, is probably its worst match, so you are going to hear a lot about how big the bag is. Do you ever wear heels? More structured clothing? I am a little bit smaller than you, and I can carry a sellier K32 when wearing heels and something that works with the structure of the bag. To me it needs more "workwear"/formal/structured type outfits to feel proportionate (whereas for me sellier K28 works with jeans and a t-shirt, but still looks better with heels than flats, and sellier K25 goes with absolutely everything).
Your K is gold, so can go casual, but again it's not quite a barefoot bag, IMO.

I did let my sellier 32 go because I tend to wear less structured things and it felt too big and formal for me (mine was black so extra serious looking!).

If you do wear heels/more structured outfits, I'd try the bag with those and see how you feel.

Retourné Kellys IMO are a lot more flexible and most sizes work for most people.

Thank you for that input! I actually wear heels almost daily. I’m an attorney, so I do have a more professional attire during the work week and more casual during the weekends, but I still usually wear some type of heel everywhere. But, I feel like this bag could give a even more polished look to my work outfits!

I‘m definitely more casually dressed in these pics I posted, and this is not necessarily an outfit I would even pair this bag with… I had just unboxed her and was so eager to try her on for sizing opinions before my DH and I headed out for dinner. I think I‘ll try on a new outfit that I would actually wear with this bag, WITH HEELS, and see if she looks any better I honestly just would HATE to return her and regret it… I already passed on buying a 28 vintage black box a few years ago and I still regret that decision to this day... Esp. since the price was unbeatable

 

[frou frou]

Love it on you, I’m biased as I’m small framed and love my 35 cm Kelly .
I don’t like dainty things on dainty people , it’s like putting tiny plants in a small garden ; predictable .
I prefer the edginess this offers myself.

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

Thank you for that input! I actually wear heels almost daily. I’m an attorney, so I do have a more professional attire during the work week and more casual during the weekends, but I still usually wear some type of heel everywhere. But, I feel like this bag could give a even more polished look to my work outfits!

I‘m definitely more casually dressed in these pics I posted, and this is not necessarily an outfit I would even pair this bag with… I had just unboxed her and was so eager to try her on for sizing opinions before my DH and I headed out for dinner. I think I‘ll try on a new outfit that I would actually wear with this bag, WITH HEELS, and see if she looks any better I honestly just would HATE to return her and regret it… I already passed on buying a 28 vintage black box a few years ago and I still regret that decision to this day... Esp. since the price was unbeatable

I personally like big bags so I'm a little biased-however my first thought upon seeing your photo was that it was really hard to judge the bag with what you were wearing.
Now I've learnt a little more about you and what you usually wear I think its a wonderful bag and bear in mind as previously mentioned by @880 if I remember correctly that with a coat in the fall and winter or with a jacket and jeans the bag will look proportionately different.
My advice putting myself in your shoes is to keep it-Its a classic Therefore if you find a 28 on the resale market at a later date you could easily buy that and rehome this beauty-or if budget allows keep them both,
Thats what I would do especially as you mentioned one day you may like to own both 32 and 28 and this 32 is in great condition in a timeless colour.

 

[CMilly]

Thanks for all the responses! I truly appreciate it and like seeing other people’s views…

I am just starting my H journey though and am already in love with the brand! I doubt this will be my only and last H handbag. That’s another reason why I’m on the fence about what to do with this beauty. Esp with bag size trends always changing. Back in the day I used to be a big bag lover also! It’s just the past 5 or so years that I have really downsized my bag size preference.

Realistically, I think I would have preferred my first H to be my dream 28… but I feel like one day down the road, I will want both a 28 and 32 in my collection anyways

I’ve mentioned this in other threads before, but the nearest H boutique is about 3 hrs away and not an easy drive b/c traffic can make it a 5+ hr drive one way and there’s always congestion / car accidents Anyways, this is why I haven’t had the opportunity to form a consistent H relationship with the SA I have chatted with the few times I’ve been to the store (who is always super nice, btw! I love her)… However, I am going to try and make it a point to make the trip to the boutique every so often to build that relationship up. Fingers crossed I will then one day be offered a 28!

So, the question remains… return this bag with the hopes I can find my dream bag on the resale market or be offered one after building the H relationship… OR… keep it AND remain on the hunt

It is a beautiful bag. I find for sellier 28 is as big as I can go without it looking like a very large very formal bag. I think a retourne in 32 looks more casual and like an everyday bag. If you plan to wear it daily, I would return it. If there’s room for this in your collection and budget then keep it. I don’t use my sellier as an everyday bag. I can’t pull it off.

 

[Suncatcher]

Hi OP - you have acquired a beautiful bag! I think this would look smashing with a different look. Think turtleneck sweater, slim pants, an ankle boot with a heel. I think your 32 sellier is looking a bit off with the dress you are wearing. I also think petite women can rock a big bag! I will freely admit am biased towards bigger bags.

 

[hermesgeek]

I honestly just would HATE to return her and regret it… I already passed on buying a 28 vintage black box a few years ago and I still regret that decision to this day... Esp. since the price was unbeatable

Hellloooo lovely,

I think this is the answer to your question. I love big bags and use a kelly 32 too.. it’s what you feel wearing it that’s important. Have you seen Roxy Sowlaty Bijan wearing a kelly oversized for her? It sure is big but she pulls it off. And so does one of the Olsen twins. So if I were debating on keeping something, I’d keep it because if I want to let it go I wouldn’t even think of debating on it. I think your bag looks fabulous on you!

 

[victoroliveira]

I think it’s gorgeous. And you can totally rock a bigger bag!
I’m 5.5, with two Kelly’s. 32 and 35. Both retourne since I have a more casual style. But if you think it’s too formal, out of your style and lifestyle, I think you should return it and try to get something that you’ll wear more.