The handbag: the most useful, and yet most coveted, item in a woman’s closet. With an endless array of options, styles, colors, and materials, finding one to suit any taste should be a snap. The problem is — at least as far as the pocketbook is concerned — just one is never enough.
Here are 10 popular handbag options, plus the best times and ways to wear them.
1. Classic tote bag
All collections should start with a classic tote. Long-handled totes are great for work and commuting, as well as daily meetings and errands. Classic tote bags come in materials such as leather and waxed or plain canvas but mainly have a structured bottom and more flexible sides.
How to style it
Let the construction of long-handled tote bags dictate your outfit. A leather or coated canvas bag can be dressed up or down with trousers, a blouse, blazer, and boots for winter workdays or paired with jeans, a fisherman crewneck sweater, and designer sneakers on the weekends. A canvas rope tote pairs nicely with khaki pants and a polo or T-shirt, as well as shorts and a button down with your favorite chunky necklace in summer.
2. Structured tote bag
A structured tote with short handles offers a more businesslike approach to the classic tote. This choice is akin to a briefcase. While the bag can be made with leather or waxed canvas, it also comes in traditional canvas, with leather handles (more sophisticated) or without (sportier).
How to style it
Carry a short-handled tote bag to the office with your computer and calendar with tassel loafers, wide leg pants, and a fitted knit top. Wear your sporty totes on the plane, on the court, and at the beach and pool, so match clothing with bags for a specific activity.
3. Shoulder bag
Found in leather, suede, or nylon, a shoulder bag can be more structured or less structured depending on the material. It might zip across the top or have one strap connecting the two sides, or may have a flap over the top of the bag that secures with a latch or turn clasp.
How to style it
Shoulder bags are a great lunch or date night accessory. They pair well with outfits accessorized by high heeled boots or shoes, straight leg slacks, or fitted classic dresses.
4. Woven bag
Woven bags are often found in shoulder and hobo styles, but they deserve their own category as they are classically chic and very popular. One way to make them even more current is to use a sustainable material such as vegan leather, as the brand Shiraleah has done with this one.
How to style it
Let the woven bag be the center of attention, especially in a bright color. Pair a relaxed hobo style with a simple T-shirt and jeans combo or flowy maxi dress and leather sandals.
5. Bucket bag
A bucket bag has a drawstring or a cinched top and can have short or long handles or a cross-body strap. Mini bucket bags tend to come in premium materials, such as leather or satin.
How to style it
Since bucket bags are found in fun fabrics and tend to be colorful, you can upgrade an everyday outfit with one or wear it out at night. Another option? Try it crossbody for a different look.
6. Hands-free bag
A belt bag goes around your waist or across your chest and leaves hands available to be a tourist, walk the dogs, exercise, or go to a game. It has just enough room for the essentials: your phone, money, ID, lip balm, and keys. For nights out with friends, opt for a leather wallet crossbody or wristlet option.
How to style it
Pair a hands-free bag with your sporty clothes: leggings, a cropped quarter-zip sweatshirt, and running shoes, or jeans and a rugby shirt and a pair of chic leather sneakers. For girls night, wear your all-black ensemble or a strapless fitted jersey dress with a black leather bag or wristlet.
7. Evening bag
All women’s closets need at least one evening bag. Sometimes a baguette, sometimes a long chain strap beaded option, they hold little and can be statement pieces. Made with unique materials like metal or metallic leather, crepes, or satins, evening bags are less about what’s inside and more about how they complement your high-end look. True fashion over function.
How to style it
Try pairing your evening bags to your shoe hardware or jewelry. A sparkling wristlet pairs nicely with platinum diamond studs and your engagement ring. Consider what the focal point of your outfit is: the bag or the dress? If it’s the latter, consider a simple clutch or quiet bag.
8. Backpack
The ultimate hands-free bag, backpacks are functional, as well as mom and travel friendly.
How to style it
Backpacks are inherently sporty, so wear yours with chic two-piece sweats or flare leggings, sneakers, and a sweatshirt. Pair colorful canvas backpacks with plain T-shirts and jeans or with a sundress for summer touristing.
9. Weekender bag
A travel bag that will take you through a weekend trip is an essential component to the closet. These bags can be a duffel or tote bag style and come in puffer materials, criss-cross embroidered nylons, patterned fabrics, and all types of canvases. The best ones will fit in the overhead compartment on the plane and have multiple pockets for laptops and water bottles. Travel bags like collapsible totes with leather handles can be tucked into your rolling suitcase and taken out for the trip home, filled with travel treasures.
How to style it
The most important style tip for carrying a weekender is that you’re comfortable. If yours is a patterned option, then keep your outfit colors muted and clothing choices simple.
10. Beach bag
Every wardrobe needs a summertime switch out — a beach bag made of straw or sustainable materials. For summer outings like picnics and farmers markets that require a sturdier option, find a bag with a solid bottom.
How to style it
Style your beach bag with your favorite sundress or long flowing beach coverup. A summer bag with structured handles looks great with cropped white jeans and a flowy cap-sleeve top. Sneakers or sandals, your choice.
