Dresses and skirts are amazing, flowy and comfortable, but they usually have one fatal flaw — no pockets.
An easy and fashionable fix? Grab an adorable handbag on your way out the door, big enough for a wallet and keys or pack a whole picnic in a larger tote that doubles as a fashion statement.
Right now, Gen Z has decided that 90s baguette bags are back, so those brands are a must, along with classic bag brands from your favorite designers, like Kate Spade, Coach, and Hammit.
Regardless if you prefer a crossbody styles, tote or clutch, there’s an “it bag” for you.
See below for the best of the best in the world of bags, along with some options that will become your favorite stylish addition to your wardrobe. No matter what your style is, these splurge-worthy picks will be total keepsakes.
A household name in the handbag space, every woman needs a Kate Spade bag. The bags are top quality but are accessibly priced considering their craftsmanship, and they often have amazing sales running to make prices even lower. The classic collection is timeless, but keep an eye out for seasonal drops and adorable novelty bags, too.
Kate Spade
This bag is truly classic, as the name suggests. The middle size is perfect for daily use, and can easily fit a wallet, keys, masks, hand sanitizer and whatever else you need for running errands or a night on the town.
Buy Now $348.00 $209.00Coach
This photo doesn’t do this tote justice, so we strongly suggest looking at it on katespade.com to see it in its full glory. It has a ton of compartments, is made of pebbled leather and comes in four different classic colors. It’s the ultimate work bag. Trust us!
Buy Now $398.00This brand is iconic, and having a Coach handbag is an important milestone in any collector’s closet. For longtime fans of the brand, the classic “C”-printed bags in browns and tan colors are a hallmark for Coach, so that’s why it’s no surprise that the newer Gen Z generation has come to obsess over the baguette bags with the same pattern. If you aren’t lucky enough to find a vintage bag while thrifting, don’t worry, as Coach still carries this pattern and more.
Coach
We love the versatility of this handbag and how easily it converts to a crossbody. Made of pebbled leather and featuring multifunctional pockets, it’s great for work, travel and everything in between. Available in four colors and currently on sale, say. hello to your new “it” bag.
Buy Now $495.00 $247.50Coach
Skinny baguette bags took off this year, and now we get why. Coach did all along, offering this all-black Coach Swinger 20, which is a great staple for any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with black, but also take a look at this purse in vibrant orchid purple for a pop of color.
Buy Now $225.00Doesn’t the name say it all? For handbags of any kind, head over to The Sak and you’ll find the right one. For a more classic look, the bestsellers page is full of great choices in many colors and styles, otherwise, take a look at our top two below.
The Sak
This Los Feliz bag in the buttercup yellow color is a must-have, as you’ll blend right in amongst the flowers blooming outside and add a ray of sunshine wherever you go. Made of premium leather, the bag is built to last through the seasons, making it worth the buy.
Buy Now $199.00The Sak
This one is extra special, made of recycled materials like ocean-bound plastics, and the lining is made from recycled materials including plastic bottles. The bag comes in the above color, as well as many others from black and navy to more fun blues, purples and more.
Buy Now $169.00Why Hammitt? To start, they are always fashion-forward, releasing a new line for each season that never disappoints. Also, the quality is amazing and with zippers, snaps and other hardware. They’re also super functional for the woman with places to go and things to carry.
Hammit
The Levy bag features the strong hardware that the brand is known for, on both sides of the purse in every color. Speaking of colors, shop both the staples and the seasonal shades, while still in stock.
Buy Now $295.00Hammitt
The Daniel is a larger bag that knows how to make a statement, inside and out. Made of stunning and supple leather, the gold detailing on the sides of the bag provide just the right amount of punk to make this bag pop.
Buy Now $725.00Minimal, sophisticated and pure luxury — that’s Furla. In 1927, the fashion house began gracing the world with its fine accessories for women and hasn’t stopped since. Its bags feature beautiful colors, rounded shapes, and feel timeless as much as they do modern.
Furla
With a generous size and lots of storage, the Furla Flow Top Handle is a glamorous everyday bag. It has more than enough room to carry your essentials, and is made of sumptuous soft leather. It can be carried as a basic purse or worn over the shoulder with its strap. And if we do say so ourselves, the craftsmanship is unreal.
Buy Now $628.00Furla
Inspired by the bucket bag, this mini crossbody actually has a decent amount of space inside. We love how it nestles across the body when being worn and the way it can make a pair of jeans and basic tee look utterly polished.
Buy Now $378.00This handbag company offers designer bags made of premium fabrics without the high price tag that many other brands have. Based in London, they incorporate the upscale fashions of the city with universally loved designs to bring great leather handbags to women across the world.
Radley London
This classic black bag goes with everything. Featuring pebbled leather and gold hardware, it’s a statement unto itself, comes in a variety of colors and will take you through season to season.
Buy Now $268.00Radley London
This medium sized multiway bag is buttery soft and luxe as can be. Wear it as a crossbody or over the shoulder — you can’t go wrong. There are multiple pockets on the interior, too, and even two grab handles to carry it as a tote.
Buy Now $208.00We love the looks from this leading fine accessories designer. It never fails to serve gorgeous collections, such as DB75, Saffiano, and Florentine. For those who love luxury leather, fine detail and strategically placed hardware, it’s the brand to know for those who love looks that marry sophistication with modern flare.
Described as a “durable darling,” we’re fanatical about this crossbody bag. The natural grain textured leather has an elevated quality compared to the smooth variety, while the exterior pocket is perfect for a few cards. The interior space is large enough for a wallet and phone, and we like using the inner zip pocket for some extra cash and storing our lip liner. Available in 11 different colors.
BUY NOWWe love how budget-friendly this purse clutch is. We like it for not only our cash, but cards, a sample size perfume or even a few of our stack rings. Even though it’s small, it has plenty of card slots (six, to be exact), so you really can leave your wallet at home. Like the Pebble Grain Saddle Bag Crossbody, the texture of the leather is simply divine and reason to buy alone.
Buy now $56.25Ever the trendsetter, Marc Jacobs can always be trusted to bring us innovative designs with a modern edge. A must consider for those who love a statement piece, the bags from the designer are made to standout.
If you like color options, you’ll love this tote bag. Cobalt, lipstick pink, limoncello are just three available! Other reasons to grab while you can? Hmm, the storage space, removable strap, and the full grain leather come to mind. While it may not be for everyone, we simply love the bold design.
BUY NOW $395.00Say hello to your official party bag. It’s small but not too small, sparkly, and is just the thing to pair with your LBD. Featuring J Marc hardware in the front and with a top zip closure, you’ll receive compliments on it all night long. The bag is also available in gold, as well as black.
Buy now $550.00Hail to one of the fathers of designer goods. Since 1952, the Fresh style house has graced us with elegant designs, ready-to-wear pieces and inspired looks. While we’re partial to the dresses from the brand, as well as the perfume, we also love its handbags. Even when wearing a plain pair of jeans, each completely elevates an assemble as only the right accessory can.
Quilted calfskin leather and golden finished metal is what we love about this shoulder bag. Its flap with a 4G magnetic metal clasp truly makes it a statement piece, so we suggest going easy on the other accessories. We can’t think of anything better to dress up a pantsuit or pair of women’s jeans with.
Buy now $1,550.00We’ll probably never get over a large purse, which is why we’re partial to box bags. They can fit everything, including an e-reader, chunky wallet — you name it. And they’re always better when they’re from this designer. We love the pentagonal patch detail, as well as its rich burgundy color.
Buy now $2,390.00We turn to Valentino when we’re craving an ultra feminine look. Soft lines, curves, some sparkle — you know, the good stuff. And while it sounds like we’re talking about the designer’s dresses, we really are talking about its bags. Each are so beautiful, perfect for special occasions or as a little treat-yourself style pick-me-up.
Whether worn as a shoulder bag or held like a clutch, this small hobo bag will give you a luxe look. Made in Italy and designed from soft leather, the subtle moon shape has us seeing stars. Large enough for daytime use but dainty enough for date night, expect to get a lot of use out of it.
buy now $2,800.00We love of the look of this bag so much that we almost feel bad wearing it. However, we totally will, because it is gorgeous! Armed with protective feet, antique-metal-finish hardware and an adjustable chain strap, it’s available in five colors.
Buy now $3,250.00This brand needs no explanation, as any handbag or fashion aficionado will recognize Fendi from a mile away. If you don’t happen to live in Rome, luckily for you, Saks Fifth Avenue has a bunch of bags in stock, from smaller clutches to bigger statement bags.
Saks Fifth Avenue
This bag brings the sunshine, even on a cloudy day, The fabric shopper is made of a light wool-blend flannel material, with the Fendi logo front and center on the bag stitched in leather.
Buy Now $3,290.00Saks Fifth Avenue
Who doesn’t like a glossy leather crossbody? This one also has two interior pockets, gold hardware, and a spot for credit cards. Supplies are limited, so grab while you can.
Buy Now $2,100.00This is another super-recognizable brand, and not just because of the iconic logo on the front of many of their bags. Tory Burch bags are timeless, and even the new seasonal collections can really be worn any time of the year and for years after their launch, making them worth the investment. Luckily, even the new styles are sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, so you can get your hands on a handbag without leaving your home.
With its dedication to quality and unique form, Mansur Gavriel bags are loved by celebrities, as well as those who fancy quiet but expressive luxury. From its inception in 2013, people have gravitated toward the brand’s showstopper silhouettes, and the way they make it easy to highlight personal style without being garish or loud.
It’s easy to overstuff a bucket bag, which is why we like them on the smaller side. This one has more than enough room for essentials, as well as daily wants, but doesn’t feel clunky at our side. Made from 100% Italian saffiano leather, we feel simply elegant walking through downtown with it on our arm.
Buy now $445.00 $265.00Designed to accommodate a 13 inch laptop, we love the idea of using this tote for work. Made of vegetable tanned leather, it’s available in three different colors, holds all you need and looks good doing it. Best of all, since it’s vegetable tanned, it will age like fine wine, so you can enjoy it for years to come.
buy now $595.00What’s better than Italian leather goods? Senreve knows quality when they see it, and that’s why a bag from them is a must. The brand features many different sizes of their bags, sorted on their site by grande, petite and in the accessories section. Keep an eye out for the itty bitty bags that fit AirPods and that’s it.
Senreve
Why choose between accessories when you could have them all in one. The belt bag is one of their bestsellers. For the spring, they now have even more colors to choose from. You can also choose the type of leather you want, from pebbled, mimosa, dolce, dragon and mixed leather.
Buy Now $495.00+Senreve
This bag is a masterpiece. For something a bit bigger than the belt bag, opt for this midi size, that is great for a day on the town or a night out, holding all your necessities. It can also be worn four ways, from a backpack to a crossbody and a satchel to a tote.
Buy Now $845.00We can’t tell you if the devil wears Prada, but we can tell you that you should. The iconic label can always be counted on to deliver luxe and stylish designs, including handbags. The designer is currently reintroducing looks from its beloved 1995 collection and we (and our closets) are here for it.
Prada
Made from regenerated nylon yarn, this bag is a blend of casual and edgy. Featuring a metal chain and the designer’s logo, it also has a zippered closure to keep valuables safe. Looks amazing with a LBD, as well as a pantsuit or your favorite pair of jeans.
Buy Now $2,550.00Prada
Made up of 83 pieces, the mini-bag showcases innovation and craftsmanship. Its adjustable strap detaches for days you’d rather carry as a tote, and there’s also a detachable key ring made of soft leather. Available in four colors, we bet you have a hard time deciding which one to go with.
Buy Now $3,950.00Maybe you own one or two of Burberry’s perfumes or even a coat, but we think you need to throw a bag into the mix. Known for its checkered prints, believe us when we say that the brand delivers far beyond the recognizable print. This season, in particular, is filled with fun and unexpected looks, as well as utilitarian styles. You’ll be delighted and surprised at all the goodies you find.
Burberry
We love how understated this crossbody bag is. Our choice for casual days about town, it has a fold-over top with metal closure, side-B shaped straps and an interior slip pocket for your phone and cards.
Buy Now $1,550.00Burberry
How cool is this number? It works well for an evening out, and has an interesting slouchy shape. We love the large pieces of metal hardware, and the fact that the bag converts from a crossbody to a tote.
Buy Now $3,250.00Newer to the purse game, this female-founded company is very popular. Started in 2013, they design bags to solve problems, from having ample storage and organizational systems to giving back to the community through charity programs with Black Lives Matter, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Fair Fight, BEAM, CDC Foundation, Feeding America, Save the Children and Stop AAPI Hate.
Dagne Dover
The Signature Tote is a must-have for its streamlined look and storage, with the name really saying it all. The bag also comes in black and two different gray tones, all of which are made of coated canvas and leather trim.
Buy Now $255.00Dagne Dover
This cotton tote bag is made with 100% organic cotton, making for a fashionable and responsible tote. Plus the two front pockets and wipeable interior make it practical, too.
Buy Now $175.00 $139.00Betsey is the queen of all things fun, flirty and funky, and that applies to handbags as well. Known for neon pops of pink, contrasting patterns and lots of sparkles, her pieces are one-of-a-kind and sure to make the best kind of fashion statement.
Betsey Johnson
Call us if you want a great bag recommendation. Betsey Johnson is know for her fun and playful bags, and this bejeweled phone bag is surely that. The coolest part? You can make and receive calls wirelessly via your actual cell phone.
Buy Now $148.00Betsey Johnson
Want a more everyday purse? Then this one is for you, as it combines the fun shapes true to the brand with a black quilted exterior to be paired with any outfit, all sealed with golden accents to add some flashiness.
Buy Now $48.00The Longchamp tote has been around for a long time, so if you don’t have one yet (or need a new color), the time is now. There are actually quite a few available on Nordstrom Rack’s site, meaning that prices are slashed to the lowest we’ve seen for crossbody bags, backpacks and the classic totes, too.
Guess what? This iconic brand is still one of the best, founded in 1981. The brand sells denim, clothing and shoes, but the bags are a must-have for any collector or those that want a reliable and fashionable purse for any season.
Guess
This handbag won’t be for everyone but for those who like to live dangerously and fun with their fashion, it’s a must-grab. It has a ton of storage, too, plus is made of faux leather and features the Guess logo, bold and center.
Buy Now $98.00Guess
Guess also knows how to add color to any outfit. The green faux leather croc bag is a true stunner, bringing life to the drabbest outfit. Pair with an LBD to whoa. Available in two other colors.
Buy Now $148.00ALSO is synonymous with shoes, but did you know they sold handbags, too? You probably did, as these bags are all over, since they are fashionable and affordable, with many priced between $50 and $80.
ALDO
Snag this new crossbody before it blows up. The black and gold bag is new to the site and perfect for fall and into winter as the bag you take on date night or even into the office.
Buy Now $65.00 $39.97Guess
If you’re still into the Barbiecore trend, you’ll love this bubblegum pink bag. It’s covered in rhinestone embellishments, has an easy magnetic snap closure and removable strap.
Buy Now $75.00Michael Kors has made a name for himself in fashion, namely in the handbag space. The MK logo is one to watch for, on a large carryall or on a smaller handbag, all sold on his site as well as at most major department stores and online retailers, like Macy’s where we found these bags below.
For classic, easy and impeccably crafted leather bags, you head to Hobo. They specialize in leather handbags as well as accessories like wallets and cardholders to go with, each made in new seasonal colors as well as in staples like tan, black and more.
HOBO
Call Sheila and tell her we love this bag. The medium size is great for a day out of the house, and has a smartphone pocket as well as three more slip pockets, a zipper pocket and even one for your pen.
Buy Now $134.00Hobo
This could be the king of all leather totes. The Tripp is a large bag that can easily fit your laptop, as well as other items to bring to the beach for a boho look or into the office with sophisticated style.
Buy Now $368.00Amazon is a great place to find a bag, and at great prices you won’t find elsewhere. They know what’s trending, from crocheted bags to mini crocodile-skin cross-bodies.
Amazon
The Avalon is an everyday bag with unique style. It opens up into a tote bag, but then loops around into a cute and compact bag in an array of fun colors.
Buy Now $39.90Amazon
Crochet is super in right now, which is why The Drop has this perfect bag. It comes in hot pink as well as in green and yellow, adding color to every outfit.
Buy Now $39.90When it comes to fashion, the best of anything is often relative to one’s personal taste. However, there are a myriad of brands that remain popular, such as Kate Spade, Michael Kors and Coach. Along with being recognizable names in the fashion industry, each designer never fails to bring a fresh perspective to their classic style house, which seems to resonate with shoppers.
Many women love Kate Spade’s Knott Medium Satchel ($209) for its easy to carry design, as well as for the storage it offers. We love it for all the color options it comes in, as well as its exterior, which is made from a combo of Italian and pebbled leather.
The Lana 23 ($395) is a bestseller at Coach and has a sophisticated look with its delicately slouchy sides and spacious interior. We like carrying it as a handbag, but it also has a strap to wear it crossbody style.
Handbags are a great way to follow trends without completely redoing your wardrobe. They can also dress up a basic outfit, making one look effortlessly polished and of the now.
Currently, a lot of fashionable folks are searching Furla Handbags, which start around $238. The Italian luxury brand has been around since 1927, and has been a trusted name when it comes to designer purses and accessories.
If you love designer handbags, but are watching your coins, consider shopping places like Fashionphile and FarFetch for certified, pre-owned designer finds. You’ll be shocked by what you find, as well as the excellent condition of this fashion collectibles.
Another great place to find trending designer purses is Amazon. The online retailer’s The Shop by shopbop has a huge section of pre-loved handbags, such as The Small Tote ($395) from Marc Jacob and the Tory Burch Women’s Eleanor Satchel ($798).
If you’re searching for the creme de la creme of handbags, there are a handful of designers that continue to be well regarded in the fashion industry. While many of the pieces are investments, lots of ladies find it almost a right of passage to have at least one “big girl bag” from one of them.
Check out New York Post Shopping for more content.
Why Splurge on a Good Leather Handbag?
You know when you buy something, and a month later, it's falling apart or just doesn't look as nice? That's the exact opposite of a good leather bag. Yeah, they can cost a pretty penny, like $500 or even more, but here's why it might be worth it:
Durability & Longevity: Good leather is tough. Treat it right and it'll treat you right for years. We're talking possibly decades here. No more buying a new purse every year because the old one's gone all shabby.
Cost Per Wear: If you're whipping out, say, $500 for a bag, and you use it every day for 10 years, that's about 14 cents a day. Some people spend more on their daily coffee! And honestly, it could last even longer than that.
Heirloom Potential: Here’s the cool part. Ever heard of passing down jewelry or watches? A top-notch leather bag can be in the same league. Imagine giving it to your daughter or niece someday, and them realizing it’s a piece of history.
Value: Leather, like wine, can get better with age. If it's well-kept, its value might even appreciate. Not saying you'll become a millionaire off an old bag, but it's a neat thought, right?
In the end, it's like buying a luxury car vs. a basic model. Both get you from A to B, but one does it with a bit more style, comfort, and longevity. Still, it's a personal choice. Some of us are just suckers for the smell and feel of real good leather!