I love to use handbags to accessorize my outfits, but a lot of women don’t care to fuss with swapping out their bags several times a week and prefer to have one go-to handbag for each season. In fact, I often get asked to recommend one handbag that “goes with everything.”
Naghedi Nomad Hobo // Sierra Denim Vest (M) // Citizens Ayla Raw Hem Crop (29) // YSL sunglasses
It’s hard to narrow down my suggestions to just one because there are times when an everyday handbag will detract from your outfit, so I’m going to propose three handbag styles that I think every woman should own. You may have multiple options or one of each, but you should be able to complete any outfit (except for formal looks) if you have these three types of handbags.
3 Essential Bags Every Woman Should Own
If you’re looking to update or refresh your handbag collection, I rounded up a bunch of different options in the shopping widgets below each section.
#1. Everyday Tote or Shoulder Bag
The most important bag to have is one you can use on a daily basis. That’s generally a tote or some type of shoulder bag, and it needs to be practical for your needs because it’s the bag you’ll carry the most. Think about how easy it is to get in and out of, and decide if you want an open design or if you prefer a handbag with different sections for organization.
AllSaints Half Moon Bag // Treasure & Bond sweater (XS) // MOTHER Weekender (29) // Franco Sarto Alexandria Booties (8) // Tom Ford sunnies // Theory Car Coat (S) // AllSaints teet (M) // FRAME Le Easy Flare Raw Hem Jeans (29)
I don’t mind bags that are one big cavernous hole because I don’t carry a lot these days, so I tend to carry medium-size shoulder bags like the Naghedi Nomad Hobo below or the AllSaints Half Moon Bag I’m carrying in the photos above.
Naghedi Nomad Hobo // linen tee (S) // Gap Factory Mid Rise Kick Fit Jeans (29) // Beek Sunbeam Flip Flops (8)
As far as colors go, I recommend going with a good neutral like grey, taupe, brown, or beige if you’re only going to carry one main bag throughout the entire season. It can also be black, (and I personally love a black bag!) but black can look heavy and isn’t as versatile as a lighter neutral like beige or taupe. If I only had one bag in this category, it would be taupe or some shade of beige.
You also want to think about materials. Suede is pretty, but it’s hard to keep clean and shows wear faster than a leather bag. Soft leather scratches faster than the Saffiano leather, but some don’t like the hard surface of Saffiano. A nice pebbled leather is a good compromise, or there are some nice coated canvas out there, and woven bags are nice for summer.
AllSaints Allington Tote
Shop everyday handbags:
#2. Smaller Crossbody or Shoulder Bag
When you want to be hands-free or don’t need a larger bag, a smaller crossbody or shoulder bag is a great option to have. I like to have one that’s just large enough to hold my phone, wallet, lipstick, and a tissue pack; but take your specific needs into account when choosing a bag that works for you.
Coach Hutton Box Leather Shoulder Bag // Sarina V Neck Tank (S) // KUT from the Kloth Rose Button Front Denim Skirt (8)
I personally love a camera bag style crossbody that I can carry two ways, or the Coach Hutton Box Leather Shoulder Bag is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down.
Alternatively, smaller shoulder bags and ’90s style baguette bags are a big trend right now, and this JW PEI Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag is a great price point.
You may not use this bag as often as your everyday bag, or this may BE your everyday bag. It’s up to you!
JW PEI Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag // MOTHER flares (29) // cable sweater (XS) // navy sweater (S)
Shop crossbody bags and small shoulder bags:
#3. Dressy Clutch
This is your going-out bag, and it can be fun and whimsical or fancy and elegant. It just depends on your personal style and lifestyle needs. Because you don’t carry it as often as your everyday bags, this is a good time to opt for a more budget-friendly brand, like this Top Handle Straw Clutch from Amazon.
Top Handle Straw Clutch // Gap Factory Linen Pants (M) // Sam Edelman Deacon Slides (8) // Nordstrom hinge cuff
Another option in this category is a wallet-on-chain. These bags have lots of card slots and organizational compartments (like a wallet) but they have a chain you can use when you want to be hands-free.
Saint Laurent Classic Cassandre Chain Wallet // LOFT jumpsuit (S)
Shop Going-Out Bags and Clutches:
