Don’t leave without it: Citizens of Humanity Kayla shirt | Flowy trench | Dior tote | L’Agence sandals | Mother Insider denim
Make this one item count!
5 bags everyone should have in their closets
Recently, I’ve received many messages asking me about handbags. For example, you wanted to know which bags are my favorites, and if you could only choose one classic designer handbag, which one would it be? Well, I love hearing from all of you and decided it was time to do a handbag post! We all have different purchasing patterns — some of us buy shoes and bags all day long, while others prefer to buy clothes. Some love to have as many clothes as possible, while others prefer fewer, nicer pieces.
At the end of the day, it’s an individual choice. Ah, the joys of getting dressed in 2023! But here’s a little tip: invest in pieces that really count. You’ll always have great outfits, and I promise, you’ll be happier in the long run!
Today’s post is a roundup of handbags, starting with a little street style and a style board for some inspo. Since we never leave home without a handbag, make it count! Keep reading to see my favorite designer bags, along with more affordable options that work for everyone. I hope you get inspired and start dreaming about your next handbag purchase. After all, that’s half the fun!
Street style inspo
Images via Pinterest — Chiara is wearing Prada “Cleo” and the Dior book tote — both so cool!
Style board inspo
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
#1 Classic Crossbody Bags
Left: YSL Toy Loulou Puffer | Frame sweater | Frame skirt | Sandals Right: Gucci bucket bag | Sandro pleated trench | Jeans, similar | Gucci sandal
Susie’s Favorites
YSL Toy Loulou Quilted Puffer – I’ve had this one for a while and still love it! It goes with absolutely everything. The gold chain detail is beautiful, and you can adjust the length of the chain by tying it under the front flap. It holds your phone, wallet, lipstick, glasses, and keys. And, it’s super stylish!
Gucci Bucket Bag – I splurged on this bag several years ago, and when I got it home, I couldn’t get it to cinch. So … I returned it. Then, months later, I spotted my very stylish Nordstrom friend wearing it, and she proceeded to tell me how much she loved the bag and that she had purchased a second color! I asked her about the cinching issue, and she said it didn’t bother her at all. So, I promptly repurchased the bag and have worn it non-stop ever since 😂 I love this bag so much, it was a great purchase. It holds everything you need, the gold chain detail is pretty, and the soft ivory color works with many outfits. I rarely leave this one at home!More Crossbody Bags I love
#2 Trusty Totes
Left: Dior tote | Orolay trench coat | J.Crew sweater | Mother Insider | Prada pumps | Sunglasses Right: Chloe Woody tote | Cinq a Sept blazer | Spanx pants | Sandals
Susie’s Favorites
Dior Tote – I splurged on this tote in the Heathrow airport last year on the way home from England. It worked with everything this past summer, and I can’t wait to pull it out again when the weather stops raining. Naghedi Tote – Last year, I picked up the Naghedi tote after seeing it all over Instagram, and it was one of the best purchases I made all year. They’re durable, perfect for travel and the color options are amazing. Plus, they add a nice texture to any solid outfit. Since it’s made of neoprene, anything too heavy makes it stretch a little (like a laptop). But I still love mine, and I think they’re worth every penny. Now I have my eye on this one after seeing it NYC! Chloe Woody Tote – This has been my go-to everyday tote for a few years now, and you can easily fit your laptop, wallet, and all your other essentials. I’ve even put a crossbody in there at times. I like that it has a bit of structure, and because of the logo, it adds a little interest to lots of different outfits. YSL Shopping Tote – The YSL tote is another durable, everyday tote, and after three years, I’m still carrying it regularly. It’s less structured than some totes, but it’s still really practical. I don’t leave this one behind, especially when I travel! I’m not very careful with this bag, and it’s been on a lot of trips, but surprisingly, it still looks great!Other options you might like
#3 Party Bags
Left: Rebecca Minkoff clutch | J.Crew sweater | J.Crew slip skirt | Sandals | Gigi Clozeau necklace | Storrow heart charm Right: Cult Gaia bag | ALC Renzo | Gucci shoes
Susie’s Favorites
Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Clutch – I own this in both the gold and black. I’ve gotten so much use out of these two bags and they’re under $130! Perfect for a wedding or a holiday party. Try a matching gold shoe with the gold bag — it’s such an easy way to elevate an outfit!Loeffler Randall Bags – I picked up this white woven clutch as well as this crystal one and I like them both. They both have pretty gold chains, so they can work as a little clutch or as a crossbody.
Cult Gaia Mini Hera Bag – This sparkly little number is so much fun and makes any outfit a little extra. It’s a little slouchy, so try to fill it up a decent amount to give it a little more structure. Plus, it’s cute — you won’t want to leave this one behind.More Party Bags I love
#4 Cool Girl Bags
Left: Melie Bianco woven bag | Paige jacket | Frame trousers | Black tee | Sandals | Sunglasses Right: YSL bag | Veronica Beard jacket | ATM tee | Rag & Bone Peyton | Schutz Ariella heels
Susie’s Favorites
Melie Bianco Brigette Mini – This little woven bag (seen above) from Anthropologie was inspired by the Bottega Veneta Jodie. I have it in the mini as well as the large. This is a great bag to get in a fun color in order to get the designer look without the designer price. By the way, I’m always pleasantly surprised at the bag selection at Anthropologie, so many designer-inspired sisters! You won’t leave the store without at least one great bag, trust me 🙂 YSL Le 5 à 7 Hobo Bag – I own this bag in the color “Rosy Sand” and think it’s beautiful. The size is ideal, and it’s a timeless piece that will last for years to come. It goes with pretty much everything. Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch – A small, very stylish clutch that you’ll use more than you think. I have it in the color “leaf green” and absolutely love it.More Cool Girl Bags
Sporty Bags
Left: Alo dress | Naghedi tote | Right: lululemon belt bag | Tank | lulu skirt 15″ | Scuba half zip | Sambas | Necklace
Susie’s Favorites
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag – File this one under viral bag that’s worth the hype! It fits all your essentials, looks (and feels) great for exercise AND for running errands/going out, and is PERFECT FOR TRAVEL! It carries your wallet, phone, travel papers, and the things we all need on an airplane 😉 I’ll never leave it at home again! MZ Wallace Crosby Bucket Bag – This one is also handy for travel, and it comes with three straps that completely switch up the look.More Sporty Bags
Thank you for reading xx
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, we may make a commission.