Be honest with yourself, how many handbags do you own? How many are stuffed in little hiding places all around your home? Maybe a bag under the bed, maybe some in old shoe boxes. Of course, the ones you actually use are in easy access places, but the rest are stored away out of sight and out of mind, never to be worn again. The truth is, all you really need are six essential bag types, one of each if you’re keeping it minimal, to have on hand for every occasion.
Above, our definitive list of the six types of bags every woman should own.
Six Bags Every Woman Should Own
-
Six Bags Every Woman Should Own #1
All you really need are six essential handbags styles — one of each if you're keeping it minimal — to be set for any occasion. Read on for our must-have picks for every budget.
Image: Imaxtree
-
Crossbody
Proenza Schouler PS11 Cross-Body Wallet Bag, $435 at Matches Fashion
The crossbody bag is a must-have because it's amazingly wearable and comfortable. Hands-free shopping, train commuting, coffee-down-the-street-carrying; really, the possibilities are endless. If you expect to have your hands full on a certain day, you need one of these.
-
Crossbody
Zara Oval Mini Crossbody Bag, $29.90 at Zara
-
Crossbody
See By Chloe Small Joan Cross-Body Bag, $460 at Chloe
-
Crossbody
Marc Jacobs Snapshot Color-Block Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag, $265 at Net-a-Porter
-
Crossbody
Manu Atelier Pristine Micro Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag, $220 at Net-a-Porter
-
Crossbody
Topshop Amelia Mini Cross Body Bag, $140 at Topshop
-
Day Clutch
ASOS Suede Ring Grab Clutch Bag, $45 at ASOS
We simply call this the brunch bag, for those days you're only going to be out for a couple of hours and really don't need to carry all that extra handbag. Of course, a sequined clutch could be cute, on occasion. But mostly you'll just want something that's casual and easy to grab on-the-go.
-
Day Clutch
Loewe Large Logo Embossed Calfskin Leather Pouch, $650 at Nordstrom
-
Day Clutch
Cult Gaia Acrylic Ark in Watermelon, $298 at Cult Gaia
-
Day Clutch
J.Crew Fan Rattan Clutch, $88 at J.Crew
-
Day Clutch
& Other Stories Large Gingham Clutch, $75 at & Other Stories
-
Day Clutch
Marni Illusion Clutch, $490 at Totokaelo
-
Day Clutch
ASOS Tassel Clutch Bag, $19 at ASOS
-
Weekender
Everlane The Twill Weekender, $98 at Everlane
The weekender isn't just for impromptu trips to the shore, this large bag doubles in a pinch as other bag types you need in your daily life. For example, the gym bag, the grocery bag, the diaper bag and, of course, the carry-on bag that takes the place of your purse and allows you to haul more stuff with you under your seat on the plane.
-
Weekender
Madewell The Transport Weekender, $298 at Madewell
-
Weekender
Cuyana Le Sud Weekender, $250 at Cuyana
-
Weekender
Nicole Miller Sharon City Duffel Bag, $56.99 at Amazon
-
Weekender
Dagne Dover 365 Large Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffel Bag, $185 at Nordstrom
-
Weekender
Kate Spade New York Watson Lane Lyla, $298 at Kate Spade New York
-
Weekender
Longchamp Le Pliage 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag, $255 at Nordstrom
-
Weekender
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffle, $84.99 at Herschel Supply Co.
-
Evening Clutch
& Other Stories Velvet Clutch, $85 at & Other Stories
One of our favorite categories just because it's so pretty. You need only one or two of these in a neutral shade that goes with all your dressy looks.
-
Evening Clutch
Anthropologie Piano Lucite Clutch, $98 at Anthropologie
-
Evening Clutch
Loeffler Randall Tab Ruffle Suede Clutch, $132.75 at Bloomingdale's
-
Evening Clutch
Dries Van Noten Jacquard Clutch, $527 at mytheresa.com
-
Evening Clutch
Mango Flowers Transparent Box Clutch, $79.99 at Mango
-
Evening Clutch
Inge Christopher Palermo Clutch, $69 at Shopbop
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
Sophie Hulme Blue Exchange Tote, $458 at SSENSE
This is the bag you need to take with you to work. Buy a large one if you have to carry tablets and laptops and files and papers. Buy a medium-sized one if you've got your basic cell, makeup, magazine stash, etc. Get it in classic colors and you'll never have to worry your bag doesn't match your look.
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
Bao Bao Issey Miyake Prism Basic Tote, $595 at Need Supply Co.
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
Mango Flap Tote Bag, $59.99 at Mango
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
Aesther Ekme Sac Leather Tote, $331 at Matches Fashion
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
The Frankie Shop Clear Vinyl & Canvas Tote Bag, $125 at The Frankie Shop
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
BAGGU Basic Tote Bag, $200 at Urban Outfitters
-
Structured Day Tote Bag
Zara Reversible Tote Bag, $39.90 at Zara
-
Just for Fun
Mango Fish Bamboo Bag, $69.99 at Mango
The quirky bag. It can be any shape or structure you choose, really. But the most fun ones are usually in the evening category. Get something that really stands out for your LBDs.
-
Just for Fun
Charlotte Olympia Pink Scent, $995 at Charlotte Olympia
-
Just for Fun
Furla Metropolis Fantasia Mini Crossbody Toni Celeste, $448 at Furla
-
Just for Fun
Sophia Webster To Have and To Hold, $550 at Sophia Webster
-
Just for Fun
Miss Selfridge Fringed Backpack, $46 at ASOS
-
Just for Fun
Zara Geometric Print Minaudière, $69.90 at Zara
