The 5 Essential Handbags Every Woman Should Own

There are three types of people. There are those who carry the same handbag everywhere, regardless of the season or the outfit. They go for a classic bag, like a black satchel, so they don’t have to think about matching their accessories to their ’fit. When they decide to upgrade to a new bag, they carry that one religiously, too. 

Then there are those who switch their bag with every outfit and event because that really fun pink pouch doesn’t make as much sense for daytime shopping as the go-to leather crossbody. The remaining handbag wearers are somewhere in the middle. They know not every bag goes with every occasion, but they have only a few staples they switch between. 

There’s nothing wrong with any of these approaches, except maybe changing your bag and forgetting your wallet. (Been there.) But too many options can be overwhelming. That’s why we're breaking down the five handbags that will seamlessly fit into any wardrobe and take you from season to season without fail. It’s all about looking put-together while making your life that much easier. 

Work Bag 

Whether you work a 9-to-5 in a corporate office or you’re a creative who jumps from coffee shop to coffee shop, a bag that fits your laptop, wallet, and a notebook or two is a must. The style of bag is up to your personality and budget. We love a neutral backpack just as much as a colorful tote — the choice is yours, but be sure it’s big enough for throwing in an additional water bottle and last-minute snack.     

• Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag, $35.99 at Amazon
• Calpack Haven Laptop Tote Bag, $151.30 at Calpak
• Open Story Signature Commuter Backpack, $49.99 at Target

Crossbody Bag

There are days you just need to be hands-free. Maybe you’re juggling a toddler and a MetroCard or digging through racks of clothes at the thrift store. The perfect crossbody is big enough to fit your regular wallet and a lip balm or two, but small enough not to weigh you down. We’re counting belt bags (or fanny packs) here too, as some want even more freedom of movement. 

• Clare V. Midi Sac, $345 at Clare V.
• Free People Wade Leather Sling, $88 at Free People
• Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, $41.60 at Amazon

 Daytime Bag

Somewhere between a work bag and a crossbody, the daytime purse is just big enough for all your needs (wallet, phone, tampons, and emergency meds) but small enough to carry around all day without your neck aching. This bag should also be a somewhat neutral color to go with everything you would normally wear during the day. The style, though, is up to you. We love the style of bucket bags, hobos, medium-sized shoulder bags, and satchels.

• Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, $595 at Mansur Gavriel
• JW PEI Ruby Shoulder Bag, $89.99 at Amazon
• Coach Lana Shoulder Bag, $495 at Coach

Nighttime Bag

Here is where you should have a little extra fun with your choice. Your special occasion or nighttime purse might be a clutch, a wallet on a chain, or just a trendy minibag. It won’t fit much — your ID, credit card, and lipstick, at the most. It might not even fit your phone. But it will be so cute, you’ll get compliments all night long. A metallic color will go with everything, but this is also a good opportunity to try a pop of color or an unexpected texture.

• LETODE Acrylic Clutch, $28.99 at Amazon
• Cult Gaia Mini Hera Rhinestone Shoulder Bag, $498 at Cult Gaia
• Staud Tommy Beaded Bag, $295 at Staud

 Travel Bag

For a quick weekend away or a sleepover with family, a larger travel bag comes in clutch when a suitcase is too large for the occasion. This could be a duffle bag or a larger backpack, or anything else oversized that’s comfortable for travel. It gets bonus points for easy-to-access pockets for things like a water bottle and your wallet. 

• Béis The Weekender, $108 at Béis
• MZ Wallace Nik Quilted Water Resistant Nyon Travel Bag, $315 at MZ Wallace
• Bagsmart Large Gym Bag, $33.99 at Amazon