Building and curating a designer handbag collection is exciting! From work, to a night out, and everything in between; there is a designer handbag out there that can meet your requirements.
We’ve curated a list of versatile luxury bags for all types of occasions.
The Classic Work tote
Typically with a work bag, you’ll want to grab something that is roomy and can fit a laptop without being too heavy. Usually something black or neutral will probably work best as it can suit any outfit color.
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Ideal For: Professional settings and daily commutes.
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Features: Spacious interior, sturdy handles, and organizational compartments.
Our pick(s):
Louis Vuitton Neverfull:
You simply cannot go wrong with this classic and iconic piece. Usually sold in the MM size. Some say it’s overdone, I say it is popular for a reason! Perfect not only for work but can be a diaper or airport bag as well. Versatile, practical, and long-wearing. A similar bag can be the Goyard St Louis
YSL Sac de jour:
A beautiful structured handbag, in this YSL piece. It’s also an iconic bag for the brand, first released in 2013. If you’re looking into fitting a laptop, you’ll want to get the large size. Only drawback might be the weight! That tends to happen with more structured bags in general though. If you are interested in classy, hardwearing bags and aren’t too concerned with weight; the Givenchy Antigona is another excellent pick.
Fendi sunshine tote:
You’ll find similar structured bags to this, be it the Louis Vuitton On the Go in MM or GM, or the Dior book tote. Regardless, these similarly shaped totes are perfect for laptop friendly work bags, especially for those with long commutes.
The Stylish Shoulder Bag
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Ideal For: Casual office days and running errands.
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Features: Comfortable to wear, medium size, and chic design.
Our pick(s):
YSL Loulou puffer: Aside from the way it looks, this cute and squishy bag is the perfect option for day or night! It’s the perfect mix of comfortable and chic, with that elegant YSL branding. There’s the regular Loulou as well if the puffer doesn’t match your taste. And if you’re wanting even more roominess, you can’t go wrong with looking into the classic Louis Vuitton speedy. I recommend going between size 20-30, depending on need and preference!
Fendi baguette:
You know and you love her. Whether you go the Sex and the City route and opt for a trendy satin/beaded version, or stick to the iconic jacquard print; you really can’t go wrong with this stylish and practical bag. Prada re-edition is another similar bag in terms of functionality and a combination of trendy and vintage feel.
Chanel Classic Flap:
The one, the only, the Classic Flap. It’s a must have for just about any and all luxury lovers. Price increases are making it that much tougher these days for those of us to snag. But if you can, the Classic flap is truly a timeless piece that combines functionality with class. Can be worn day to night to either add something luxurious to a casual outfit or just to complete your going out look. If this specific piece is just out of price range for you, we recommend looking into the brand’s mini square flap or the Chanel Diana shoulder bag.
The Elegant Evening Clutch
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Ideal For: Formal events, dinners, and parties.
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Features: Compact, embellished details, and a sleek design.
Our pick(s):
YSL wallet on chain:
It’s a classic staple from the brand. And honestly, besides Chanel’s wallet on chain, YSL’s WOC is probably what comes to mind for most luxury lovers. The item comes in many colors, fabrics and hardware options. Whether you want a simple black leather option, a sleek nude, or a fun pop of color like a red or hot pink; you truly can’t go wrong. If you want something equally functional and sleek, but less popular, we’d recommend The Calino bag from Jacquemus.
Fendi First:
First released in 2021, the Fendi First is a beautiful and classic handbag. Not to mention versatile! Depending on the size, it can be worn as both a clutch and over the shoulder; but I AM LUXURY definitely recommends the clutch option! A perfect option to pair with a bodycon dress on a night out. A similar alternative would be Bottega Veneta’s Teen Lauren 1980.
Cult Gaia Cladera Metallic clutch:
As lots of us know, sometimes the handbag IS the standout piece in an outfit. If you want a clutch that shows a statement, we highly recommend Cult Gaia’s Caldera metallic clutch bag. A piece of art that’s also functional! But honestly, their entire clutch line is worth checking out. You’ll be sure to find standout pieces from this brand. Alexis Bittar is a similarly priced brand that also features some unique clutches.
The Chic Evening Bag
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Ideal For: A night out, special occasions, and elegant dinners.
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Features: Sleek and sophisticated, with enough space for your essentials while perfectly complementing your evening attire.
Our pick(s):
Louis Vuitton Capucines:
The following options are a step up from the evening clutches in terms of storage and practicality. And when it comes to elegance and class, it doesn’t get much better than this Louis Vuitton bag. It’s quickly becoming a standalone piece for the brand. A beautiful top handle bag (more of those recs to come!) Just perfect for a night out. As of late, the brand continues to come out with new collections of the Capucines; so there really is no shortage of options!
Bottega Veneta Jodie:
Very stylish pick. Bottega Veneta is one of the fashion houses most known for its pristine leather quality. The Jodie is no exception for this brand. It’s the most casual option of the picks, but equally as sleek and definitely trendy. We recommend mini or teen size for the purpose of an evening bag.
Dior saddle bag:
Speaking of trendy, there’s nothing quite like the Dior saddle. The uniquely shaped bag is bound to draw attention. Not to mention the eye-catching “CD” lettering on its side. It’s the perfect evening bag that combines the new and vintage feel.
The Sophisticated Top Handle Bag
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Ideal For: Elegant dinners, theater outings, and sophisticated gatherings.
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Features: Sleek design, compact shape, structured handles.
Our pick(s):
Chanel Coco Top Handle:
First released in 2015, the Chanel Coco Top Handle marks just about everything that brand itself represents. Elegance, timelessness, and plain ol’ beauty! It’s a versatile handbag that can be worn anytime, anywhere. It’s also reminiscent of the brand’s classic flap: with the well-loved quilting pattern and CC logo. Truly a beautiful option in this category.
Hermes Mini Kelly:
A standalone piece from Hermes. Can be worn over the shoulder, but definitely a chic piece when worn top-handle. Most of us dream to own a piece of the Hermes brand, and the Mini Kelly is a definite notable pick! Fendi peekaboo is a good alternative at a definite lower cost.
Dior Lady Dior:
This bag is as classy as its inspiration. Named after the lady of all ladies, Princess Diana, this bag is an iconic piece of history. And for good reason. It’s a bag truly fit for a princess! With its signature silhouette and intricate quilting, this bag has become a defining piece of the Dior brand. It's a classic that will undoubtedly stay a favorite for generations to come.
The Trendy Backpack
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Ideal For: Travel, outdoor activities, and hands-free convenience.
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Features: Durable materials, multiple compartments, and a modern look.
Our pick(s):
Prada Nylon backpack:
A fashionable, sustainable option! It’s waterproof, it’s comfortable and a staple piece from the brand. The fashion house has a variety of Nylon backpack designs, many of which include several pockets and compartments. Depending on the type of backpack there’s also a couple of color options, though we recommend the black colorway. Can’t go wrong with this pick! Just be aware that Nylon can rip as it is a fabric, so you’ll want to be careful tossing this item around any rough surfaces.
Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini:
When it comes to designer backpacks, Louis Vuitton never disappoints. There are so many options for designs and sizes. If you’re looking into something smaller, look no further than the Palm Springs Mini. We also love the Clapton backpack that you can find pre-loved.
Chloé backpack:
It’s durable, it’s functional, and it’s super cute! A great option and relatively wallet friendly too! If you’re in the mood for a mini backpack, the Chloé Faye backpack is a really cute and casual pick that you can buy on the resale market.
The Beach Bag
Ideal For: Beach days, poolside lounging, and summer outings.
Features: Spacious and durable, with room for all your seaside essentials like sunscreen, a towel, and a good book.
Our pick(s):
YSL Rive Gauche:
I (Maya), personally own this one myself and I love it! Perfect for travel as it’s collapsible and folds flat really easily. You can also button the sides closed to give it a slightly slouchier and less structured shape. Perfect for holding a few towels, some sunscreen, books, etc. Can be worn while strolling the pier or on a boat ride! A good alternative is the Burberry Medium Freya tote.
Givenchy medium G tote in Rafia:
You really can’t think about a beach bag without thinking: Rafia. Givenchy is our pick, as we believe in dipping our toes in the trends without going overboard on price. These bags will be worn at the beach afterall! Sand and designer can be a tricky pairing. Another alternative is the Jimmy Choo Beach Tote East-West.
Fendi Mini Roll in Brown FF raffia:
The perfect option iIf you don’t want to bring too many items with you. This one has a zipper closure which we love! Also has a removable strap so this can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag!
If you are looking into more rafia options, Loewe in particular offers several designs, including the Basket bag and Fold Shopper. And one can’t forget about the iconic Prada crochet tote!
Well there you have it! We’ve shared some of our personal favorite picks, but we also understand that the perfect bag is a personal choice. Our goal is to help you find the piece that speaks to your style and suits your needs.
No matter the occasion, we’re here to guide you in selecting a designer bag that’s truly special to you. Explore our collection of new and preloved luxury pieces to find the perfect addition to your wardrobe! Here’s to finding your next must-have!
