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
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.
Manu Atelier Micro Pristine Pink, $415 at Manu Atelier
Crossbody
Rachel Comey Tambourine Crossbody Bag, $450 at Anthropologie
Crossbody
Forever 21 Faux Leather Crossbody, $24.90 at Forever 21
Crossbody
J.Crew Signet Bag, $128 at J.Crew
Crossbody
Haerfest Jo Crossbody Saddle Bag, $365 at Opening Ceremony
Crossbody
Zara Mini Split Suede Crossbody Bag, $49.90 at Zara
Day Clutch
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.
Clare V. Margot Flat, $215 at Need Supply Co.
Day Clutch
Marie Turnor Accessories The Lunch Clutch, $245 at Shopbop
Day Clutch
Loeffler Randall Tasseled Woven Suede Clutch, $195 at Net-a-Porter
Day Clutch
Loewe Large Logo Embossed Calfskin Leather Pouch, $650 at Nordstrom
Day Clutch
ASOS Eyelet Knot Clutch Bag, $30 at ASOS
Day Clutch
FLYNN Freddy Pouch, $55 at Urban Outfitters
Day Clutch
i ro se Seamless Clutch, $92.99 at Need Supply Co.
Weekender
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.
American Apparel Diagonal Strap Gym Bag, $52 at American Apparel
Weekender
Everlane The Twill Weekender, $98 at Everlane
Weekender
Kate Spade New York Classic Nylon Leland Weekender, $378 at Kate Spade New York
Weekender
JMcLaughlin Medium Sailcloth Duffle Bag, $245 at JMcLaughlin
Weekender
Splendid Salinas Weekender Bag, $138 at Shopbop
Weekender
Cuyana Weekender Bag, $175 at Cuyana
Weekender
Herschel Studio Sutton XS, $90 at Need Supply Co.
Weekender
Madewell The Transport Weekender, $298 at Madewell
Evening Clutch
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.
AANDD Leather Double Clutch, $264 at Assembly New York
Evening Clutch
Zara Minaudière With Two-Tone Stripes, $39.90 at Zara
Evening Clutch
Charlotte Olympia Pandora Foil-Embellished Perspex Clutch, $1,645 at Net-a-Porter
Evening Clutch
Alexander McQueen Small De Manta Silk Clutch, $485 at Nordstrom
Evening Clutch
Inge Christopher Palermo Clutch, $115 at Shopbop
Evening Clutch
& Other Stories Cracked Patent Leather Box Clutch, $95 at & Other Stories
Structured Day Tote Bag
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.
Kara Tie Leather Tote, $495 at Net-a-Porter
Structured Day Tote Bag
Auxiliary Ketel Tote, $325 at Aritzia
Structured Day Tote Bag
Foley + Corinna Tye Tote, $135 at Revolve
Structured Day Tote Bag
Sara Barner Morrison Bag, $518 at La Garçonne
Structured Day Tote Bag
Louise et Cie Towa Satchel, $398 at Nordstrom
Structured Day Tote Bag
Urban Outfitters Reversible Vegan Leather Tote Bag, $59 at Urban Outfitters
Structured Day Tote Bag
Mansur Gavriel Mini Lady Top-Handle Leather Bag, $1,124 at Matches Fashion
Just for Fun
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.
Anna Sui for Opening Ceremony Birthday Cake Bag, $805 at Opening Ceremony
Just for Fun
Sophia Webster Speech Bubble Embroidered Leather Clutch, $495 at Net-a-Porter
Just for Fun
Nasty Gal Kiss Up Metallic Clutch, $48 at Nasty Gal
Just for Fun
Charlotte Olympia Sliver Space Invader Backpack, $1,395 at SSENSE
Just for Fun
Furla Candy Satchel, $278 at Furla
Just for Fun
Les Petits Joueurs Mini Alex Bunny Striped Satchel Bag With Fur Pom, $1,450 at Bergdorf Goodman
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.
The post The 6 Types of Bags Every Woman Should Own appeared first on theFashionSpot.