Handbags are an essential category in every woman’s wardrobe–we literally don’t leave home without them (well, usually). Functional and fashionable, there’s just no denying the power of a great bag–that said, the options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, we’ve narrowed down the 12 essential styles of handbags every babe should own.
This top-handle handbag takes you from home to the office to dinner and back again. Polished enough for work but practical and roomy enough to hold everything from your tablet to a pair of foldable commuter flats, a neutral satchel is an accessory wardrobe must-have.
Lulus pick: Jelena Black Satchel
Designer pick: Salvatore Ferragamo Women’s The Studio Satchel
This is your go-to weekend bag–because you’re a babe on the go. A crossbody leaves your hands free, meaning you’ll have them available for holding shopping bags or texting where to meet for brunch.
Lulus pick: Set The Trend Taupe Suede Leather Purse
Designer pick: Gucci Marmont GG Leather Shoulder Bag
There’s no need to swear off backpacks as an adult, regardless of whether you’re a student. A sleek, sophisticated option is ideal for travel, school, and even as an alternative work bag for a casual office.
Lulus pick: Lexington Tan Backpack
Designer pick: Michael Kors Womens Wythe Backpack Handbag
A carryall tote bag is a wardrobe necessity. No matter if you’re lugging your work computer, baby supplies, gym essentials, or using it as an eco-friendly plastic bag alternative, everything just looks better in a chic tote.
Lulus pick: Charmer Brown Snake Print Tote
Designer pick: Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Neverfull Shoulder Handbag
Avoid scrambling for a bag to go with your next special occasion dress by keeping a metallic evening clutch in your closet. A hardshell clutch feels extra dressy, and in a timeless color like gold or silver, you’ll be sure to get use out of it for years to come.
Lulus pick: Fashion Week Gold Box Clutch
Designer pick: Roberto Cavalli HXLPB3 100 Gold Box Clutch
Don’t be fooled by the name: You can absolutely carry this style of handbag out at night. A bit more casual and roomier than its fancy hardshell cousin, a day clutch is an ideal handbag for date nights, dinners, and informal parties.
Lulus pick: Leelou Brown Crocodile Embossed Clutch
Designer pick: Bottega Veneta Womens Clutch Winter
Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or heading off on mini road trip, a chic weekender bag ensures you’ll have room for a few nights worth of necessities, so you can leave the oversized suitcase at home. Plus, no waiting at baggage claim!
Lulus pick: Stay The Night Beige Weekender Bag
Designer pick: MCM Women’s Nomad Medium Weekender Bag
There’s just something about a structured top-handle shoulder bag with luxe texture (think embossing or quilting) that just looks perfectly polished. This is the kind of handbag that you’ll want to have on hand for dress-to-impress occasions like meeting the parents or interviewing for your dream job.
Lulus pick: Mars Black Crocodile Embossed Handbag
Designer Pick: Tory Burch Women’s Robinson Triple Compartment Tote Bag
Your warm-weather wardrobe just isn’t complete without a straw bag. For summer beach days or tropical vacations, you’ll have room in this woven wonder for everything from towels to souvenirs and more.
Lulus pick: Barela Beige Woven Straw Basket Tote
Designer pick: Michael Kors Malibu Large Woven Straw Natural Acorn Tote Bag
Wild prints like leopard and snakeskin are totally timeless–and instantly amp up any outfit. For occasions where your look needs an extra shot of glam, an animal print handbag is your style secret weapon.
Lulus pick: Nine Lives Leopard Print Circle Bag
Designer Pick: Furla Women’s Mimi Mini Crossbody Bag
Of course, it’s important to stock your closet with versatile neutral styles of handbags but it’s equally as important to have some quirky, less practical options! Go for something that just makes you smile, like a colorful, cheeky bag with playful details!
Lulus pick: Fun In The Sun Clear Multi Beaded Tote
Designer pick: Prada Saffiano Garden Floral Applique Misto Designer Crossbody Bag
What’s better than one great bag? Two great bags, of course. For travel, you can’t go wrong with a convertible style, like a belt bag that transforms into a chain-strap shoulder bag. Not only will you have day-to-night options on vacation, but you’ll have less to pack (i.e., more room in your suitcase for souvenirs).
Lulus pick: Zira Blush Pink Snake Embossed Convertible Belt Bag
Designer pick: 3.1 Phillip Lim Women’s Pashli Mini Saddle Belt Bag
Which styles of handbags do you own? Tell us the bags you’re shopping in the comments!
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