The art of shopping for the best everyday handbags may seem like a simple task, but it’s one that requires patience and careful research to truly master. A bag destined for daily use must strike a balance between form and function: if you cart your laptop into the office every day, it should be generous enough in size to house your essentials, while some might prefer a more streamlined leather shoulder bag.
The best everyday handbags, according to Vogue editors
There are certain handbags that are regularly sighted in the Vogue offices – Balenciaga’s Le City bag, Loewe’s puzzle tote and the Toteme T-Lock bag all deserve an honourable mention. But in general, our fashion editors have different takes on what makes a handbag everyday appropriate. Some favour a crossbody that enables them to go hands-free, while others will rarely leave the house without an XL tote bag, often seen to be overflowing with anything from a spare pair of shoes to a full set of Tupperware.
Functional wardrobes will benefit from bags of varying sizes: a Mary Poppins-esque bottomless tote, along with a more compact shoulder bag for shorter days or weekends that don’t call for carry-on sized luggage, will make it easy to go from day to day without scrambling around the house for last-minute miscellanea.
As for selecting a style, nothing beats a classic. Timeless designs in supple black or brown leather will slot into wardrobes more smoothly than anything too bold. Shopping for an everyday bag isn’t the time to be focussing on patterns and embellishments – instead, play it safe so you can grab-and-go at a moment’s notice, without having to worry whether or not your bag matches your outfit.
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A bag that you aim to use every day will be a long-term investment, so before going ahead and snapping up the most affordable find, take time to read product descriptions and ensure that the fabrication meets the mark. That said, you don’t want to be too precious with your new bag, as it will likely be bashed around on busy streets and squished next to fellow commuters on the tube. Instead of delicate fabrics, look for a handbag that will only look better with age and daily use – for example, the patina of the leather of the Balenciaga Le City bag is designed to look better as you use it, while the blackened hardware makes scratches less visible.
Keep reading for our guide to the best everyday handbags, with advice from Vogue editors.
The oversized tote bag
For those who like to bring a make-up bag, laptop, change of shoes and perhaps even a gym kit with them along for the day, an oversized rectangular tote bag is your best option. “As much as I’d love to carry all my essentials in a sleek little shoulder bag, the reality is I need something much larger to house all of the bits and bobs my day demands,” says Julia Storm, contributing shopping writer. “I used to think that if a bag could fit my laptop, it would do the job. Alas, this theory was recently dispelled when I realised that, while fitting a laptop is great, it’s not very practical if that’s all the bag can hold. The simple addition of my purse or water bottle would have me struggling to do up a zip, leaving me to walk around London with my bag half open.”
As for styles, the ultimate would be De Mellier’s Stockholm, while Liffner’s Mega Sprout bag in suede is popular for a reason. Elsewhere, high-street street finds like Cos’ smart suede tote and GAP’s £45 tote fit the bill perfectly.
The portrait tote bag
For something a little sleeker, you can opt for a tote bag with portrait dimensions, that tucks more neatly under your shoulder. Vogue’s fashion writer Olivia Allen likes her everyday bags to “function as a sort of black hole, collecting detritus from my day to day and swallowing up my hand while I search for my keys. My Stella McCartney Falabella falls into this category well – it’s roomy enough to house your laptop, your lunch and three or four books you’ll never read, but doesn’t make you feel like browbeaten commuter preparing for battle each morning. Plus, the slouchy shape makes it resilient to being chucked in a Lime Bike basket every morning.”
Hands-free bag
If you don’t want to be weighed down by a cumbersome, oversized tote, why not go for a sleek crossbody bag that can help you go hands free throughout the day? “It might not be the sexiest thing to say, but when it comes to choosing an everyday handbag, being hands-free is a must for me,” says Joy Montgomery, shopping editor. “When you’re barrelling through the streets of London, juggling an iPhone/coffee cup/headphones, there’s nothing worse than having to also balance a pendulous (and ever-slipping) tote bag on your shoulder like a sad, puffer coat-clad Buckaroo. Bags like The Row’s Banana bag or Lemaire’s Croissant tick all the boxes.”
Mid-sized handbag
If you want something that will house all of your essentials, and perhaps a laptop, you don’t need to necessarily go for a jumbo maxi. “Back when we were working five days in the office with a desktop Mac, the concept of taking your laptop into work was a novel one,” says Naomi Smart, shopping director Europe. “My everyday bag was a tiny Telfar mini, carrying nothing but a card, phone and keys. Ah, how times have changed! Now that we have a hybrid way of working and work travels with us, I take my laptop everywhere, and I’ve had to switch my minis for a more practical solution. Enter: the Balenciaga Le City bag, which I use for both work and play. This summer, I sourced a yellow one to complement by black version, and I always have search alerts saved on eBay for other colours.”
Compact shoulder bag
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For days when you need your house keys, phone, wallet, lipstick and not too much else, a compact shoulder bag is an everyday hero. Rosa Weait, fashion assistant, notes that for her “simplicity is key” and she often favours a baguette bag that can be tucked under the arm, and can surprisingly fit everything she needs. You can’t go wrong with a sleek ’90s silhouette, such as a Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 shoulder bag. Your back will thank you for leaving the rest of the usual tote bag clutter at home.
The small-but-mighty mini bag
A size often underestimated when it comes to practicality, Vogue’s shopping producer Mia Portet opts for a trusty mini bag for day-today dwelling. “For me, having one constant, versatile mini to house my everyday essentials is the key. If it’s big enough for my lib balm, keys, phone and purse we’re in business.” While lacking in size, a compact mini makes up for in reliability by the bucket load. “I spend a lot of time walking to get from A to B, so would rather have as little on my person as possible, my nano Balenciaga city does the job perfectly. And if I simply must carry more, I’ll grab a failsafe canvas tote to throw in my bulkier belongings. ”
