Handbag Styles Explained: Tote, Crossbody, and More

So, you're on the hunt for a new handbag, huh? Maybe you're tired of lugging around that same old faithful bag, or perhaps you're just looking to add a little something extra to your wardrobe. Whatever the reason, welcome! We're diving deep into the world of handbags, exploring everything from the classic tote to the ever-popular crossbody and beyond. Think of this as your ultimate handbag style guide, designed to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing world of purses and find the perfect match for your lifestyle and fashion sense.

Tote Bags The Ultimate Everyday Handbag for Women

Let's start with the workhorse of the handbag world: the tote. Tote bags are generally large, open-topped bags with two handles. They're incredibly versatile and perfect for carrying everything you need for a day at work, a trip to the gym, or a weekend getaway. Think laptops, books, water bottles, snacks – you name it, a tote can probably handle it.

Use Cases:

• Work: A tote is ideal for carrying your laptop, documents, lunch, and other essentials to the office. Look for one with a padded compartment for your laptop and plenty of organizational pockets.
• Shopping: Ditch the plastic bags and use a tote for your groceries or shopping trips. A sturdy canvas tote is a great eco-friendly option.
• Travel: A large tote can serve as a carry-on bag for travel, allowing you to keep your essentials close at hand.
• Gym: Pack your workout clothes, shoes, water bottle, and towel in a spacious tote bag.

Product Recommendations:

1. The Everlane Day Market Tote: This classic leather tote is known for its durability and timeless style. It's made from Italian leather and is available in a range of colors. Price: Around $175.

2. L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag: A sturdy canvas tote that's perfect for everyday use. You can even personalize it with your initials. Price: Starting at $29.95.

3. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote: A lightweight and foldable tote bag that's perfect for travel. It's made from durable nylon and is available in a variety of colors. Price: Around $155.

Comparison:

• The Everlane tote is a more sophisticated option, ideal for work or dressier occasions. It requires more care due to the leather.
• The L.L.Bean tote is a more casual and durable option, perfect for everyday use and outdoor activities. It's also more affordable.
• The Longchamp tote is the most lightweight and travel-friendly option. It's also water-resistant, making it a good choice for rainy days.

Crossbody Bags The Hands Free Handbag Solution for the Modern Woman

Next up, we have the crossbody bag. As the name suggests, this type of bag is designed to be worn across the body, with a long strap that rests on your shoulder and the bag hanging at your hip. Crossbody bags are incredibly convenient because they allow you to keep your hands free. They're also a great option for security, as they're more difficult for thieves to snatch.

Use Cases:

• Traveling: Keep your passport, phone, and other essentials safe and easily accessible while traveling.
• Shopping: Keep your hands free to browse and carry shopping bags.
• Running Errands: Perfect for quick trips to the store or post office.
• Concerts and Festivals: Keep your valuables safe and secure while enjoying the music.

Product Recommendations:

1. Madewell The Transport Crossbody: A simple and stylish leather crossbody bag that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from vegetable-tanned leather and has a classic design. Price: Around $128.

2. Baggallini Everywhere Bagg: A lightweight and water-resistant crossbody bag with plenty of organizational pockets. It's perfect for travel and everyday use. Price: Around $75.

3. Rebecca Minkoff Regan Crossbody: A more fashionable crossbody bag with a chain strap and tassel detail. It's perfect for adding a touch of style to any outfit. Price: Around $198.

Comparison:

• The Madewell crossbody is a classic and versatile option that will never go out of style.
• The Baggallini crossbody is a more practical and functional option, perfect for travel and everyday use.
• The Rebecca Minkoff crossbody is a more stylish and trendy option, perfect for adding a touch of personality to your outfit.

Shoulder Bags The Classic Handbag Style for Every Occasion

Shoulder bags are a classic and versatile style that can be worn for a variety of occasions. They typically have one or two straps that are long enough to be worn on the shoulder, but not long enough to be worn across the body like a crossbody bag. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials.

Use Cases:

• Work: A structured shoulder bag can be a stylish and professional option for carrying your essentials to the office.
• Everyday: A more casual shoulder bag can be perfect for running errands, meeting friends, or going out to lunch.
• Evening: A smaller, more elegant shoulder bag can be a great choice for a night out.

Product Recommendations:

1. Tory Burch Kira Chevron Convertible Shoulder Bag: A stylish and versatile shoulder bag that can be worn as a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag. It's made from quilted leather and has a chain strap. Price: Around $428.

2. Coach Willow Shoulder Bag: A classic and timeless shoulder bag that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from pebble leather and has a simple design. Price: Around $350.

3. Michael Kors Jet Set Chain Legacy Shoulder Bag: A more affordable shoulder bag that's still stylish and functional. It's made from faux leather and has a chain strap. Price: Around $198.

Comparison:

• The Tory Burch shoulder bag is a more luxurious and fashionable option, perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of elegance to your everyday look.
• The Coach shoulder bag is a classic and versatile option that will never go out of style. It's a great investment piece that you'll be able to wear for years to come.
• The Michael Kors shoulder bag is a more affordable option that's still stylish and functional. It's a great choice for those who want a designer look without breaking the bank.

Clutch Bags The Elegant and Compact Handbag Choice for Evening Events

Clutch bags are small, handheld bags that are typically used for evening events or special occasions. They're designed to hold just the essentials, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick. They often come in elegant materials like satin, velvet, or leather, and may be embellished with beads, sequins, or other decorative details.

Use Cases:

• Weddings: A clutch is the perfect accessory for a wedding, allowing you to carry your essentials without weighing you down.
• Parties: A clutch can add a touch of glamour to any party outfit.
• Formal Events: A clutch is a must-have for formal events, such as galas and balls.
• Date Night: A small and stylish clutch is a great way to complete your date night look.

Product Recommendations:

1. Jimmy Choo Cloud Clutch: A luxurious and eye-catching clutch that's perfect for special occasions. It's made from satin and embellished with crystals. Price: Around $2,500.

2. Kate Spade New York Knott Clutch: A more affordable clutch that's still stylish and elegant. It's made from leather and has a simple design. Price: Around $228.

3. ASOS Design Embellished Clutch Bag: A budget-friendly clutch that's perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your outfit. It's embellished with sequins and beads. Price: Around $40.

Comparison:

• The Jimmy Choo clutch is a statement piece that's sure to turn heads. It's a great choice for those who want to splurge on a luxurious accessory.
• The Kate Spade clutch is a more classic and versatile option that can be worn for a variety of occasions.
• The ASOS Design clutch is a fun and affordable option that's perfect for adding a touch of personality to your outfit.

Backpack Purses The Stylish and Functional Handbag Alternative

Backpack purses are a stylish and functional alternative to traditional handbags. They combine the convenience of a backpack with the chic design of a purse. They typically have adjustable straps and multiple compartments for organization.

Use Cases:

• Travel: A backpack purse is a great option for travel, allowing you to keep your hands free while still having easy access to your essentials.
• School: A backpack purse can be a stylish and practical way to carry your books and supplies to school.
• Everyday: A backpack purse is a great option for everyday use, allowing you to carry everything you need in comfort and style.

Product Recommendations:

1. Fjallraven Kanken Backpack: A classic and durable backpack that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from water-resistant Vinylon F fabric and has a simple design. While technically a backpack, the smaller sizes function well as a purse. Price: Around $80.

2. Michael Kors Rhea Zip Small Backpack: A stylish and compact backpack purse that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from leather and has multiple compartments for organization. Price: Around $298.

3. Herschel Supply Co. Nova Backpack: A more affordable backpack purse that's still stylish and functional. It's made from durable polyester and has a simple design. Price: Around $60.

Comparison:

• The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is a classic and durable option that's perfect for everyday use and outdoor activities.
• The Michael Kors backpack purse is a more stylish and sophisticated option that's perfect for work or dressier occasions.
• The Herschel Supply Co. backpack purse is a more affordable option that's still stylish and functional.

Satchel Bags The Structured and Sophisticated Handbag Choice

Satchel bags are structured handbags with a flat bottom, a top handle, and often a detachable shoulder strap. They are known for their sophisticated and professional look, making them a popular choice for work and formal occasions.

Use Cases:

• Work: A satchel bag is a great option for carrying your laptop, documents, and other essentials to the office.
• Meetings: A satchel bag can add a touch of professionalism to your look for meetings and presentations.
• Formal Events: A satchel bag can be a stylish and sophisticated choice for formal events, such as conferences and galas.

Product Recommendations:

1. Cambridge Satchel Company 11 Inch Satchel: A classic and iconic satchel bag that's made from high-quality leather. It's available in a variety of colors and sizes. Price: Around $180.

2. Coach Hadley Satchel: A stylish and versatile satchel bag that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from refined pebble leather and has a spacious interior. Price: Around $398.

3. Ted Baker London Niqita Satchel: A more affordable satchel bag that's still stylish and functional. It's made from faux leather and has a chic design. Price: Around $150.

Comparison:

• The Cambridge Satchel Company satchel is a classic and iconic option that's made from high-quality leather. It's a great investment piece that will last for years to come.
• The Coach satchel is a stylish and versatile option that's perfect for everyday use.
• The Ted Baker London satchel is a more affordable option that's still stylish and functional.

Wristlets The Small and Convenient Handbag Alternative

Wristlets are small, compact bags that are designed to be carried on your wrist. They typically have a wrist strap and are perfect for carrying just the essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and keys. They are a great alternative to larger handbags when you want to travel light.

Use Cases:

• Quick Errands: A wristlet is perfect for quick trips to the store or post office when you don't want to carry a large handbag.
• Concerts and Events: A wristlet can be a convenient and stylish way to carry your essentials to concerts and events.
• Travel: A wristlet can be used to keep your valuables safe and easily accessible while traveling.

Product Recommendations:

1. Kate Spade New York Spencer Wristlet: A stylish and compact wristlet that's perfect for everyday use. It's made from leather and has a simple design. Price: Around $98.

2. Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Large Flat Multifunction Phone Case: A versatile wristlet that can also be used as a phone case. It has multiple compartments for organization. Price: Around $128.

3. Vera Bradley RFID Smartphone Wristlet: A more affordable wristlet that's made from durable fabric and has RFID protection. Price: Around $48.

Comparison:

• The Kate Spade New York wristlet is a stylish and compact option that's perfect for everyday use.
• The Michael Kors wristlet is a versatile option that can also be used as a phone case.
• The Vera Bradley wristlet is a more affordable option that's made from durable fabric and has RFID protection.

Bucket Bags The Relaxed and Stylish Handbag Choice

Bucket bags are characterized by their distinctive bucket shape, typically with a drawstring or other closure at the top. They offer a relaxed and stylish look, making them a popular choice for casual outings and everyday use.

Use Cases:

• Casual Outings: A bucket bag is a great option for casual outings, such as shopping, brunch, or going to the park.
• Everyday Use: A bucket bag can be a stylish and practical way to carry your essentials for everyday use.
• Travel: A bucket bag can be a convenient option for travel, allowing you to carry your essentials in a relaxed and stylish way.

Product Recommendations:

1. Mansur Gavriel Leather Bucket Bag: A classic and minimalist bucket bag that's made from high-quality leather. It's known for its simple design and luxurious feel. Price: Around $695.

2. Madewell The Transport Bucket Bag: A more affordable bucket bag that's made from vegetable-tanned leather. It has a simple and classic design. Price: Around $158.

3. Street Level Reversible Vegan Leather Bucket Bag: A budget-friendly bucket bag that's made from vegan leather. It's reversible, giving you two different looks in one bag. Price: Around $48.

Comparison:

• The Mansur Gavriel bucket bag is a luxurious and minimalist option that's made from high-quality leather.
• The Madewell bucket bag is a more affordable option that's still made from genuine leather and has a classic design.
• The Street Level bucket bag is a budget-friendly option that's made from vegan leather and is reversible.