How To Shop For A Chic Everyday Handbag

Oh, how I love shopping for a chic everyday handbag! A stylish handbag is an easy way to update and elevate your outfit whether you’re wearing old jeans or a cute dress. You don’t have to worry about whether it fits your waistline or flatters your arms. And if you know how to shop online, you have endless choices! Here’s how to shop for your next chic but practical everyday handbag…

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How To Shop For That Chic Everyday Handbag

Before you start shopping…

Know What Size Handbag You Need Every Day

If that cute little bag on sale doesn’t fit your everyday essentials, walk away! Do you need only your wallet, keys, and phone? Or do you also need room for a makeup bag, water bottle, and glasses?

A few years ago, I wanted to elevate my handbag style, so I bought the most affordable bags from my contemporary brands (which tend to be in the $250-$800 range). Of course, the most affordable bags were the smallest ones. They’re lovely to look at, but not practical for my everyday needs.

Pro Tip: When shopping online, look for the dimensions in the description. Photos (even with models) can be deceiving!

To simplify, I’m only including small and medium handbags in this post. Though micro-bags and oversized bags are trending now, they’re just not practical for most of us to carry daily.

Figure Out Your Budget

I like to use the cost-per-wear method to figure out how much to spend. To calculate the cost-per-wear, divide the price you pay by the number of times you think you will use your handbag.

A $300 classic leather handbag that you use every day for 3 years, makes more sense than a $200 transparent tote (remember those?) that now looks out of style.

Please note: the prices I’ve listed were available at the time of writing, but may change when you are reading this post!

Choose A Color That Works With Most of Your Closet

I have a few cute bags in floral prints or bright colors, but find that I tend to use my neutrals the most as I don’t have to worry about pattern mixing or a color clash!

Chic Everyday Tote Bags

Tote bags are usually rectangular or trapezoid-shaped bags with small handles. They may have a zipper or clasp at the top, or be completely open. They may include pockets, compartments, and a key tether or nothing at all.

This is the Small Zipper Tote by Mansur Gavriel, made in Italian Saffiano leather (a stiff leather with a texture). I found this one at Nordstrom Rack so look out for totes like this there too!

You may also like:

Kate Spade Cara Tote Bag – 13″W x 11″H x 4″D

Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Tote – 14″W x 11 1/2″H x 4″D.

Madewell Zip Top Essential Tote – 11″H x 13.5″W (bottom measurement) x 7″D.

Currently Trending – Bucket Bags

The most current bucket bags (yes, shaped like a bucket) are made in soft leather with an open top or magnetic closure. Some have a crossbody strap option. You’ll also find structured bucket bags and ones with drawstring closures, but I’m seeing less of these styles.

I bought this slouchy Proenza Schouler White Label Spring Bucket Bag when it was on sale. It was a little too big for me – 16.1″W x 4.7″D x 13″H – so I returned it, but it was lovely.

Madewell’s Essential Bucket Tote is simple, classic, and affordable. It’s 11 2/3″H x 8 2/5″W x 5″D.

Cuyana makes elegant, simple bags, including the Linea Bucket Bag, which comes in three sizes and with a leather strap for a crossbody option. You can also buy a pouch separately to keep your valuables secure. Cuyana’s goal is to make bags that can be customized with straps and pouches, and used for many, many years.

Curved Shoulder Bags

Hobo and crescent bags have been popular – those trends are still going strong. Mine is an older Marc Jacobs. Their current crescent bag has a detachable pouch.

Coach Lana Sholder Bag 23 – 8.75″ x 7″ H x 5.5″ W – comes in a pretty color block option. The larger version – 13.25″ L x 20.25″ H x 7.75″ W – comes in 4 elegant colors. These are currently under $500 at the Coach online store, but you may receive a discount for signing up for their Insider program.

Looking for Coach styles at a lower cost? Coach also has an Outlet line that has beautiful shoulder bags like the Eliza Shoulder Bag – 9.75″ L x 6.5″ H x 2.5″ W – for under $150.

Crossbody Or Convertible Bags

I did read an article about crossbody bags going out of style, but for me, they are a necessity. Bonus, if they are convertible i.e. if they have adjustable or removable straps.

This Proenza Schouler White Label bag has adjustable straps and is made in supple, soft leather. They call it the Small Baxter, but I would call it medium-sized – 11.2″W x 2.4″D x 10.2″H. (Currently under $500, but look out for sales at Bloomingdale’s.)

I also bought this crossbody bag from Banana Republic. It’s absolutely beautiful, but the lack of inner pockets was a deal-breaker for me.

Where To Buy Your Chic Everyday Handbag

If you’re not sure what you want, department stores are a great place to find new brands and styles. If you shop online, you’ll find that you can narrow down your choices by size, color, and budget.

• Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s are my favorite places to find current handbags and great sales.
• Kate Spade is the go-to brand for whimsical, colorful, and affordable handbags.
• Nordstrom Rack and Off Saks Fifth Avenue have a huge assortment of past-season styles.
• For mix-and-match accessories, check out Cuyana’s system bags and totes.
• Madewell bags have a rustic look and feel. Hobo International Bags are similar.
• For classic handbags, look at Coach, Tory Burch, and Longchamp.
• For slightly edgy handbags, try Rebecca Minkoff or Mac Jacobs.

Pro Tip: If your favorite styles aren’t within your budget, see if the brand offers canvas, nylon, or faux leather bags as they are usually more affordable.

Also, look for a “sister” (usually called outlet or factory) brand. You’ll get a similar look and feel at a lower price.

If you’re reading this on Memorial Day Weekend 2024 take a look at these huge markdowns:

Leather Convertible Handbag with adjustable straps – 10.25” W x 9.5” H x 2.75” D

This Satchel has both handles and a crossbody strap. It’s available in Coach Outlet’s Signature Canvas as well as leather – 13.75” W x 7.65” H x 5” D

This Zippered Tote has a minimalist look but has plenty of pockets to keep your valuables organized – 14.5” W x 9.75” H x 6.0” D.

I have a Coach Outlet handbag that I bought 7 years ago, and every time that I take it out, someone compliments it and asks me if it’s new.

Related Post: My Staud Mini Moon Bag And Other Cute Handbags

Tell me, what are your favorite handbag brands and where do you find chic everyday bags?