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…

How To Shop For That Chic Everyday Handbag
Before you start shopping…

Know What Size Handbag You Need Everyday

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 blue leather tote was just beautiful, but I had to return it because I needed more than one pocket to stay organized.

If it works for you, this is the Small Zipper Tote by Mansur Gavriel made in Italian Saffiano leather (a stiff leather with a texture). There are 7 gorgeous colors (including one on sale).

I bought mine from Nordstrom Rack where you’ll find older colors. The blue is sold out but they currently have it in pink:

Mansur Gavriel Small Zipper Tote – 12 1/2″W (bottom measurement) x 10″H x 4″D. (Currently under $200 at Nordstrom Rack).

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 Schuler 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.

Tory Burch’s McGraw Bucket Bag is currently on sale at Bloomingdales in blue – 8.3″W x 4.5″D x 10.4″H – or gold -7.1″W x 7.5″D x 5.5″H. Both are currently on sale and under $300.

Michael Kors Townsend Convertible Crossbody Bucket – 8.75″W x 5″D x 7.75″H – has a zipper closure and a removable crossbody strap.

Need a bigger size? This Medium Bag – 12″W x 5.75″D x 10.25″H – doesn’t have a removable strap but is the same shape and style. Both are currently on sale at Bloomgdales for under $150.

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 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 a Marc Jacobs that is currently available in black.

This year I’m noticing more handbags that are curved at the top and square at the bottom.

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 Bloomingdales).

I also bought this crossbody bag from Banana Republic. It’s 7.5″H x 9.5″W x 2.75″D and is currently on sale for under $250. 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 Bloomingdales 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.