Vogue’s Guide to the Best Handbags for Any Occasion

From ATP’s fun-sized bags to Tory Burch’s functional tote.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Handbags for Any Occasion

While even some of the best designer handbag trends can go in and out of style, there are a handful of silhouettes that stand the test of time.

Think of these styles as the ultimate handbag essentials. Similar to a black blazer, white tee, or pair of blue jeans, a good handbag is just as important a staple in the wardrobe—and there’s a version for every occasion, season, and personal style.

From elevated carryalls to cult crossbodies, from the fun-sized to the functional (pretty doesn’t have to mean impractical!), here’s our guide to all of the essential handbag silhouettes and styles.

The Elevated Totes

Basic rectangle totes be gone! It’s time to invest in something just as roomy, practical, and versatile, but way less expected.

Tory Burch Sète woven tote

Yuzefi Mochi large leather tote

Hereu Calella leather-trim organic-cotton tote bag

Proenza Schouler large puffy Tobo tote

The Functional Sport

When your agenda requires something a little more casual, leave the leather behind and sling on something nylon or patent.

Prada Re-Edition 2000 mini nylon bag

Ganni recycled-shell crossbody bag

Balenciaga Wheel Sling embroidered-shell shoulder bag

By Far Billy glossed-leather shoulder bag

The Small But Mighty

Despite their small appearance, miniature bags make a big impression. After returning for multiple seasons, they’ve proven themselves to be a style with staying power rather than a fleeting trend.

ATP Atelier Montalcino Fuxia mini handbag

Ratio et Motus mini Twin 15 clutch

Boyy Bobby Surreal pebbled-leather tote bag

Staud mini Sasha crossbody bag

The New Evening Bags

Take a break from those hard clunky box clutches, and opt for something softer and more comfortable to carry. Plus, these styles will actually fit all your night-out necessities.

Paco Rabanne Sparkle 1969 mini sequined shoulder bag

Khaite the Aimee clutch

Bottega Veneta mini knotted napa hobo bag

Kara crystal-embellished tote bag

The Minimalist Shoulder Bags

Elegantly designed, neutral in hue, and timeless in silhouette, the classic shoulder bag gets a chic update that you’ll want to wear every day.

Wandler Penelope Italian-leather flap shoulder bag

Neous Delphinus small leather shoulder bag

JW Pei Ruby shoulder bag

DeMellier London the midi Milan bag

The Summertime Touch

It’s always nice to have something seasonal to carry come summertime—be it woven, canvas, or colorful.

Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag

Carolina Santo Domingo Ostra canvas bag

Muuñ Sophie straw tote bag

Petit Kouraj orange mini fringe bag

The Prim Purses

These polished day bags are for the modern woman—and will certainly make a good first impression.

Prada Galleria mini brushed-leather double-zip tote bag

Rylan mini satchel bag

Brandon Blackwood the medium Kuei bag

Mansur Gavriel Pencil bag

The Cult Crossbodies

One of the best designer handbags to invest in is the classic crossbody; styles by Loewe, Gucci, JW Anderson, or Coach are an excellent place to start.

Loewe mini Puzzle leather bag

Gucci Padlock small shoulder bag

JW Anderson chain mini leather crossbody bag

Coach Pillow Tabby shoulder bag 18

This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Madeline Fass