Chic & Classic Bags for every season
Quality handbags for the long haul
Quality handbags for the long haul
When I’m investing in leather purses, work bags and travel totes, my process always starts with this very reasonable goal: striking the balance between great craftsmanship, neutral-enough in color, and visually interesting in shape. I only want to add bags to my collection that’ll feel exciting to reach for five years later, and ideally, bags that can carry seemingly everything under the sun. I’ll share some past purchases that are still going strong today, plus some other elegant and timeless bags I’ve got my eye on!
This post was originally published on Nov. 1st, 2021. It was edited and updated on August 7th, 2025.
PolÈne Numero Dix, $660
I added this bag to my lineup back in 2019, and six years later, it still looks flawless: the leather is buttery soft and thankfully, not prone to stains or scratches. Via Polène: this half-moon bag is inspired by the equestrian world and the design includes delicate hand stitched details. Polène bags are hand-made in Spain of full-grain, smooth calf leather. This bag comes with two adjustable shoulder straps for added versatility.
Staud Alec bag, $350
This slim, patent leather bag has lived amongst hundreds of my outfits since 2021: the Alec is my most-used bag of all time without a doubt. My only qualm is that it doesn’t comfortably hold a pair of sunglasses in a case and my camera, so I have to choose between them or carry the bag unzipped if it’s imperative I have both.
By Far Bags, $120 on sale - $700 full price
By Far is a gorgeous brand to turn to for unique, well-made bags in a seemingly endless array of colors. The style pictured here is the Baby Amber, and you can often find them on resale sites and places like Farfetch: here’s one in a soft yellow! I love having one boldly-colored bag, but keeping it tiny keeps it feeling balanced. This one is ideal for dancing or a night out when all you’re trying to carry is a lipgloss, ID, and maybe some mints.
Sezane Navy Handle Raffia Tote, $285
I wore this bag nearly every day on a recent trip to France: it just might be the perfect vacation tote. Excellent for the beach (fits a book, camera, sunscreen, light sundress, phone, etc.), and is equally great for wandering around all day—it’s so lightweight.
Audette Baguette Bag, $470
This stunning chocolate-colored purse made it into my life earlier this year, and I’ve hardly been able to put it down—I’ve loved accessorizing with different scarves depending on the day and the outfit. The bag is hand-crafted in Spain and is available in 10 colors. Marge Sherwood also has a similar style if you’re into this shape!
Santa Croce Woven SHoulder Bag, $456
A bag from Dragon Diffusion has long been on the wishlist—I love this large, slouchy bag: ideal for travel or work!
Caterina Top Handle Bag, $448
I can see a bowling bag or something similar making its’ way into my closet this year. I’m also loving the smaller, baby blue version of this bag!
J. Crew Bucket Bag, $228
This bag turned up out of thin air and landed on my doorstep on a December afternoon in 2023. It was addressed to my husband, came with zero packaging and no order receipt, and despite extensive research—texting every friend and family member we knew, asking if they were behind it, then posting about the incident on Instagram when no one claimed it as their doing—the mystery remains unsolved and plagues us to this day. Thank you again, suede bag Santa. Regardless of the story behind the bag, I genuinely love it and I’d had it on my ShopMy wishlists prior to its’ appearance: further adding to the intrigue. Anyway, it’s well-made and holds absolutely everything you could possibly need on a daily basis.
St. Agni Bon Bon Bag, $425
Everything St. Agni touches turns to gold: this soft red bag is no exception. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about their quality and customer service, so you truly can’t go wrong.
Madewell Mylie Shoulder Bag, $198
I still regularly use the transport tote I received for my 18th birthday—you know the one—though it doesn’t appear to be in stock at the moment. Madewell’s leather, suede and overall craftsmanship has held up over the last decade, and I love this bag as a more affordable alternative to woven Dragon Diffusion totes.
For weekend bags and travel essentials, head here.
For everyday essentials in my bag, head here.
Honorable Mention — Boat & Tote, $39.95
I love my canvas tote from LL Bean, though I wish every day I’d chosen the longer strap option. I really don’t know why they offer a strap that can’t be worn over your shoulder comfortably when the general idea with the bag is that you’re carrying a lot around in it. Oh well, nonetheless, I’ve resigned the bag to being used on roadtrips where it mostly acts as a vessel for items from my house that’ll immediately be unpacked in my Airbnb or hotel!
Hope you found a bag or two that will work well with your wardrobe for years to come!
Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to buy any of the products I refer to and promote. All opinions are my own.