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    1. Fashion

    Carry Me Home: This Season's Best Luxury Handbags

    This fall, invest in a timeless handbag that looks just as good going out as it does staying in.

    Julia Gall's avatar
    By Julia Gall
    Published 29 September 2020 In Buying Guides

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    Model with large handbag on lap

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    I found myself in a conundrum planning this fall handbag feature while we were still under lockdown in May. As sweatsuits became the de facto uniform, accessories were quickly cast back into their dust bags and shoeboxes. Even I, a person whose day-to-day revolves around them, guiltily abandoned my leather treasures. This shift in lifestyle directly contributed to an existential career crisis: Who am I to confidently fill our pages with handbags when I hadn’t touched one in months?! As I cautiously started to open up my wardrobe again and took inventory of the untouched accessories, I regained the appreciation of the craftsmanship, quality material, and the proportions of my handbags. I began thinking about why we even carry handbags in the first place. Aside from looking great, they provide comfort in the knowledge that our most essential personal items are with us in the unpredictable outside world. But what about when we’re inside, amongst everything we “need?”

    This handbag feature is a tribute; a subtle love letter to the hardworking leather goods that enable us to be prepared for anything thrown our way. Here, the season’s most covetable handbags take center stage, with barely any clothes to compete against, and held tightly and closely. These neutral-hued handbags in sturdy but sumptuous leathers and intricate woven styles, are classic go-tos that will last well beyond this moment in time. In their dependability, we can find comfort after all.

    Lean on Me

    Model leaning on handbag

    SAVAGE X FENTY BRA, WORN THROUGOUT, $50; FENDI BAG, $6,500.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Barely There

    Model sitting of sofa with handbag on lap

    TOD’S BAG, (SIMILAR STYLE) $1,945; FREE PEOPLE BOY SHORTS, $24.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Keep Close

    Close up of model with handbag

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Cross Body

    Model in Christian Dior top with handbag

    DIOR COAT (FOR SIMILAR STYLES) AND BAG, $3,250.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Hold Tight

    Model holding up brown handbag

    SALVATORE FERRAGAMO BAG (FOR SIMILAR STYLES), $3,500.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Close Knit

    Model in bra holding knitted handbag

    DOLCE & GABBANA SKIRT (SIMILAR STYLE), $995; AND BAG (SIMILAR STYLE), $3,695.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Lean on Me

    Model sat on window sill holding handbag

    PRADA BAG (SIMILAR STYLES); WOLFORD BODYSUIT, $240.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    Baggage Claim

    Brown Louis Vuitton handbag on stool

    LOUIS VUITTON BAG, $5,700.

    (Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

    MODEL: LULU BONFILS AT MUSE MANAGEMENT NYC

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    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Julia Gall
    Julia Gall
    Social Links Navigation
    Creative Consultant, Stylist, and Writer

    Julia Gall is a creative consultant, stylist, and writer. She is the former Style Director at Marie Claire where she covered all things fashion, as well as styling tips, wardrobe upkeep and sustainability.

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