The United States Capitol building at night in Washington DC, USA.
Today's Top Stories
1
NARAL Board Chair Quits to Run for Congress
image
2
The Best Boots Brands for Women Right Now
image
3
Watchlist: Kat Dennings' New Show, 'Dollface'
image
4
Cute Gift Ideas for Every Member of Your Squad
image
5
How to Increase Productivity: Do Less to Do More

Editors handpick every product that we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page.

Instant Classic: Ladylike Bags

From the grips of Grace Kelly to Gaga, top-handled bags have a strong hold on style.
grace kelly
Howard Sochurek/Time & Life
From the grips of Grace Kelly to Gaga, top-handled bags have a strong hold on style.
grace kelly
Howard Sochurek/Time & Life
Bag It Up

They're a sign of the times. In the '50s, a demure framed bag was a woman's counterpart to her husband's briefcase. In the '70s, they were filled with butterscotch and Kleenex as they dangled from the elbows of grandmothers.

Grace Kelly, 1956.

1 of 11
bag
Gorunway.com
Bag It Up

Now, in a fresh pastel palette, top-handled arm candy reflects not only our current pop-culture obsessions — think Mad Men, Pan Am, and The Help — but an increasing desire for a pared-down, minimalist look. Gone are the massive slouchy sacks of yore. When it comes to what you carry, less is more.

Louis Vuitton, spring 2012.

2 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Valentino at Stanley Korshak, $1,945; (214) 871-3600.
3 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Reed Krakoff, $990; (877) 733-3525.
4 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Miu Miu, $1,960; miumiu.com.
5 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Valextra, $3,050; barneys.com.
6 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Dior, price upon request; (800) 929-DIOR.
7 of 11
bag
Denko Ivanisevic
Bag It Up
VBH, price upon request; (212) 717-9800.
8 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Prada, $3,990; prada.com.
9 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Louis Vuitton, price upon request; (866) VUITTON.
10 of 11
bag
Courtesy of Designer
Bag It Up
Dolce & Gabbana, $1,825; (877) 70-DGUSA.
11 of 11
Next
Fashion Resume: Florence Welch
grace kelly
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Fashion
image
The Best Boots Brands for Women Right Now
Katie Holmes Visits Ronald McDonald House Westmead Katie Holmes Is Stunning in Head-to-Toe Pink Suit
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
image How to Elevate Your Airport Style
image Katie Holmes Rocks a Western Fringe Jacket
image The Nordstrom Fall Sale Is Here
Street Style : Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring Summer 2020 : Day Nine The Black Friday Deals You Don't Want to Miss
image The Only Pair of Tights You Need to Survive Winter
image J.Lo and A-Rod Drop a New Line of Quay Sunglasses
image
Here's Where You Should Do Your Online Shopping
image How Personal Style Can Help Confidence at Work