The Types of Bags to Always Invest In

We've got it in "the bag."

The Types of Bags to Always Invest In
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As we reassessed our social lives during the pandemic, many of us also re-evaluated our handbag collection. Where exactly would we wear our purses if we only ventured to and from the grocery store? The answer, for handbag lovers, was obvious—take your new, never-been-worn-before handbags for a leisurely stroll down the frozen foods aisle!

And so, we learned our lust and love for handbags—to have and to hold—isn’t going anywhere. In fact, distance may have made the heart grow fonder, with handbag purchases and prices soaring higher than ever. 

Pockets are great, but they're even better lining the interior of a really great bag, you know? Ahead, our guide to our favorite types of handbags, to show off at the supermarket and beyond.


The Top Handle Bag

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Ever so ladylike, a top handle bag makes looking good look easy. A perfect fit for the palm of your hand, this handbag silhouette is one of the most chic ways to accessorize.

types of bags

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The Netted Bag

Nothing but net? Not these. Originally used as produce bags at French markets, the netted bag has seen a resurgence for several seasons now. Modern day iterations come adorned with leather handles, logos, and practical linings.

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The Clutch Bag

The name rings true: this handheld purse does come in clutch for toting around the smaller items. No longer reserved for just evening wear, the strap-free bag can also lend an air of sophistication to your daytime activities.

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The Backpack

Backpacks aren't just for primary school attendees, in fact they're one of our premier choices for toting around all of your stuff. Fashion houses are on board too, offering elevated hardware options, modern fabrications, and enough room to fit the whole kit and caboodle.

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The Crossbody Bag

A crossbody bag is as stylish as it is pragmatic. Tote around your coffee, your phone, or find a hand to hold, because these hip-grazing styles are completely fingers-free.

types of bags

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The Shoulder Strap Bag

Intended to be carried just below the arm, shoulder bags aren't just adorable, they're also ergonomically sound. Meaning, they're easier to carry than their bulkier counterparts.

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Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork