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    1. Fashion

    The Types of Bags to Always Invest In

    We've got it in "the bag."

    Sara Holzman's avatar
    By Sara Holzman
    Published 28 January 2022 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    The Types of Bags to Always Invest In
    (Image credit: Getty)
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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

    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

    (Image credit: Getty)

    types of bags

    3.1 Phillip Lim Bag

    types of bags

    Brandon Blackwood Shearling Bag

    types of bags

    Rebecca Minkoff Leather Top Handle Bag


    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.

    bags

    (Image credit: Getty)

    bags

    Prada Mesh Bag

    bags

    Longchamp Le Pliage Bag

    bags

    Nanushka Mesh Bag


    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.

    bags

    (Image credit: Getty)

    bags

    MCM Wallet Bag

    bag

    Loeffler Randall Clutch

    bags

    Naghedi Rhodes Clutch


    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.

    bags

    (Image credit: Getty)

    bags

    Roger Vivier Crystal Embellished Backpack

    bags

    See By Chloé Backpack

    backpack

    Mansur Gavriel Backpack
    $695 AT MANSURGAVRIEL.COM


    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

    (Image credit: Getty)

    types of bags

    BOYY Crossbody

    types of bags

    Bottega Veneta Crossbody

    types of bags

    Proenza Schouler Crossbody


    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.

    bags

    (Image credit: Getty)

    bags

    By Far Amber Bag

    bags

    Dior Saddle Bag
    $505
    $4,400 AT DIOR.COM

    bags

    Cult Gaia Leather Shoulder Bag

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    Accessories
    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
    Social Links Navigation
    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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