To offer a little insight into the bag situation at Bazaar, we tapped our editors (and a few others) to share their recommendations for the best everyday bag. Some prefer something small and soft, like a Miu Miu Arcadie, while others spring for a practical Baggu tote or a Mulberry leather carryall. Whether you’d rather go for a big-name designer purchase or are looking for a more affordable option that you won’t mind setting on the floor of a subway car, our team has a wide breadth of suggestions.
When choosing your own everyday bag, Farfetch senior women’s fashion editor Celenie Seidel suggests taking stock of what you already have and letting that inform your next purchase. “Maybe you’re someone who favors flexibility or a big empty cavity,” she says. “You need to know yourself and your bag behavior: If you follow your needs, you’ll end up being able to really use and cherish your purchase, which will make the investment feel very worthwhile.”
Ready to find the best everyday bag for you? Read up on our recommendations below.
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A Multi-Use Bag
Savette Symmetry 19
“I love the clean lines of Savette’s bags. This square silhouette can be worn crossbody, or carried as a top handle which makes it ideal for going from errands to a dressy meet up.” —Aemilia Madden, fashion contributor
Dimensions: 5″ H x 8″ L x 2.5″ W
Materials: leather
This Bag with a Message
MZ Wallace x Lingua Franca Give a Damn Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
MZ Wallace has once again partnered with embroidery aficionado Lingua Franca on a special edition of their bestselling Metro tote, timed to the upcoming presidential election. The phase, written in a cheeky cursive, is intended to encourage voters to make sure their voices are heard. “By wearing it, you’re making a statement that you care about the world and are committed to positive change,” says Lingua Franca CEO, Rachelle Hruska MacPherson. “It fosters a culture of responsibility and compassion, reminding us that our actions matter and that together, we can create a positive impact.” 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization doing exactly that. —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Dimensions: 12.70″ H x 11.60″ L × 9.40″ W
Materials: REC Oxford, leather, metal hardware
This Small Shoulder Bag
Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Convertible Crescent Bag
“When I’m not carrying my laptop but just running around the city, I like a simple yet unique bag that goes with everything and isn’t annoying to carry.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Materials: Leather
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This Double-Handle Leather Bag
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote
For those who tend to travel with an entire change of clothes, a book, a water bottle, and an emergency hot sauce, this roomy bag will fit all of that and more. The soft, buttery leather comes in a range of color options, so you can choose something neutral, or go for bold.
Dimensions: 12.3″ H x 21.6″ W x 5.1″ D
Materials: Pebbled leather
This Soft-Sided Purse
Tod’s Logo-Pendant Leather Tote Bag
“Via my own satisfaction found via being able to squeeze as many items as possible into a small space, I personally favour slightly softer leathers and shapes that aren’t too rigid and therefore aren’t too dictatorial about what you can or can’t fit within the bag.” — Seidel
Dimensions: 10″ H x 5.7″ W x 6.7″ D
Materials: Leather
This Smart Shoulder Bag
Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace
“Recently at fashion week my Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace really came through for me – while already containing my phone, wallet, keys, passport, a rather bulky sunglasses case, a large handful of cosmetics products, headphones, mints and hand sanitizer, I thrillingly was able to also squeeze a block of chocolate and a block of tofu inside, after an emergency grocery store dash in Paris.” — Seidel
Dimensions: 5.1″ H x 7.9″ W x 3.9″ D
Materials: Leather
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This Convertible Mini Bag
Polène Numero Neuf Bag
“Polène is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and offers chic and timeless handbags. And the best part? The bags never break the bank. The Numero Neuf in camel goes with everything, is seasonal, and comes with a removable strap, which offers versatility when styling it.” —Alicia Banilivy, fashion and retail credits editor
Dimensions: 19cm H x 32cm W x 16cm D
Materials: Leather, cotton lining
This Mrs. Prada–Approved Bag
Miu Miu Arcadie Matelassé Nappa Leather Bag
“This is singlehandedly the best bag purchase I’ve ever made. Words cannot describe how much I love the Miu Miu Arcadie. The elongated shape is unique—it reminds me of a pencil case—but it fits so much more than pencils. Actually, I could probably put a pencil case in here and then some. I’ve managed to put agendas in it, along with my cell phone, spare makeup, and a bunch of cute little tchotchkes (which usage is clearly Mrs. Prada–approved). I also just absolutely love the look. And I wear it with everything.” —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor
Dimensions: 12cm H x 27cm W x 9cm D
Materials: Leather
This Easy-to-Carry Tote
Baggu Cloud Bag
“I tried elevating my daily tote to a leather version, but you just can’t beat the comfort and roominess of Baggu’s Cloud Bag. It fits my laptop, a book, and then some, and has an interior zipper pocket and exterior slot pocket for optimal organization. I carry it with me pretty much every day—and it’s great for travel too.” —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor
Dimensions: 14 ” H × 13″ W
Materials: Recycled heavyweight nylon
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This Hands-Free Belt Bag
Clare V. Fanny Pack
“I like this Clare V fanny pack as a work bag on days when I don’t need to carry much more than a Kindle, a wallet, and an iPhone. I wear it like a crossbody, fairly high up on my chest, almost where a long necklace would hit. The gold hardware adds visual interest to simple tops and sweaters, and always make me feel more pulled-together.” —Izzy Grinspan, digital director
Dimensions: 7″ H x 7″ W
Materials: Natural grain leather
This Abstract Yet Utilitarian Bag
Luar Black Large Ana Tote
“My fiancé gave me this bag for my birthday and I’m obsessed. I always love an unexpected, abstract silhouette in a bag, and surprisingly, the large version of this holds all my essentials—even my work laptop.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Dimensions: 10″ H x 14.5″ L x 2.5″ W
Materials: Leather
This Grown-Up Ruched Bag
Proenza Schouler Ruched Top-Handle Tote Bag
“I desperately wanted an elevated tote and this Proenza bag is just that. The ruched detailing makes the hobo-esque shape feel a bit more sophisticated (and allows it fit snug under my arm).” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor
Dimensions: 13.8″ H x 12.6″ W x 6.3″ D
Materials: Leather
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This Elevated Tote
Mulberry Clovelly Tote Linen Green Micro Classic Grain
Clean lines, sharp silhouette, and carry-all size, this smart tote has it all. If you’re generally commuting with a laptop and other essentials, this stylish, sleek tote can get you from point A to B with elegance.
Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 15.3″ W x 6.3″ D
Materials: Micro Grain Leather
This Staple Nylon Bag
Prada Prada Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon Bag
“My mom had graciously gifted me her old, early-’00s Prada bag once I informed her that Prada’s nylon creations were having something of a renaissance. It’s figured as a wardrobe staple ever since, punctuating my outfits with the kind of uncomplicated cool-girl charm often found in those who frequent scenes below Canal Street. Utilitarian, versatile, and luxurious, the Prada nylon bag has reemerged as a timeless classic for a reason.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Dimensions: 18cm H x 22cm W x 6cm D
Materials: Nylon and Saffiano leather trim
This Quiet Luxury Staple
The Row Soft Margaux 12 Bag in Leather
A small, structured top-handle bag, this leather design from The Row leans into the quiet luxury trend with its logo-less body. A removable crossbody strap makes for easy carrying, and an interior toggle closure ensures that everything inside will stay put.
Dimensions: 12″ H x 9″ W x 7.5″ D
Materials: Calfskin Leather
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This Extra-Organized Tote
Dagne Dover Signature Tote
Now 24% Off
“For someone who’s guilty of stuffing everything I own in a sack, this tote has been the Holy Grail. It’s got plenty of organizational features—including sleeves for your phone, laptop, and individual writing utensils—and a sturdy base to keep everything else in place. This tote has been with me through school and work since 2018, and I still cannot recommend it more.” —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant
Dimensions: 11.5″ H x 6″ W x 14.8″ D; 9″ handle drop
Materials: Coated canvas body, vegan leather trim
This Versatile Clutch
Toteme Black T-Lock Clutch
For a compact carryall, this clutch from Toteme has the versatility to get you through the day. A detachable strap allows you to carry the bag over your shoulder in transit, and then swap to holding it come party time.
Dimensions: 6″ H x 10.3″ W x 3.5″ D
Materials: Leather, faux suede
This Travel-Friendly Bag
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
“My sister surprised me with Longchamp’s Large Le Pliage Tote as a birthday gift a few years ago, and it’s since turned into one of my main go-tos for the office and the airport. It’s roomy enough to store my laptop, overstuffed makeup bag, and other knickknacks at the same time—and since mine has a neutral brown and black colorway, it also pretty much goes with everything.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
Dimensions: 11.7″ H x 12.3″ W x 7.5″ D; 9″ strap drop
Materials: Nylon and leather
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This Multitasking Novelty Tote
Prada Large Symbole Embroidered Fabric Handbag
“The retro-futuristic ’60s print in a very wearable camel and black is reason enough to carry this bag. The well-proportioned, structured tote is also a styling triple threat. For starters, it’s a utilitarian work bag that looks chic with my Brunello gray suit. Then, it’s a fantastic travel companion, and it goes well with my Vince cashmere camel hoodie and track pants. When it gets to be all too much, it hits the beach in style, with black Birks and an Orlebar Brown swimsuit at the ready.” —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director
Dimensions: 31cm H x 39cm W x 11cm D
Materials: Fabric, leather
This Personalized Bag
Leatherology Kress XL Tote
“I love my Leatherology tote bag. It has my initials on the front, which are trapunto quilted in big letters. I love how durable the bag is, and the endless amount of space inside—I call it my second apartment! An amazing bag to take back and forth to the office, and perfect for a travel carry-on. It’s such a classic shape, and simply chic. I’m obsessed.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor
Dimensions: 12.9″ H x 15.9″ W x 6.9″ D
Materials: Leather
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