Shopping for a new handbag or purse looks a bit different for everyone — you might be after a spacious (dare I say “ludicrously capacious”) tote for work, a chic everyday shoulder bag or a snazzy clutch for special occasions. Perhaps all of the above. Underscored editors know the search all too well, which is why we’re sharing our tried and trusted favorite handbags including leather bags, durable totes and just straight-up stylish purses. See our picks — starting at just $15 — below. Psst: They make great holiday gifts!
I first found out about this bag from videos online showing how it’s the perfect size to carry around your books — and it is! It looks deceptively small considering just how much fits inside. I can easily fit a book or my Kindle with my wallet, lip gloss, AirPods and phone — all the essentials. Plus, the detachable crossbody strap makes it incredibly versatile. On days when I prefer a crossbody, it’s easy to attach the strap, or when I want to wear it as a shoulder bag, it’s simple to switch to the shorter handle. I especially love the 11-inch drop on the handle, so it sits comfortably on my shoulder without slipping off. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator
I snagged this bow-adorned red bag when Baggu did a limited-edition collaboration with one of my favorite designers, Sandy Liang. While the exact style is sold out, Baggu offers its Mini Bag — which is basically the same silhouette — in a bunch of fun colors including cherry red. It’s become my favorite purse to bring while traveling because the nylon is low maintenance and can even be folded up and tucked into a suitcase. It’s not a dressy or fancy purse by any means, but it’s a great everyday accessory for casual outfits. And despite being “mini” sized, it’s big enough to fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys and all the lip products that inevitably end up in my purse. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
When it comes to handbags and purses, I prefer timeless, neutral pieces to statement bags. And when I’m not grabbing my trusty, black leather tote, I grab this honey-toned crossbody bag from Portland Leather. It’s surprisingly roomy, durable and has become my go to bag for spring and summer. It’s been a staple in my closet for the last four years and I’m not planning on replacing it anytime soon. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
I received this handbag as a gift, and it’s truly never stopped giving! This leather purse from Madewell is versatile in design so I can either use the longer strap to make it a crossbody or hold onto it as a mini handbag. With a small interior pocket and magnetic snap to close, it’s great when I just need to carry my phone, keys, lip balm and other tiny essentials around. Whether grabbing coffee with friends or attending a wedding, this adorable handbag has come with me to many different occasions over the last year, and it gets bonus points for looking good with nearly any outfit! — Madison Yerke, digital content strategist
For the past few years, my go-to handbags have been a few different fanny packs. But a few months ago, I realized I needed more space for all my stuff and upgraded to this gorgeous leather bag. I love the slouchy hobo style and the soft, supple leather. I get so many compliments on it! You can also get it personalized with a monogram, which makes it an especially giftable bag. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
I have gotten so many compliments on this bag, and it truly is perfect. It can hold so many of my things (yes, even my mini hairbrush), while still not being bulky. This style is so on trend right now and I honestly use this bag every time I leave my house because it goes with every outfit. JW Pei is the only handbag brand I shop. I love how unique all of its bags are, yet they’re also affordable compared to others on the market. I found this brand a few years ago when I was looking for a quality vegan brand. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
I have spent years wasting money on poorly constructed purses made from cheap material. I absolutely stand firm on the idea of investing in quality bags that will last decades and outlive trends. With that in mind, and after extensive research, I landed on the chic and timeless Cuyana Concertina Shoulder Bag. It’s small enough but can also hold everything you need without being bulky. If you want to test out the brand, the cardholder is a great starting point. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
This bag is my absolute pride and joy, and I recognize that it is absolutely a splurge. Full disclosure, this was a gift for my 40th birthday and is without a doubt one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. This only gets an outing on special occasions like a black-tie event or wedding but every time I wear it, I am showered with compliments. What could be a simple black shoulder bag is elevated by the gold tassel and YSL embellishment. The calfskin is super luxurious, and it looks as good now as it did when I first received it so I know it’s a bag I will have for life. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
Earlier this year, we tested Vivrelle’s bag rental platform, which lets you pick out a designer bag each month. It was super fun to be able to “shop” designer labels like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Hermès and others whose bags usually cost thousands of dollars. I recommend it for anyone who has a special occasion to shop for or those who don’t have the space to keep a lot of handbags around but want to treat themselves. Besides its eye-catching inventory, Vivrelle’s customer service is top-notch. Since it’s a monthly subscription, the membership can still be pricey if you rent every month, but you can also freeze your account and rejoin when you’re ready. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
I’ve always been a Coach girl. From its wristlets and mini shoulder bags in the early 2000s to the polarizing Poppy collection in the 2010s, I stuck through it all. As I entered my 20s, I started thrifting the brand’s classic unlined leather bags from the ‘70s and ‘90s. So, when I saw the release of the Brooklyn shoulder bag, I knew I had to get my hands on it. In July, I bought the medium-sized version for myself for my 27th birthday. I’ve been using it ever since and it gets better with each wear — I’m probably going to splurge on the larger size too! — Elena Matarazzo, associate deals editor
This bag is so unique and genuinely one of my most proud finds. It not only looks great, but it also has so much space in it, which is something I really value. You would never guess that it is made from vegan leather and is only $100. The quality is out of this world, and this bag deserves a spot on your shoulder. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
This bag is so much fun! From the rainbow stripe pattern to the bedazzled eagle head on the front, this Kurt Geiger handbag is made for showing off. This was another 40th birthday present (yes, I have amazing friends and I really got spoiled that year) that I love taking on nights out with me. There’s plenty of room for a phone, makeup and small wallet and I’m always inundated with people asking me where it’s from. I highly recommend adding this to your handbag collection. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
Most of my bags and purses are from indie labels because I like finding accessories that stand out from the typical department store names. I was introduced to Verafied earlier this year and decided to go with this leather tote bag that I use as a work bag. It’s the perfect size for my 13-inch MacBook, glasses case, notebook and wallet, with room to spare. If I could change one thing, I’d make the skinny strap a bit thicker since it can dig in — but also, I’m usually toting around about 10 pounds of stuff. (Seriously, I weighed it one time.) Most of all, I love that it looks more like a purse than a work bag, and I get compliments on it all the time. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
Keeping in mind my goal of owning bags for years to come, Patricia Nash has a loyal following thanks to her gorgeous bags that rival luxury brands — without the five-figure price tag. This sophisticated tote can carry everything but the kitchen sink. Honestly, it’s so big it might even fit your sink! — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
This is one of my favorite bags to take around on days out in the city. It fits a surprising amount. I can usually fit the standard wallet, keys, phone, plus a water bottle, lip gloss, even my digital camera. The shoulder strap is just the right length and I like the push lock closure to keep everything secure. I have the bag in white, but I’m eyeing the navy too. — Ellen McAlpine, writer, updates
I’ve been purchasing a lot of leather handbags and office tote bags so I was missing a cute Y2K purse that is lightweight, affordable and something that can take a beating for when I’m running errands or having a casual day out with friends. And this small Croissant Sling handbag from Good Totes is just perfect. It’s made of recycled nylon so I don’t have to worry about scratching it, and it’s very spacious with lots of pockets and has padding to protect my belongings. It’s also water-resistant and comes in several fun colors! — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer
If you’re looking for a high-quality leather bag without spending hundreds, this Quince one is a staple in my wardrobe. I’ve been pretty unkind to it by tossing it around, bumping into things, accidentally stepping on it and so on and it’s maintained its shape without messing up the leather. It’s a great entry-level leather bag if you want to try out carrying something a little more expensive. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
Even though I’m a perpetual tote bag wearer, I simply can’t resist a mini handbag. Surprisingly it seems like the smaller the bag, the bigger the price tag gets. That’s why I love this affordable shearling bag from Target. Will it fit my wallet or phone? Barely. Does it match every fall/winter outfit or occasion? Absolutely. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about pros and cons of each item. For this article, our team shared their favorite handbags and purses.
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