The Best Fall Bags, According to Bazaar Editors

“Prada’s buckle belt bag is the new It bag, but also this version hits all the notes for fall. I love this one in rich chestnut brown and in suede, it feels both elevated and cozy, the perfect investment for an everyday bag this season.”—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

When the bag looks this good, you build the outfit around it. To balance out its structured body and elongated handles, we’d suggest pairing it with a soft, oversized knit layered over a slim trouser with a pair of black kitten heels to round out the look.

Both Bella Hadid and our editors at Bazaar can’t get enough of Coach’s much talked about Brooklyn bag. Reasonably priced (the largest size rings in for less than $500), it’s proof that you don’t need to break the bank for a quality handbag you can pack to the brim and will love for years to come.

Loewe’s Squeeze was a hit ever since it debuted on the AW23 runway and it’s still one of our go-tos for a classic, everyday bag. Made from soft, sheepskin leather, the small is the perfect size for running errands, weekend brunches or evening soirées.

“I’ve been wanting to incorporate a huge bag I can stuff with everything I own to carry under the crook of my elbow like all the Miu Miu girls do for some time now. I love how big the Aventure bag is but how the handles are still wide enough to throw over my shoulder, not to mention the hardware and buckling adds the perfect amount of whimsical vintage charm. Speaking of, they are also the perfect thing to hang charms and trinkets off of, which is also something I’m sure Mrs. Prada would approve of.” —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor

It’s no news that I’m a fan of Madewell. They consistently deliver stylish pieces, designed to last, at an accessible price point. Their bestselling Essential bucket tote is exactly that. It’s roomy enough to easily fit the things we need daily—phone, wallet, keys, headphones and the latest buzzy novel—while looking elegant. Any color will serve you well but the wine-colored suede is primed for adding the perfect layer of warmth to your looks on these brisk autumn days.

“There’s no denying the power of a clean and minimalist ladylike bag for fall. Carry it to the office, to dinner, and beyond — it is the perfect accessory to polish off your look.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead

While the woven Andiamo will always be a fashion-favorite, Bottega’s Parachute bag is the perfect fall-forward update. Crafted from soft, leather-trimmed suede, it’s spacious enough to pull double duty as a work tote, while its sleek silhouette can easily transition for an evening out in the city.

Freja’s Tall tote has become an office staple. Compact and lightweight, its bucket-style shape can hold up to a 14in laptop, along with touch-up toiletries and commuter-friendly reading.

“The SC103 Links Bag is perfect to me—an unusual design but totally practical too. It’s an It bag for those who don’t like It bags, the kind of thing you’re proud to carry around because so many people stop you to ask “who makes that!?” The New York designers behind the brand, Sophie Andes-Gascon and Claire McKinney, are incredibly talented and they really nailed it with the Links.” —Brooke Bobb, fashion news director

Your everyday work bag can look chic and Cuyana’s System tote proves it. Crafted from soft Italian leather, it features elegant wide straps and a spacious interior, where you can store your laptop and use one of the many accompanying attachments for a sleek, streamlined bag. You can’t go wrong with the classic pebbled leather version, but the croc embossed style is just as versatile with a little extra flair.

A mix of hard and soft, Toteme’s popular T-Lock bag features a structured body with a soft flap closure that adds just the right amount of slouch.

Another favorite work tote is Mansur Gavriel’s Hobo bag. “I love the ease of this tote, and its soft silhouette basically fits your whole life inside,” senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen previously wrote. With a generous 7in depth, she’s not exaggerating. The best part: no matter how much you pack in, you’ll still look stylishly put together.

Leopard print may have taken over 2024, but cow print is just as eye-catching and perfectly suited to compliment a range of neutral fall looks.

Gucci’s bestselling purse gets a motocross-inspired update with quilted leather and a detachable chain strap. Pair it with an oversized knit and wide-leg trousers for a little extra edge or a flirty, evening slip dress to toughen up the final look.