The best handbags for everyday use
An everyday handbag is the one you grab without thinking. It has to go with most of what you wear, hold your phone, wallet and keys without a search, and still look good after a year of being dropped on chairs.
Our picks are neutral, sturdy and sized for daily essentials rather than a laptop.
- 1
Coach Tabby 26 Shoulder Bag
Natural grain leather with two detachable straps: a short one (9.5-inch drop) that holds the bag under your arm and a long one (21.5-inch drop) to wear it crossbody.
Typical price: $450–$500
Shop at Dillard's → - 2
Polène Numéro Un
Full-grain Italian calf leather in a sculpted, folded shape, with three inside pockets and an adjustable strap to wear it on the shoulder, crossbody or in the hand.
Typical price: $550–$600
Shop at Polène → - 3
JW Pei Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
A ruched vegan-leather hobo, 9.6 inches wide, with a magnetic closure and a short fixed strap that keeps it under your arm; it adds some interest to plain outfits.
Typical price: $75–$125
Shop at JW Pei → - 4
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
The low-maintenance pick: recycled nylon that goes in the washing machine, in a curved shape on a 47-inch adjustable strap.
Typical price: $50–$75
Shop at Baggu → - 5
Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
For everyday lives that include groceries and a gym towel: 290 g of nylon canvas that zips shut and still takes a 13-inch laptop.
Typical price: $150–$200
Shop at Longchamp →
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Try on a lookFAQ
What color handbag goes with everything?
Black, tan, cognac and taupe go with almost every outfit. Tan and taupe look softer in summer; black is the safest choice if you only buy one bag.
What size should an everyday handbag be?
Big enough for a phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses and a small pouch, roughly the size of a hardcover book. Bigger bags tempt you to carry more than your shoulder likes.
Shoulder bag or crossbody for everyday?
A shoulder bag looks more polished; a crossbody keeps your hands free and the bag in front of you. Many everyday bags come with both straps.