Handbag purchases can be very individual decisions – we all have different personal styles and tastes. However, when it comes to the most important styles of bags to have in your closet, there is a list that will help to complete your capsule wardrobe! Having this variety of just 9 bags will ensure that you’re covered for every occasion – from beach to wedding to everyday wear. Curious about what they are? Keep reading for a list of the 9 handbags that every woman should own.
1. Special Occasion
The first type of handbag on this list may not end up being your most reached-for style, but it’s certainly an important one. When it comes to special occasions, the right bag will complement your outfit, while the wrong one will distract from your beautifully, carefully chosen look. And while you certainly can use your daily handbag when it comes to special occasions, something a bit more elevated will look much more appropriate when it comes to weddings, nice dinners, galas, etc.
The great thing about this type of bag? It doesn’t have to break the bank. When I choose my own handbags, I look at the estimated cost-per-wear to determine how much I’d like to spend on a bag. Because this probably isn’t a style you’ll reach for often (unless special occasions are part of your regular lifestyle), you can certainly find a beautiful, timeless choice for $100.
2. Raffia or Straw
When it comes to your capsule wardrobe, a bag is the perfect way to add texture and interest to a basic look. You can’t beat a raffia or straw bag for your spring and summer outfits! This style of bag is perfect for casual looks or for making your elevated clothing pieces more wearable for a day-to-day outfit. Heading on a vacation soon? This handbag has got you covered!
There’s a lot to love about a raffia or straw bag. They’re durable, easy to clean, and will never go out of style. Plus, they’re a great way to add a seasonal element to your year-round staple items. Even if you’re wearing a sweater and jeans because it’s still a little chilly, a raffia or straw bag can instantly add a spring or summer-like touch to your outfit.
3. Crossbody
A crossbody bag is one of my personal favorites for day-to-day wear. For one thing, it’s hands-free. Secondly, it’s perfect for winter looks – no one wants to mess with a shoulder strap sliding off your coat sleeve when it’s windy, snowing, or raining (or maybe a combination of all three if you live in the Midwest like me). Third, if you’re traveling, it can be a more secure option than a shoulder bag. It’s an easy way to keep your valuables close, and in eyesight when the bag is around your person and placed in front of you.
If you own or are building a capsule wardrobe, I love this box-style bag from Quince. It’s classic, chic, and timeless. Yet, it’s not too elevated to wear with casual outfits. It could truly pair well with everything in your closet, and you’ll have this bag for years to come.
4. Large Tote
A large tote is another essential item for your capsule wardrobe collection of handbags. You’ll use this style of bag often, so it’s worth spending a little more upfront for this type as well. Use it on your daily commute to carry your laptop, water bottle, daily essentials, and lunch. Take it with you on the plane for your carry-on or personal item. Or, use it as a parent to carry everything that you and your kids need for the day.
The key to finding the perfect large tote is to find one that’s durable, not too heavy, and has interior organization. If it doesn’t, I would highly recommend purchasing your own interior inserts to help keep you organized. Look for a classic style that is comfortable, easy to wipe clean, and has feet – these elements make all the difference when you want longevity for your bag.
5. Shoulder Bag
The shoulder bag is another classic daily wear. Depending on the style, a shoulder bag can look slightly more elevated than a crossbody. It’s also easy to take on and off – which is a positive thing if you’re looking for easy access to your belongings inside. If you’re worried about too much weight pulling on one shoulder, a shoulder style bag is easier to move from arm to arm than a crossbody style bag.
There are so many styles of crossbody bags to choose from! If you want to get the most wear out of your bag, I recommend choosing a color that’s different from the shade of your crossbody. They are similar in purpose, and so this will allow you to match the most amount of your daily looks with one of the two bags.
6. Beach
Whether you’re headed to the beach or maybe just heading to your local park for a picnic, you’ll want a large style of bag that can hold everything from snacks to a towel to your latest read. I would recommend a raffia or straw style bag, or maybe a classic boat canvas boat tote! Both of these styles are great when you’re on the go, and need to carry a lot with you. Plus, the bags themselves are light. When you’re carrying a lot inside them, the bag itself won’t contribute any unnecessary weight.
Another great thing about both of these material types? They’re durable and easy to clean. Wipe down the straw bag, or toss the canvas tote in the washing machine if it gets dirty.
7. Belt
Here’s another hands-free option that’s an essential part of a capsule wardrobe. You’ll probably reach for this bag more than you think! A belt bag sits close to your chest, and goes over one shoulder. It’s usually small, but although it can’t hold a lot, it’s great when you just need your essentials with you.
As a dog owner, this style of bag is perfect for a long walk. It keeps my hands free to hold the leash, and doesn’t move around or swing while I’m moving. And if you’re not a pet owner, this bag is also ideal for parents for many of the same reasons.
This is also another bag you’ll want to include on your trusty packing list. It’s one of the most highly recommended styles of bags when it comes to security. Because of how small these bags typically are, they’re easy to layer underneath your coat. Keep your passport, credit cards, etc. inside. That way, you have another layer of protection against anyone trying to slip inside your bag.
8. Bucket Tote
If you want to cover all of your bases in your capsule wardrobe, it can be beneficial to mix up the orientation and material of your bags. This will ensure that you can cover outfits all year long, and have bags that add interest to your looks in different ways.
Bucket totes can be more flattering than bags that have a horizontal orientation. This is because vertical style bags draw out the long line of your body. They can also hold a lot, and are ideal for laptops or tablets. If you’re heading somewhere crowded, this can also be a great style because they’re easy to stick under your arm, and won’t stick out as much as longer bags.
When it comes to fabric, don’t be afraid to add variation to your bags! We’ve talked a lot about seasonal styles perfect for spring and summer in this post, so try a suede bag for cooler weather lo0ks. This bag can translate to warmer weather as well, but suede is a rich, luxe texture that’s ideal for dry, fall temperatures.
9. Backpack
This final style of handbag is ideal for parents, travelers and commuters! Sometimes it’s just not feasible to use a shoulder bag when you’re relying on your bag to hold a lot. You can do a lot of damage to your shoulder and bag by trying to carry too much for long periods of time on one shoulder. It can throw you off balance, and do real physical warm!
Instead, make sure you have a backpack in your capsule wardrobe to reach for on those long days. A backpack will evenly distribute the weight so that you do less harm to yourself as you walk or stand. The only downside to a backpack is that it’s not a very secure option – so make sure to keep that in mind when you’re deciding when to wear it.
Your New Go-To Handbags
A capsule wardrobe makes everything in life easier – and that goes for your handbag collection, too! Having this variety of 9 styles in your closet will ensure you have a bag for every occasion.
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