We evaluate all recommendations independently. We may receive compensation if you click on links we provide.
While regular canvas bags can be used to carry personal items, they don’t have the charm and craftsmanship of designer bags. With their timeless appeal and timeless quality, designer bags are more than just bags: they can elevate any outfit by adding personality and elegance. “A bag is a popular style, so it doesn’t need to undergo a radical change to be considered ‘fashion,’” says Ana Correa, footwear and accessories strategist at WGSN. “Designers can explore new ideas and materials to update them, but they are not trend-driven pieces.”
With so many designer bags to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are worth spending your money on beyond the logo. That’s why we turned to our team of style and trend experts for advice. We considered practicality, durability, price, and style to compile a list of the best designer bags that are built with functionality in mind.
Why we like it: The Gramercy Tote from Coach is our favorite thanks to its versatile functionality and sleek, minimalist design. The spacious interior can hold a 16-inch laptop, and interior pockets provide easy access to small items like your phone and keys, making it ideal for work and travel. A magnetic closure keeps your belongings secure, and four protective feet help prevent scratches on the genuine leather. Despite its simple, understated look, the bag is far from your average tote. The trapezoid shape gives a classic design a modern twist, and the adjustable shoulder strap with an asymmetrical buckle adds style and versatility—you can carry it by hand or crossbody.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a designer bag that’s suitable for any occasion and doesn’t cost too much. This bag is cheaper than other options and offers great quality without the big investment. But remember: with only one interior pocket, organization can be a challenge, so you may want to consider bringing an extra bag or makeup pouch to keep small items organized.
Why We Love It: Do you prefer modern designers over traditional luxury brands? This bag from Spanish fashion brand Paloma Wool is a perfect choice—just ask Kaia Gerber, who’s been wearing it since last fall. Crafted from shiny cracked black leather and brown suede, the bag naturally wears over time, revealing the suede. Its simple East-West-inspired body (a popular design, according to Correa) is adorned with eye-catching eyelets, giving it a bold, modern look. Best of all, the two thin straps attach to any eyelet, allowing for personalized style and versatility.
Who it’s for: If you’re not into classic designer bags, the cracked texture and eyelet trim give this bag a unique twist. While it’s not ideal for carrying your laptop to and from the office, it’s still roomy enough to fit all your daily essentials and more.
Why we like it: This tote bag from Parisian brand Polene is sleek, sophisticated, and versatile enough to suit your everyday needs. Its roomy trapezoid silhouette is large enough to hold all your work essentials, including a laptop. But simply folding the sides together transforms it into a more structured flower shape, giving it a sophisticated, compact look. Two sets of shoulder straps make it easy to carry by hand, over your elbow, or over your shoulder, and a detachable zippered pocket keeps your essentials at hand.
Who it’s for: You want a bag that offers great value for money. The convertible design is essentially two bags in one.
Materials: Leather, microfiber and suede lining | Dimensions: 6.7L x 12.6H x 15W inches | Closure: Magnetic
Why we like it: If you’re serious about investing in a designer handbag, it needs to be practical and timeless—you’ll want to wear it every day for years to come. This structured, boxy bag from Prada may be called “medium,” but make no mistake—it’s roomy enough to easily fit all your everyday essentials and a tablet. (It’ll even fit a small laptop, although it’s a little tight!) A snap closure keeps your belongings secure, while dual handles and a detachable shoulder strap give you multiple carrying options. The inside of the bag features a flap pocket for easy storage of cards and keys. Finally, it’s made from Saffiano leather, a highly durable cross-grain leather that’s scratch-resistant and holds its shape over time, making this a truly durable bag.
Who it’s for: You’re willing to splurge on a timeless investment that’s easy to carry around for work and play. However, if you need to carry your laptop to and from the office (especially if it’s larger than 13 inches), this might not be the best option.
Why we like it: Sometimes a big bag is more than you need. Compact and practical, the Midi New York Tote from DeMellier is the perfect carry-on for everyday essentials, evening outings, and more. Its trapezoid silhouette is super stylish and has a snap closure to keep your belongings secure. The tubular top handle lets you carry the bag by hand or in the crook of your elbow. Plus, there’s a detachable shoulder strap included in case you need to go hands-free.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a stylish bag that won’t weigh you down, this small but roomy bag will be a wardrobe staple you’ll reach for again and again. Keep in mind that it’s big enough to hold a tablet, but it won’t fit a laptop.
Why we like it: Another style expert we spoke with recommended this Cuyana tote. “This bag is a great example of a wardrobe staple,” says Camille Guidry, stylist, personal shopper, and designer. “Its design includes a strap for a secure shoulder carry and has enough interior space for a laptop, making it ideal for professional use.” Reviewers love the elongated silhouette, which makes it easy to carry a laptop (it holds up to a 15-inch laptop) and more. “The material is high-quality leather, and without any distracting design details, it’s easy to pair with a variety of looks,” Guidry said. The bag comes with two pairs of straps—one 6 inches long and one 10 inches long—that can be worn with either the short handles or a traditional shoulder strap. The bottom of the bag has a sturdy, flat base, adding structure to the sleek silhouette.
Who it’s for: Its vertical design makes this bag the perfect companion for those who need to carry laptops, tablets, and other tech gadgets to and from the office. Its sleek, minimalist style and spacious interior also make it a great choice for other everyday needs.
Why we like it: A raffia tote is a must-have for a beach vacation, and this tote from Loewe is truly made to be carried around. Its unique origami shape folds flat, making it easy to slip into a suitcase or store away. But when unfolded, it becomes a roomy bag, perfect for storing just about any beach essential. The contrast leather handles are both stylish and practical, making it easy to carry over the shoulder.
Who it’s for: You want a bag that’s big enough to hold sunglasses, sunscreen, and even a beach towel, but doesn’t take up too much precious carry-on space.
Why we like it: “For travel, a large weekend bag is a great option,” says Guidry. She chose this canvas and leather bag from Longchamp. “It’s a well-known brand, so you can trust the quality,” she says. “The black canvas gives you flexibility when packing different-sized items and hides scuffs and marks. It’s a more classic style and a good starting point when considering options.” It’s roomy and simple in design, big enough for a weekend hike but can double as a duffel bag during the week to hold a change of clothes, a laptop, and other essentials.
Who it’s for: Whether you’re heading out on a trip to the countryside or hitting the morning Pilates class before heading to the office, this bag is roomy enough to hold a change of clothes (and shoes!) in addition to other everyday essentials.
Materials: Recycled canvas, recycled polyester jersey | Dimensions: 17.7L x 13.8H x 9.1W inches | Fastening: Top zip with snaps
Why we like it: The Perry Tote from Tory Burch is a fan favorite because it’s your go-to work bag. The bag features a clever three-piece design, a center zip pocket that can fit a 13-inch laptop, and spacious exterior compartments that easily store your daily essentials. Three interior slip pockets easily hold smaller items like key cards, house keys, and headphones. And with a comfortable 10-inch shoulder strap, you can easily sling the bag over your shoulder as you head to work in the morning or plan your day after work.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a roomy bag that can hold all your work essentials, this bag won’t disappoint. But keep in mind that only the middle pocket is zipped, the rest of the compartments are unprotected.
Material: Leather | Dimensions: 14.2(L) x 11.4(H) x 5.3(W) inches | Closure: Center zip compartment
Why we love it: “I tried this bag on my last trip to Milan and it’s been in my head ever since,” says content creator and creative consultant Coco Bassey. “When I buy a designer bag, I always go back to Bottega Veneta because the quality always makes up for it.” Bottega Veneta has been crafting fine Italian-style leather goods since the ’60s. Known worldwide for its intrecciato weaving, it features interwoven strips of leather that create a basket-weave effect. It’s an investment, but worth it given the handcrafted craftsmanship and quality of each bag. These bags will only improve over time and retain a high resale value. The soft, relaxed shape will never go out of style and holds a lot of stuff.
Best for: You’d rather invest in a designer bag that’s “understated luxury” than one with flashy brands and logos. But keep in mind that the short 4-inch handle isn’t ideal for carrying over the shoulder.
Why we like it: Who does minimalism better than The Row? The Park Tote embodies the brand’s signature understatement: a tall, north-south silhouette that’s deep and roomy enough to hold a laptop, water bottle, and more. It’s crafted from supple Italian pebbled leather, which is both durable and sophisticated, with a texture that naturally hides the signs of daily wear. But the interior is also minimalist, with no interior dividers or organizers, so organization lovers may want to invest in an extra pocket or two for storing smaller items.
Who it’s for: Minimalist fashionistas will appreciate this sleek, minimalist design that’ll easily transition from work to the weekend.
Why we love it: Hereu is a Spanish accessories brand that uses centuries-old manufacturing techniques in a family-run manufacturing facility. Their impeccable standards make their bags top our wish lists. “The level of craftsmanship at Hereu is higher,” says stylist Lainie Rusch. A departure from the typical canvas bag, this bag is made from premium organic cotton canvas and features contrasting leather trim. The spacious, open interior is roomy enough for essentials, while a zipped pocket with straps provides easy access to smaller items like cards and keys. Plus, the 11.8-inch strap length makes it comfortable to wear over the shoulder.
Who it’s for: You want a stylish, sophisticated, classic canvas bag that you can take with you from an afternoon brunch to an evening glass of wine.
Why We Like It: Mansur Gavriel’s bags are a hit. You may have seen Katie Holmes or Taylor Swift wearing a simple bag from the brand. Zip-up bags are one of the most popular styles among shoppers. This particular model is made from saffiano leather, which is scratch-resistant and extremely durable. The small size allows you to fit a surprising amount of stuff, including a 13-inch laptop and all your essential carry-ons; there’s also a zippered pocket inside for extra storage. The strap is 8.5 inches long, allowing you to wear the bag with two handles on your shoulder or in your hand. It’s also very lightweight, weighing in at just 1.4 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down. This bag is sure to be a stylish, safe, and reliable choice for everyday carry.
Who it’s for: You want a stylish yet durable bag that can stand up to everyday wear. If you’re careful with your bags, you might want to consider one of these sleek leather bags.
Why We Love It: Reviewers can’t get enough of the Marc Jacobs Medium Tote. This bag is the most recognizable on our list because it’s the only one with a large logo front and center. With a 4-inch top handle and a convertible shoulder strap that extends to 27 inches, this tote is versatile enough to let you easily find the strap length that best suits your needs. The canvas design folds up easily, making it the perfect option for storing at home or as a travel companion. The interior of the bag features a zippered pocket and two wall pockets to store essentials. Available in a variety of colors; there’s always an option to match your personality and preferences.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a great designer product at an affordable price, this bag will satisfy your designer cravings at a reasonable price.
You should always follow the brand’s or trusted professional’s recommendations first. “If the bag needs additional work, I’ll have it repaired by a leather professional,” Guidry said. “You can also contact the bag manufacturer directly to inquire about cleaning procedures or to see if they offer in-home cleaning or repair services.” Roush also recommends checking with a store associate before making a purchase.
If that’s not possible, experts have found that spot cleaning is often effective. “It depends on the material, but since I prefer waterproof materials, I’ve found there’s nothing a warm, damp towel can’t do,” says Bassey. Guidry is also careful at home. “To safely test the material, I use a slightly damp cotton towel, even without soap at first.” She then wipes the entire outside of the bag and uses another clean, dry towel to thoroughly dry the bag. “If I’m traveling with the bag, I’ll wipe the buttons or handles with Lysol or Clorox, then immediately wipe them dry.”
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your bag. “I have a dedicated shelf in my closet at home where I keep all my larger bags,” explains Bassey. “I also fold some of my collapsible bags and put them in a duffel bag if I want to protect some bags from the sun.” Sun protection is an important factor, as is how you stack and arrange your bags on shelves. “You need to have enough shelf space in your closet to store your bags,” says Guidry.
But she advises making sure there’s a designated place for it. “The key is to have enough space so that you don’t damage the handles or the shape.” Avoid stretching the shape, she says. “It’s best not to hang the bag, or the straps will stretch over time.” Another tip is to use the dust bag that comes with the designer item. “If the bag you bought came with a dust bag or any other packaging, it’s a good idea to use it for extra protection,” says Guidry. They’re included for a reason.
“It all depends on what you’re using the bag for, consider your style and brand, and pick a bag that fits your lifestyle,” Guidry said. “I recommend keeping things simple and clean when designing bags.” (Ruch agrees with the minimalist approach to style.)
“For workwear, a good choice would be casual shoes, well-tailored wool trousers, a classic button-down shirt, and a trench coat paired with a handbag,” adds Guidry. “If you want to add a little extra detail for certain occasions, you can add a classic or sentimental brooch, depending on the material, or tie a silk scarf around one of the handles.” When it comes to travel, she suggests pairing the handbag with a luxurious cashmere suit or a sporty outfit with a good pair of comfortable sneakers.
Jenna Igneri is a writer and editor who has worked in fashion and beauty media. As an editor, she often sees and tries brands in person, in designer showrooms, which provided ample research opportunities for this article. As a New Yorker, Jenna also knows the importance of owning a handbag that is both stylish and practical.
In this article, the following experts tell InStyle magazine what to look for when choosing a designer bag: