Celebrating National Handbag Day: The 5 Bags Every Woman Needs in Her Closet
Did you know tomorrow is National Handbag Day? Honestly, it might just be my favorite unofficial holiday. I mean, what’s not to love? Handbags are the unsung heroes of every outfit—the final touch that ties everything together, the daily essential that carries your life (and snacks), and let’s be real… sometimes they carry the whole look.
Whether you’re a minimalist with a rotation of two or three go-to favorites or a full-blown collector who treats handbags like wearable art, there’s something magical about finding the perfect bag. In honor of this fashion-forward day, I’m sharing the five types of handbags every woman should have in her arsenal this fall—plus a peek at a few I’m currently obsessed with.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Everyday Bag
Think of your everyday bag as your right hand—it’s with you almost all the time. That means it needs to be functional, sturdy, and effortlessly stylish. I like to go for something structured but soft, in a neutral tone that works with most of my wardrobe. Taupe, black, or deep olive are my go-tos this season.
Look for a bag that has compartments or at least enough space for your essentials: phone, wallet, keys, lip balm, sunglasses, and maybe even a snack (priorities). Whether it’s a sleek crossbody, a bucket bag, or a roomy tote, your everyday bag should be easy to grab and go—yet polished enough to take from morning meetings to evening errands.
2. The Going-Out Bag
When it’s time to swap out your tote for something sassier, you need a going-out bag that brings the wow. This is where you can have a little fun—think metallic finishes, jewel tones, embellishments, or fun textures like satin or velvet.
The key? It should be small enough to stay out of your way (we’re dancing, not babysitting a suitcase) but still hold your night-out musts: lipstick, cardholder, phone, and maybe your favorite perfume roller. Personally, I’m into mini bags with a bit of structure—they feel luxe and elevated, even when you’re in jeans and heels.
3. The Statement Bag
Fall is the perfect time to play with statement pieces, and a bold handbag is an easy way to spice up your look without much effort. Whether it’s a pop of color, an oversized silhouette, or an unexpected shape—your statement bag is the one that makes people say “Where’d you get that?”
Lately, I’ve been into geometric bags in rich fall hues like rust and mustard. They turn even the simplest outfit—a white tee and jeans—into something instantly fashion-forward. Don’t be afraid to go big here. It’s your chance to be bold, playful, and creative.
4. The Investment Piece
Let’s talk about the dream bag. The one that might’ve sat in your saved tab for months or been on your Pinterest board since forever. Yes, I’m talking about the investment piece.
Now, whether your budget allows for a luxury designer bag or a well-crafted contemporary piece, an investment bag should be timeless, beautifully made, and versatile. You want it to be something that not only looks amazing now, but will still look amazing five or ten years down the road.
Classic leather, clean lines, minimal hardware—those are the bags that transcend trends. And while the price tag might be a little intimidating, cost-per-wear truly makes it worth it. These are the bags that follow you through new jobs, travels, and milestones.
5. The Functional Wild Card
Okay, maybe this one isn’t in every fashion book, but hear me out—a functional wild card is the bag that you didn’t know you needed until it became indispensable. Maybe it’s a belt bag you wear to run errands hands-free, or a nylon tote that’s perfect for the gym, farmer’s market, or quick weekend getaways.
These are the bags that prioritize comfort and practicality, but still manage to feel cool. Bonus points if they come in fun patterns or unexpected materials—like quilted puffer textures or faux fur.
Final Thoughts
So, whether you’re celebrating National Handbag Day with a cheeky new addition to your collection or simply showing some love to your tried-and-true favorite, take this as your sign to appreciate the power of a good bag.
Shoes may take you places, but your bag carries your story. And no matter your style, budget, or lifestyle, having the right handbags at your side makes getting dressed every day a little more exciting—and a lot more put-together.
Now tell me—what’s your must-have bag this season? Let’s chat in the comments!
