The art of shopping for the best everyday handbag may seem like a simple task, but it’s one that requires patience and thought to truly master. A bag destined for daily use must strike a balance between form and function: it should be generous in size – but not too big – to house your essentials, as well as versatile, so that you can pair it with anything in your wardrobe.
Read more: Shop the Vogue Editors Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Take inspiration from the Vogue office, where stylish everyday handbags are a common sight. From high-street iterations, courtesy of Cos and Reformation, to pre-loved Prada, Balenciaga and Gucci bags, scroll on to discover the styles the Vogue team relies on.
Read more: Vogue’s edit of the Best Designer Handbags
Vogue editors’ everyday handbags:
Laura Hawkins, fashion features editor
My office style tends to be fairly low-key (far gone are the days I used to slip into a heel or a mule), so I love to elevate that sense of everyday with a ladylike top-handle bag. The poised mid-size style makes me feel put together, even if I’m shuffling around in shoes akin to slippers, and means I can carry plenty, including a book, make-up and a stash of fruit as I attempt to hit my five-a-day. The Prada Galleria in a bold tangerine is my current go-to, but I also couldn’t resist The Cambridge Satchel Company’s collaboration with Hello Kitty, which adds a serious quota of cute.
Joy Montgomery, shopping editor
It might not be the sexiest thing to say, but when it comes to choosing an everyday handbag, being hands-free is a must for me. When you’re barrelling through the streets of London, juggling an iPhone/coffee cup/headphones, there’s nothing worse than having to also balance a pendulous (and ever-slipping) tote bag on your shoulder like a sad, puffer coat-clad Buckaroo. Bags like The Row’s Banana bag or Lemaire’s Croissant tick all the boxes.
Alice Cary, senior shopping writer
I go through phases of carrying different bags. The most-used bag in my wardrobe is Simone Rocha’s nylon crossbody, which I invested in last year and haven’t looked back since. It can fit so much more than meets the eye, and I’ve received endless compliments about the pearly strap (strangers have run up behind me to ask where it’s from). Sadly, my colleague Daniel Rodgers recently yanked off one of the bows (by accident) so I need to get it repaired, stat. I’ve also got notifications set on various resale sites for a red vintage Balenciaga Le City bag. Finger’s crossed!
Honey Sweet Elias, associate market editor
My go-to everyday handbag would be the Bottega Veneta Large Hop, the most comfortable shoulder bag to ever exist. I’m always looking for a bag big enough to hold my laptop and all the other things I carry around – spare shoes, scarf, jumper, water bottle – the list goes on. This bag fits it all. It’s practical for the airport, too, plus the soft leather and wear this bag has is impeccable.
Naomi Smart, shopping director, Europe
Back when we were working five days in the office with a desktop Mac, the concept of taking your laptop into work was a novel one – my everyday bag was a tiny Telfar mini, carrying nothing but a card, phone and keys. Ah, how times have changed! Now that we have a hybrid way of working and work travels with us, I take my laptop everywhere, and I’ve had to switch my minis for a more practical solution. Enter: the Balenciaga Le City bag, which I use for both work and play. This summer, I sourced a yellow one to complement by black version, and I always have search alerts saved on eBay for other colours.
Eniola Dare, fashion editor
For the past few months I’ve carried Toteme’s T-Lock top-handle bag on repeat. I love this bag – it’s chic and the perfect size to carry my everyday essentials.
Charlotte Rutter, fashion & wardrobe assistant
Usually a sucker for a small shoulder bag, the search for a new everyday staple that can actually house my belongings has been a lengthy one. This chocolate-brown slouchy tote from Massimo Dutti is the perfect fit, with adjustable straps and soft Nappa leather finish.
Julia Storm, contributing shopping writer
If I’m fond of a bag, I tend to use it constantly until it’s on its last legs, which means it needs to be big enough to house all my daily essentials and durable enough to withstand perpetual use. My current obsession is Dear Frances’s Como tote bag, which ticks all the boxes, plus its minimal shape and soft leather finish sparks joy every time I grab it as I dash out the door.
Mia Portet, shopping producer
The bag I find myself returning to year after year is a beloved vintage Prada Nylon bag that I found on eBay. I snapped mine up on Christmas morning a few years back (while most people are off their phones during this period, my alarm was poised for this awkwardly-timed auction to end). Big enough to fit my day-to-night essentials, plus other knick-knacks, this bag is the ideal minimal shape and looks great with every outfit I own. It will be worn for many years to come!
