The Best Everyday Bags, According to Bazaar Editors
We carry these totes, shoulder bags, and satchels 24/7
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
It’s our job at Harper’s Bazaar to stay on top of the trends, but that doesn’t mean everyone here arrives at the office with the same purse in hand. The best everyday bag is dictated by the needs of the woman carrying it. Is she toting her laptop? Heading to the gym? Jetting off for a post-work date? That said, a few things all great everyday bags do have in common are that they have to be functional, big enough to hold the essentials, and durable enough to stand up to a commute.
Shop the Best Everyday Bags
To offer a little insight into the bag situation at Bazaar, we tapped our editors (and a few others) to share their recommendations for the best everyday bag. Some prefer something small and soft, like a Miu Miu Arcadie, while others spring for a practical Baggu tote or a Mulberry leather carryall. Whether you’d rather go for a big-name designer purchase or are looking for a more affordable option that you won’t mind setting on the floor of a subway car, our team has a wide breadth of suggestions.
When choosing your own everyday bag, Farfetch senior women’s fashion editor Celenie Seidel suggests taking stock of what you already have and letting that inform your next purchase. “Maybe you’re someone who favors flexibility or a big empty cavity,” she says. “You need to know yourself and your bag behavior: If you follow your needs, you’ll end up being able to really use and cherish your purchase, which will make the investment feel very worthwhile.”
Ready to find the best everyday bag for you? Read up on our recommendations below.
"I love the clean lines of Savette's bags. This square silhouette can be worn crossbody, or carried as a top handle which makes it ideal for going from errands to a dressy meet up." —Aemilia Madden, fashion contributor
Dimensions: 5" H x 8" L x 2.5" W
Materials: leather
MZ Wallace x Lingua Franca Give a Damn Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
MZ Wallace has once again partnered with embroidery aficionado Lingua Franca on a special edition of their bestselling Metro tote, timed to the upcoming presidential election. The phase, written in a cheeky cursive, is intended to encourage voters to make sure their voices are heard. "By wearing it, you’re making a statement that you care about the world and are committed to positive change," says Lingua Franca CEO, Rachelle Hruska MacPherson. "It fosters a culture of responsibility and compassion, reminding us that our actions matter and that together, we can create a positive impact." 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, grassroots organization doing exactly that. —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Dimensions: 12.70" H x 11.60" L × 9.40" W
Materials: REC Oxford, leather, metal hardware
Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Convertible Crescent Bag
“When I’m not carrying my laptop but just running around the city, I like a simple yet unique bag that goes with everything and isn’t annoying to carry.” —Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Materials: Leather
For those who tend to travel with an entire change of clothes, a book, a water bottle, and an emergency hot sauce, this roomy bag will fit all of that and more. The soft, buttery leather comes in a range of color options, so you can choose something neutral, or go for bold.
Dimensions: 12.3" H x 21.6" W x 5.1" D
Materials: Pebbled leather
"Via my own satisfaction found via being able to squeeze as many items as possible into a small space, I personally favour slightly softer leathers and shapes that aren’t too rigid and therefore aren’t too dictatorial about what you can or can’t fit within the bag." — Seidel
Dimensions: 10" H x 5.7" W x 6.7" D
Materials: Leather
"Recently at fashion week my Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace really came through for me - while already containing my phone, wallet, keys, passport, a rather bulky sunglasses case, a large handful of cosmetics products, headphones, mints and hand sanitizer, I thrillingly was able to also squeeze a block of chocolate and a block of tofu inside, after an emergency grocery store dash in Paris." — Seidel
Dimensions: 5.1" H x 7.9" W x 3.9" D
Materials: Leather
“Polène is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and offers chic and timeless handbags. And the best part? The bags never break the bank. The Numero Neuf in camel goes with everything, is seasonal, and comes with a removable strap, which offers versatility when styling it.” —Alicia Banilivy, fashion and retail credits editor
Dimensions: 19cm H x 32cm W x 16cm D
Materials: Leather, cotton lining
Miu Miu Arcadie Matelassé Nappa Leather Bag
“This is singlehandedly the best bag purchase I’ve ever made. Words cannot describe how much I love the Miu Miu Arcadie. The elongated shape is unique—it reminds me of a pencil case—but it fits so much more than pencils. Actually, I could probably put a pencil case in here and then some. I’ve managed to put agendas in it, along with my cell phone, spare makeup, and a bunch of cute little tchotchkes (which usage is clearly Mrs. Prada–approved). I also just absolutely love the look. And I wear it with everything.” —Tara Gonzalez, senior fashion editor
Dimensions: 12cm H x 27cm W x 9cm D
Materials: Leather
“I tried elevating my daily tote to a leather version, but you just can’t beat the comfort and roominess of Baggu’s Cloud Bag. It fits my laptop, a book, and then some, and has an interior zipper pocket and exterior slot pocket for optimal organization. I carry it with me pretty much every day—and it’s great for travel too.” —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor
Dimensions: 14 " H × 13" W
Materials: Recycled heavyweight nylon
“I like this Clare V fanny pack as a work bag on days when I don’t need to carry much more than a Kindle, a wallet, and an iPhone. I wear it like a crossbody, fairly high up on my chest, almost where a long necklace would hit. The gold hardware adds visual interest to simple tops and sweaters, and always make me feel more pulled-together.” —Izzy Grinspan, digital director
Dimensions: 7" H x 7" W
Materials: Natural grain leather
“My fiancé gave me this bag for my birthday and I’m obsessed. I always love an unexpected, abstract silhouette in a bag, and surprisingly, the large version of this holds all my essentials—even my work laptop.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Dimensions: 10" H x 14.5" L x 2.5" W
Materials: Leather
Proenza Schouler Ruched Top-Handle Tote Bag
“I desperately wanted an elevated tote and this Proenza bag is just that. The ruched detailing makes the hobo-esque shape feel a bit more sophisticated (and allows it fit snug under my arm).” —Katie Intner, associate beauty editor
Dimensions: 13.8" H x 12.6" W x 6.3" D
Materials: Leather
Mulberry Clovelly Tote Linen Green Micro Classic Grain
Clean lines, sharp silhouette, and carry-all size, this smart tote has it all. If you're generally commuting with a laptop and other essentials, this stylish, sleek tote can get you from point A to B with elegance.
Dimensions: 15.8" H x 15.3" W x 6.3" D
Materials: Micro Grain Leather
“My mom had graciously gifted me her old, early-’00s Prada bag once I informed her that Prada’s nylon creations were having something of a renaissance. It’s figured as a wardrobe staple ever since, punctuating my outfits with the kind of uncomplicated cool-girl charm often found in those who frequent scenes below Canal Street. Utilitarian, versatile, and luxurious, the Prada nylon bag has reemerged as a timeless classic for a reason.” —Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Dimensions: 18cm H x 22cm W x 6cm D
Materials: Nylon and Saffiano leather trim
A small, structured top-handle bag, this leather design from The Row leans into the quiet luxury trend with its logo-less body. A removable crossbody strap makes for easy carrying, and an interior toggle closure ensures that everything inside will stay put.
Dimensions: 12" H x 9" W x 7.5" D
Materials: Calfskin Leather
Dagne Dover Signature Tote
“For someone who’s guilty of stuffing everything I own in a sack, this tote has been the Holy Grail. It’s got plenty of organizational features—including sleeves for your phone, laptop, and individual writing utensils—and a sturdy base to keep everything else in place. This tote has been with me through school and work since 2018, and I still cannot recommend it more.” —Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant
Dimensions: 11.5" H x 6" W x 14.8" D; 9" handle drop
Materials: Coated canvas body, vegan leather trim
For a compact carryall, this clutch from Toteme has the versatility to get you through the day. A detachable strap allows you to carry the bag over your shoulder in transit, and then swap to holding it come party time.
Dimensions: 6" H x 10.3" W x 3.5" D
Materials: Leather, faux suede
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote
“My sister surprised me with Longchamp’s Large Le Pliage Tote as a birthday gift a few years ago, and it’s since turned into one of my main go-tos for the office and the airport. It’s roomy enough to store my laptop, overstuffed makeup bag, and other knickknacks at the same time—and since mine has a neutral brown and black colorway, it also pretty much goes with everything.” —Tiffany Dodson, associate beauty commerce editor
Dimensions: 11.7" H x 12.3" W x 7.5" D; 9" strap drop
Materials: Nylon and leather
Prada Large Symbole Embroidered Fabric Handbag
“The retro-futuristic ’60s print in a very wearable camel and black is reason enough to carry this bag. The well-proportioned, structured tote is also a styling triple threat. For starters, it’s a utilitarian work bag that looks chic with my Brunello gray suit. Then, it’s a fantastic travel companion, and it goes well with my Vince cashmere camel hoodie and track pants. When it gets to be all too much, it hits the beach in style, with black Birks and an Orlebar Brown swimsuit at the ready.” —Miguel Enamorado, accessories director
Dimensions: 31cm H x 39cm W x 11cm D
Materials: Fabric, leather
“I love my Leatherology tote bag. It has my initials on the front, which are trapunto quilted in big letters. I love how durable the bag is, and the endless amount of space inside—I call it my second apartment! An amazing bag to take back and forth to the office, and perfect for a travel carry-on. It’s such a classic shape, and simply chic. I’m obsessed.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor
Dimensions: 12.9" H x 15.9" W x 6.9" D
Materials: Leather
Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,The Cut, and The Wall Street Journal.
She also writes a newsletter called Taeste Bud, that covers stuff we buy, places we go, and the people we want to be. Previously, she held roles at The Zoe Report, WhoWhatWear and Popsuagar. Aemilia attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in Political Economics. In her time away from the internet, Aemilia is probably out on a hike.
You can follow her on Instagram here.
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