10 Functional and on-trend bags for everyday wear
The most practical pouches for both the keys-only and the everything-but-the-sink set.
It's September – time for clean slates, new notebooks and fresh fall wardrobes. These five handbag trends have been popping up in street style photos and on Insta stars, so if you're in the market for an upgrade you'll be in good company. But, one photo can't show you the true functionality of a handbag. Trends are fun, but we all need a bag that works for our lives. That means pockets to stash things, multiple strap options and style are all equally important. Read on for 10 handbags that are cute, covetable, and practical.
Circle bags
Say hello to a shape you may not have considered. The straw circle bag was the bag of the summer, but circles are still in demand for fall — just with less beachy materials. This Pixie Market mini is a perfect size for the daily essentials – phone, wallet, lip balm, headphones. It hits two trends with the top handle and structured shape, but also has a handy shoulder strap. And vegans take notice – it's fake leather.
Pixie Market black circle mini bag, $125, pixiemarket.com
Design details make a bag memorable. Here, tortoiseshell handles push this chic circle firmly into "must have" territory. The warm orange tone and faux-suede contrast lend a seventies vibe; imagine this bag with wide-legged, high-waisted jeans and fisherman's sweater. It comes with a shoulder strap and in a faux snakeskin version, too.
Topshop Tortoiseshell handle bag, $50.29, topshop.com
Oversized relaxed tote
Seen at Victoria Beckham and Balenciaga, the exaggerated tote or hobo is here for all the women who can't live without a big bag. It's a useful trend for moms who eschew the diaper bag (something I prefer do). Baggu makes simple pieces in quality materials – their take on this trend is as good as it gets for far less than designer prices. The one drawback is no interior pockets, so add a cute zippered pouch to hold the essentials.
Baggu leather tote, $233.95, shopbop.com
This soft Italian-made tote comes in six colours, but I was drawn immediately to this mellow yellow, the golden shade of crisp leaves. It's roomy enough to hold gym clothes and lunch, plus it has a large interior pocket that can be removed (it attaches with magnets). Leather handles last longer than suede, which can stretch with use. This is a tote you invest in now to love for years.
Simons suede tote, $150, simons.ca
Structured, top handle
A bit of a throwback, the structured top handle handbag pairs just as well with jeans as a prairie skirt. The rich blue of this handmade Italian satchel is gorgeous, especially when paired with classic gold accents. I also appreciate the footed studs which keep the bottom of the bag from touching the floor. The inside is divided into two pockets, with two zippered areas, and a shoulder strap is included. It may be an investment, but this is a bag that will last until it becomes vintage.
Le Parmentier Atlanta top handle satchel bag, $299, ca.forzieri.com
Long handles would make this a basic black tote. Swap in gold-tone circles, however, and you have a modern take on a classic shape. Box bags are another trend from the runway, but they tend to run small. This roomier version is more practical for everyday use. Plus, the detachable change purse is handy – though I would prefer to keep it tucked in for a more streamlined look.
Aldo Acilla top handle tote, $55, aldoshoes.com
Backpacks
Repeat after me: Backpacks are not just for the swing set set. Perfect for commuters, cyclists and parents alike, it's ideal for when you need your hands free (for coffee, babies, text convos, etc.). Designers served up rucksacks in everything from sequins to faux fur, but these picks are more practical. This nylon Adidas version packs a punch with a colourful, yet still autumnal, floral pattern.
Adidas Originals floral print backpack, $58.91, asos.com
Montreal's Matt & Nat makes beautiful accessories from exclusively man-made materials – they're a fashion-loving vegan's dream. The Brave, above, is an upgrade from the more casual vibe we expect from a backpack. The faux-leather looks and feels luxurious, and I love the deep purple shade (called Fig; it comes in 10 colours). A rose-gold top zipper is more convenient than the traditional half-zip, plus there's a cellphone-sized outer pocket. Finally, the straps are fully adjustable to get the exact fit and comfort you want.
Matt & Nat Brave backpack, $145, mattandnat.com
Belt bags
Yes, belt bag is just a more mature way of saying fanny pack. But that's not the only thing more grown-up about this '90s classic. Look at this little leopard beauty! Animal prints are big for fall; add in the "circular" oval shape and you're hitting three trends at once. This version is a good size, too – just be sure not to stuff it silly or it won't sit right.
ANT Women of the Meow-ment oval belt bag, $54, nastygal.com
Bring a little bit of summer to back to school, even if you haven't been in school since fanny packs first came out. Vancouver-based Herschel is known for cool backpacks, so it's no surprise they've been making belt bags, a.k.a. hip packs, for years. The Sixteen is medium-sized; they run from the wallet-sized Fifteen to the multi-pocketed Eighteen. Yes, it comes in black, but isn't the palm print cuter?