While some of the best designer handbags can go in and out of style, there are a handful of silhouettes that will always stand the test of time. Think of these styles as the ultimate companion, whatever the occasion. Similar to a black blazer, white T-shirt, or pair of jeans, the right bag doesn’t just complete an outfit – it anchors it, working across occasions, seasons and personal style evolutions.
Finding the one, however, is rarely straightforward. Before making a considered investment, it’s worth asking yourself a few key questions – particularly when the right designer handbag can hold or even increase its value on the resale market. What purpose does your bag need to serve? Are you going for plain, patent or suede leather – or avoiding leather altogether? Is it heritage or contemporary designers that you’re drawn to? Are you looking for a zingy style to grab attention or a quietly elegant companion?
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Then, there’s the question of budget. In the luxury market, there’s essentially no limit to how much you can spend – though, we recommend setting your price point before you start looking, whether you opt for something more affordable or are willing to splurge. Lastly, consider compatibility. Levelling up your bag game? Ensure the winning style goes with the majority of your wardrobe. Versatility is key.
Minimalist fans should consider The Row their first port-of-call for designer bags with pared-back appeal; from the brand’s cult Margaux bag to its newer “cousin”, the top-handled Marcel. If boho is more your style, then the Isabel Marant Oskan or the Valentino Nellcôte bag – a fringed, stud and eyelet-embellished crossbody introduced by Alessandro Michele at his debut show for the house – is a sure-fire investment.
After an archive hit? Look to Fendi’s Baguette, which was famously carried by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Kate Moss’s beloved Balenciaga Le City, or Chloé’s Paddington – revived by current creative director, Chemena Kamali, on the autumn/winter 2025 runway. As for newer bags destined for potential heirloom status? Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato Andiamo, Toteme’s T-Lock and Loewe’s Puzzle bag, introduced by former creative director, Jonathan Anderson.
From elevated carryalls to structured styles, fun-sized to functional (pretty doesn’t have to mean impractical), here’s our guide to standout handbag silhouettes and styles. Scroll on to see our ultimate designer handbag line-up.
The cult carryall: Bottega Veneta Campana
First introduced in 2004, the Campana was revived at Louise Trotter’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta. Named for its gentle, bell-like curve – a soft arc created by a continuous panel of woven intrecciato leather – the bag epitomises Bottega Veneta’s quiet mastery of form and craftsmanship. The new iteration arrives in small, medium and large sizes, and is crafted in a spectrum of shades in both leather and suede. Since the relaunch, it’s already been carried by Margot Robbie, Michelle Yeoh and Julianne Moore.
The true icon: Gucci Jackie
Few bags can claim the cultural legacy of the Gucci Jackie. First introduced in the 1960s as the Constance, the bag was later renamed after Jackie Kennedy, who famously carried it throughout her lifetime. Its curved silhouette and piston clasp have become unmistakable signifiers, and across decades, the Jackie has been subtly reworked by successive creative directors, yet never strayed too far from the original. Denma’s debut for the house opened with slouchy, supple and oversized versions of the iconic bag, which can only mean it’s on course to be an It-bag to watch in 2026.
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The new Italian classic: Ferragamo Hug
First introduced under Maximilian Davis in 2023, the Hug has become one of Ferragamo’s most recognisable bag styles. Defined by its rigid shape and distinctive leather straps that “hug” the body of the bag, it speaks to the house’s heritage of expert Italian craftsmanship while offering something a little bit unique. Available in a range of sizes and rich colourways, from classic black and burgundy to shearling-lined and studded, the Hug is already a quiet favourite among editors and the street-style set.
The equestrian-inspired bag: Chloé Marcie
Hannah MacGibbon, creative director of Chloé between 2008 to 2011, first introduced the Marcie in 2010. Drawing from Chloé’s heritage, it features equestrian details like saddle stitching; echoing the brand’s bohemian spirit – and referencing the first Chloé perfume bottle that launched in 1975. Over the years, many sizes and shapes have joined the Marcie family, but the Marcie Mini Shoulder bag, reimagined by Chemena Kamali in slouchy suede, is currently at the top of many wish lists.
The sculptural style: Loewe Puzzle
The Loewe Puzzle was Jonathan Anderson’s debut bag as creative director. Over the years, it has been heralded by fashion insiders for both its form and function – at the time of release, its dramatic geometrical design was like nothing any other brand was offering on the market. It now comes in a plethora of shapes and colourways, but we’ll always have a soft spot for the classic full-size Puzzle in black or beige.
The structured tote: Mulberry Bayswater
2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Mulberry’s Bayswater bag – the original “ludicrously capacious” tote carried by Kate Moss and co in the Noughties. It remains a hallmark of British design, and is available in a range of colourways and finishes. Several seasons ago, London-based brand Stefan Cooke dipped into the Mulberry archive and revived its key vintage styles (all of which were limited edition), including the Bayswater.
The vanity case: Savette Symmetry Pochette
Now, for a designer bag that will serve you from desk to dinner. Savette’s Symmetry Pochette takes on the shape of a classic vanity case, meaning it’s perfect for carrying a tight edit of essentials. Realised in an east-west silhouette, with a flap closure, metal hardware and a single top handle, it makes for an elegant companion.
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The bohemian buy: Isabel Marant Oskan
The Oskan has become a staple of Isabel Marant’s bohemian universe since it debuted on the spring/summer 2023 runway in Paris. With its studded detailing, relaxed structure and easy crossbody silhouette, it captures boho spirit without being cliché. Both Hobo and Moon versions of the Oskan come in buttery leather, soft suede and leopard print, or statement fringe for a full free-spirited effect. The Oskan’s lived-in appeal means it’s the kind of investment piece that only gets better with age.
The new hit: The Row Marcel
Clean lines, exquisite materials and an almost monastic approach to branding make The Row’s Marcel an instant favourite among those who value subtlety. While still relatively new, the Marcel already feels destined for long-term status: it’s yet another piece in the brand’s line-up that proves its ability to set the tone for modern luxury – and, inevitably, the wider market.
The holdall: Coach Brooklyn
Coach released its Brooklyn shoulder bag in summer 2023, and it quickly became a hit after it was spotted on Bella Hadid. The appeal of this popular style lies in its marriage of style and accessibility – its sleek design and mid-level price make it hard to ignore. Opt for the larger 39 model for daytime and the more compact 28 for evenings.
The everyday companion: Prada Buckle
Miuccia Prada is well-versed in creating It-bags. Having released a wealth of styles over the years, varying in sizes, silhouettes and finishes, she understands what it takes to design a great bag. For spring/summer 2024, Ms. Prada introduced the Buckle: a capacious accessory that can legitimately take you from desk to dinner table, decorated with an immediately recognisable belt looped around the top.
The evening sidekick: Saint Laurent Kate
Named after supermodel Kate Moss, Saint Laurent’s Kate bag has been a mainstay in the brand’s handbag oeuvre since its release in 2010. Able to be worn both as a clutch and a crossbody, the bag comes with the iconic gold logo emblazoned on the front and is available in a range of finishes, from mock croc to grained leather. The ultimate party companion.
The XXL tote: Khaite Lotus
Khaite is renowned for its arsenal of timeless, investment-worthy accessories. The brand’s Lotus tote is the perfect balance of slouchy and sturdy – it's inspired by the fluid silhouette of a scarf – ready to house everything you may need on the go.
The quiet luxury companion: Toteme T-Lock
“T-Lock has a certain ease and energy about it,” Toteme co-founder Elin Kling previously told British Vogue of Toteme’s minimalist, curvaceous bag, which resonates with the pared-back overall aesthetic of the brand. “It is precise but not so precious. That’s what I love about it.”
The Noughties throwback: Balenciaga Le City
Balenciaga’s Le City bag was a favourite of Noughties It-girls – think the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan – and last year Demna, the brand’s former creative director, brought it back in all its Y2K glory. Pierpaolo Piccioli also revived the Le City bag in his debut for the brand. While there are plenty of fashion lovers reaching for the new models, which come in a range of colourways, there are others, including British Vogue’s Naomi Smart, who are securing theirs second hand on preloved sites such as eBay.
The east-west bag: Alaïa Le Teckel
When a trusted brand such as Alaïa takes on a trend like the east-west bag, we pay attention. With its approachable design and sculptural yet understated shape, Le Teckel comes in suede and textured leather in a number of neutral and pastel shades, so finding one that complements your wardrobe is easy. Fun fact: “teckel” means dachshund in French – a playful nod to the bag’s elongated shape.
The do-it-all mini bag: Miu Miu Wander
First launched in the autumn/winter 2022 collection, Miu Miu’s Wander bag has already secured its place in the designer bag hall of fame, thanks to its distinctive matelassé detailing and compact size. Beloved by the likes of Emma Corrin, Alexa Chung, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Jaime Xie, to name but a few, its appeal shows no sign of fading.
The micro bag: Longchamp Le Pliage XS
Micro bags aren’t off the agenda just yet. Longchamp’s Le Pilage Neo XS bag holds particular cachet after being awarded eighth place on Lyst’s “hottest products” rundown for the third quarter of 2024. The miniature bag is a shrunken version of the brand’s iconic top-handle and, thanks to the adjustable shoulder strap, can be carried as a bag or a clutch, making it suitable for everyday use. The origami-inspired design comes in a mixture of two-tone colourways as well as a handful of classic monochrome variations.
The slouchy crossbody: Lemaire Croissant
Lemaire’s signature Croissant bag is, as the brand describes it, “supple yet resistant”. As its name suggests, the bag is inspired by the curved shape of a pastry, which makes for a unique, playful silhouette.
The craft-centred bag: Bottega Veneta Andiamo
It could be argued that Matthieu Blazy’s most enduring legacy at Bottega Veneta is the Andiamo. From the moment it debuted on the runway, it sent front-row guests reaching instinctively for their iPhones. Available in multiple sizes and crafted in a range of fabrications, including the house’s signature intrecciato weave, the silhouette offers a modern, elevated take on an everyday tote. Aptly named after the Italian for “let’s go,” the Andiamo is for someone who’s going places. Since its debut, it has attracted a growing list of devotees – Jacob Elordi is one of its biggest champions.
The archive revival: Prada Re-Edition 2000
As Noughties mania crept into the fashion crowd in 2019, Prada reprised two of its beloved bags – the Re-Edition 2000 and the Re-Edition 2005. Instantly recognisable for its nylon outer and triangular insignia, it quickly became a celebrity favourite, spotted on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie. The Y2K fever might have slowed, but this shoulder bag remains a timeless investment.
The boho must-have: Valentino Nellcôte
You might have already seen Valentino’s Nellcôte bag on social media. Introduced as part of Alessandro Michele’s debut collection for the house, the Nellcôte is defined for its free-spirited, boho appearance. Crafted in Italy from a supple suede, the bag features a long strap that can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody; with stud and eyelet embellishments and fringing along the bottom of the rectangular silhouette. (There’s also an east-west tote version, decorated with the same studs.)
The future heirloom: The Row Margaux
Despite its relative youth in the luxury handbag market, The Row has secured its place in the fashion hall of fame, thanks to its immaculately-crafted, pared-back creations. The brand’s Margaux has become a cult item – and signifier of quiet luxury – which has been in and out of stock since its release.
The It-bag: Miu Miu Arcadie
Inspired by American artist Margaret Keane’s unique, experimental character, Miu Miu’s Arcadie bag features a top-handle and light padding with the brand’s iconic logo embossed across the front. The rectangular bag debuted as part of Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 collection and has since become a common sighting on the arms of celebrities. You can find this style in Miu Miu’s signature matalassé leather, padded leather, or suede.
The offbeat bag: JW Anderson Loafer
As its name suggests, JW Anderson’s Loafer bag is inspired by the details found on a classic Penny loafer. The top-handle style features a topstitched front panel that echoes the upper of the shoe, with a slouchy silhouette, zipped closure, leather inner pocket and detachable crossbody strap. While it’s available in various fabrications and colourways, the suede has proven particularly popular.
The party bag: Fendi Baguette
When Carrie Bradshaw slung a whipstitched Fendi baguette over her shoulder in the Sexy And The City TV series, she launched a worldwide sellout. And while the style has never really gone away, it has seen a serious renaissance over the last decade, with a new generation discovering its Noughties charm.
The historic hero: Dior Saddle
Few bags have stood the test of time quite like Dior’s Saddle. Debuted by John Galliano for spring/summer 2000, it has since become a well-loved classic among fashion insiders and celebrities – and has been reinterpreted by the designer’s successors, across both men’s and women’s. From monogrammed to camo-print, plain leather to denim, there are multiple finishes and colourways available to shop on the vintage market, while newer takes can be found in the original curvaceous silhouette and messenger versions on Dior.com.
The work-ready tote: Givenchy Antigona
Givenchy’s Antigona tote first graced the brand’s runways for the autumn/winter 2010 season and was quickly embraced by the It-girls of the moment: from Kate Moss and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Irina Shayk and Lily Aldridge. A chic option for those looking for a more structured bag for work, the bag comes with a trapezoid shape, boxy-yet-roomy interior and sturdy top handle.
The fits-more-than-you think bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy
The Speedy reentered the spotlight when Louis Vuitton’s creative director of menswear, Pharrell, presented his own take on the house’s iconic bag at his debut show, rendered in yellow with a gold chain and diamond-swathed padlock. Originally debuted in 1930 as the “Express”, the Speedy was first made available in a 30cm size, then in 35cm and 40cm as demand spiked, and then in 25cm proportions following a personal request from Audrey Hepburn. It was one of several bags that Marc Jacobs reworked as part of his collaborations with legendary artist Takashi Murakami, who emblazoned the Louis Vuitton monogram with cherries and cherry blossom.
The crossbody: Gucci 1955 Horsebit
First conceived six decades ago, Gucci’s Horsebit bag has become one of the brand’s most famous bag designs, identifiable for its equestrian-inspired horsebit hardware and classic rectangular shape. Former creative director, Alessandro Michele, revived the style in the brand’s cruise 2020 collection, offering up a range of new shapes, including a tote, satchel and shoulder bag.
The sling-on-your-arm bag: Chloé Paddington
After bringing back Chloé’s Bracelet bag for autumn/winter 2024 – which was first designed by former creative director Phoebe Philo in the Noughties – current creative director Chemena Kamali revived the house’s beloved Paddington for autumn/winter 2025, carried nonchalantly by models clad in her boho ready-to-wear offering. Kamali’s version didn’t stray far from the original, retaining the same slouchy shape and iconic metal hardware, including a padlock and key. The fact that it’s made a stealth comeback twenty years on from its original debut is testament to its timeless appeal.
The timeless icon: Hermès Birkin
Is there any handbag more iconic that the Hermès Birkin? Created in 1984, the bag was named after fashion icon and actor Jane Birkin, who, after finding herself sitting next to Jean-Louis Dumas, CEO of Hermès, on a flight, famously sketched the design on a sick bag. The rest, as they say, is history. Notoriously hard to get hold of, it can take years on waiting lists to get your hands on a new one, but pre-loved versions can be found on multiple resale sites. This is a purchase that will last a lifetime – and then some.
The cult archive bag: Dior Lady Dior
Another iconic bag named after another iconic woman, Dior’s Lady Dior bag was a direct result of the Princess Diana effect. Originally called the Chouchou, the boxy top-handle bag was gifted to Diana by the First Lady of France in September 1995, and after being recommissioned in blue by the royal, it was renamed the Diana in 1996. It remains one of the brand’s most popular bags.
The travel tote: Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull tote is often spotted on the arms of airport-bound celebrities, no doubt thanks to its practical, capacious interior (the clue is in the name) and timeless logo leather design. Introduced in 2007 as a seasonal beach bag, the style has experienced a revival in recent years.
