*All products featured on *Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
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 investment. Similar to a black blazer, white tee, or pair of jeans, a good handbag is an integral part of a successful capsule wardrobe–and there’s a version for every occasion, season, and personal style.
All that’s left to do is to find the perfect piece for you. Easier said than done, though, right? So before making a considerable investment (remember, the right designer handbags will increase in value on the secondhand market), there are certain questions to ask yourself: 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?
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Designer Handbags:
Then there’s the question of budget. In the luxury market, there’s essentially no limit to how much you can spend, but whether you opt for something more affordable or are willing to splurge on a pricier bag, we recommend setting your budget before going on a spree. Lastly, consider compatibility. Leveling up your bag game? Ensure the winning style goes with the majority of your wardrobe. Versatility is key.
From elevated carryalls to structured styles, fun-sized to functional (pretty doesn’t have to mean impractical), here’s our guide to all the essential handbag silhouettes and styles. Whether you invest in an Hermès Birkin or opt for a Loewe Puzzle, making a decision might be the trickiest part, but worry not, the Vogue shopping team has done the hard work for you. Scroll on to see our ultimate designer handbag line-up.
The Future Heirloom: The Row Marlow
If you missed out on The Row’s now near-impossible-to-buy Margaux, consider the Marlow its spiritual successor. With the same understated refinement and meticulous leatherwork, the Marlow continues the house’s tradition of creating covetable bags that quietly command attention. Like its predecessor, it’s already proving hard to get—cementing its status as the next great Row heirloom.
The Sculptural Style: Loewe Puzzle Bag
First introduced as Jonathan Anderson’s debut bag at Loewe, the Puzzle quickly became a fashion-insider favorite for its origami-like panels and clever, shape-shifting construction. Now, with Proenza Schouler founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez stepping in as Loewe’s creative directors, the Puzzle remains a house cornerstone—offered in multiple sizes and colorways, with the classic full-size in black or beige still the chicest bet.
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 metalassé leather, padded leather, or suede.
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 Roomy Holdall: Coach Empire
It was clear that the Empire bag was an instant hit upon walking into the Vogue offices—you can spot at least three perched on an editor’s desk at any given time. The appeal of this popular style lies in its marriage of aesthetic and accessibility—its roomy design and mid-level price make it hard to ignore. Opt for the larger 40 model for daytime and the slightly more compact 35 for evenings.
The Boho Bag: Paddington
The Paddington was the bag of the mid-2000s, instantly recognizable for its slouchy shape and oversized padlock hardware. Worn by every It-girl from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller, it defined an era of bohemian glamour. And now, the cult bag is officially back under creative director Chemena Kamali, who has revived the slouchy, padlock-topped icon—complete with a fresh campaign starring Kendall Jenner and Aimee Lou Wood.
The New Icon Bag: Gucci Jackie
Gucci’s Jackie is one of fashion’s true icons. Originally beloved by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the hobo-shaped bag has been reissued countless times, each iteration balancing retro charm with contemporary relevance. Today’s versions—sleek, compact, and available in lush colorways—make it just as covetable as in the ’60s.
The Party Bag: Fendi Baguette
When Carrie Bradshaw slung a whipstitched Fendi baguette over her shoulder in the Sex 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 XXL Tote: Khaite Lotus bag
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 Noughties throwback: Balenciaga Le City
Balenciaga’s Le City bag was a favorite of Noughties It-girls–think the Olsen twins, Nicole Richie, and Lindsay Lohan and made a full-fledged comeback in 2024 with refreshed proportions and multiple colorways. Under Balenciaga’s current creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, the archival icon endures as a house staple—equally tempting in its new iterations and on the resale hunt. While there are plenty of fashion lovers reaching for the new model, which comes in a range of colorways, there are others, including British Vogue’s Naomi Smart, who are securing theirs second-hand on preloved sites such as eBay and Vinted.
The Minimalist Hero: Bottega Veneta Andiamo
Matthieu Blazy certainly caused a stir with his sophomore show for Bottega Veneta, however, it was the designer’s new bag creation–the Andiamo–that got frow-ers reaching for their iPhones. Coming in three sizes and crafted from calf leather, the silhouette proposes a fresh take on the house’s signature woven intrecciato technique. A true minimalist hero.
The Personality Pick: JW Anderson Loafer Bag
For those who want a feel-good accessory that will instantly elevate any outfit, JW Anderon’s Loafer bag is the style for you. Launched in Spring 2025, JW Anderson’s “Loafer” bag has all the makings of a classic—a just-small-enough structured silhouette, admirable colorways (from red to camel, to black and chocolate brown suede), and featuring a pane that’s cut to resemble the penny slot on a loafer. It has plenty of personality, without being too loud for everyday use.
The Accessorized Accessory: Prada Belt Bucket
Prada excels at blending utility and elegance, and the Belt Bucket bag proves it. Structured yet playful, with a bold buckle detail front and center, it feels like a fresh entry in the house’s lineage of architectural classics. The silhouette is modern enough to stand out but streamlined enough to carry every day—a sweet spot Prada nails best.
The Work-Ready Tote: Givenchy Antigona
Givenchy’s Antigona tote first graced the brand’s runways for the fall/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, a boxy-yet-roomy interior, and a sturdy top handle.
The Timeless Icon: Hermès Birkin
Is there any handbag more iconic than the Hermès Birkin? We think not. 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 Quiet Luxury Companion: Toteme Belted Bucket
Toteme’s Belted Bucket is already on its way to cult status. With its sculptural shape cinched by a minimalist leather belt, it channels the Scandinavian brand’s ethos of clean lines and quiet luxury. It’s a bag designed to look effortless yet instantly identifiable to those in the know.
The Classic Crossbody: Gucci 1955 Horsebit Shoulder Bag
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 Evening Favorite: Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7
Saint Laurent’s Le 5 à 7 is the house’s quintessential shoulder bag—a sleek, subtly curved hobo with minimal hardware and just-enough structure. Its name nods to the Parisian “after-work to before-dinner” window, telegraphing day-to-night ease. Available in smooth or grained leather, suede, and seasonal finishes, it’s a discreet staple that reads polished without trying.
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 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 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.
The Do-It-All Mini: Miu Miu Wander
Launched in the fall/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 star shows no sign of fading.
The Cool Girl Bag: Savette The Tondo
Savette is quickly becoming the insider’s favorite new accessories label, and The Tondo is its calling card. Defined by a modernist-inspired circular clasp on a pared-back rectangular frame, the bag is equal parts sculpture and staple. For those seeking the next generation of collectible bags, The Tondo is a name to know.
What is the most popular handbag right now?
Popularity is shifting quarter by quarter. In Q2 2025, Lyst’s Index crowned Miu Miu as the hottest brand and highlighted a tilt toward “lower-lift, high-impact” accessories—momentum that typically lifts a brand’s bags alongside its footwear. The Row also climbed to its highest ranking yet (on the back of viral shoes), while Prada and Saint Laurent maintained strong demand—good indicators for their handbag families this season.
On the street, a few styles are leading the conversation: Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag remains a viral bestseller (the Bella Hadid effect still holds), while Miu Miu’s Arcadie continues to surge thanks to its sleek East-West shape. Insider favorites with sustained It-bag status include Alaïa’s Le Cœur and Le Teckel. You’ll also see perennial staples—Saint Laurent’s Le 5 à 7 and Gucci’s Jackie—holding steady, plus rising, quietly luxe contenders like Toteme’s Belted Bucket, Savette’s Tondo, and The Row’s Marlow gaining traction with editors and stylists.
In short, there are multiple winners right now—but the smartest pick is the one that matches your wardrobe and life (and won’t feel tired by next season).