Time and again, a new it-bag gets released into the wild world of fashion. Often incarnated in some enchanting spherical oddity or cheeky Polly Pocket-sized purse, each edition of the it-bag can be more frustrating than the last. Unable to fit your phone and keys—much less your sunglasses—your latest buy often can leave you unsatisfied, if not disappointed. Having to forgo your latest vestiary investment for that frumpy tote sitting near the door of your apartment can squash your outfit down from a 10 to a 6.
Is there actually a bag out there that can scratch that itch for glamour and at the same time hold your daily tools for survival?
Fear not. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best bags that’ll actually make your life easier as a city dweller while staying in style. Considering everything from size and compartment diversity to material and strap comfort, these are our top ten picks.
Balenciaga
SUPERBUSY Large Sling Bag
Courtesy of Balenciaga
$2,750, Balenciaga
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.4 x 7.4 inch
As the name suggests, Balenciaga’s SUPERBUSY large sling bag plays no games when it comes to organization. With no two pockets alike, the SUPERBUSY offers one main compartment, two pockets on its strap, five zipped pockets, one card holder, one EarPods case on its front, two flap pockets and two zipped pockets on its sides, and one zipped pocket at its back. Encased in Arena lambskin, Balenciaga’s SUPERBUSY does what it does best, making the unglamorous—well, glamorous. With enough space to satisfy the biggest of hoarders, Balenciaga’s got your back—or shall we say shoulder?
Givenchy
VOYOU
Courtesy of Givenchy
$2,300, Givenchy
Dimensions: 15.7 x 10.6 x 2.6 in.
Bidding adieu to the bulky bags of the past, Givenchy welcomes VOYOU to its family of handbags. French slang for bad boy, VOYOU is not your average bag. Naturally slouching to conform to the body of its wearer, Givenchy’s latest bag declares compression is the name of the game this season. Encased in glossy metalized leather and topped off with an adjustable shoulder strap, VOYOU is built for the city.
Marc Jacobs
The Tote, Medium
Courtesy of Marc Jacobs
$275, Marc Jacobs
Dimension: 13 x 6 x 11 in.
Bringing whimsicality into everyday style is a signature of Marc Jacobs. The Tote Bag is perhaps a byword for this. Lime Green and sensuous to the touch, it’s crafted in semi-transparent mesh for a haul that won’t leave your shoulders sinking to the ground. Featuring one interior zip pocket and two slip pockets, The Tote Bag is for the lighthearted.
Balmain
B-Army Iridescent Leather Shopping Bag
Courtesy of Balmain
$1,995, Balmain
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.3 x 5.11 in.
Meet the love child of form and function. Balmain’s B-army shopping bag taps into space-age fantasy with iridescent lambskin and calf leather. Featuring an interior welt pocket and leather inserts, Balmain proposes you don’t have to kill your darlings; you can probably fit them all in this showstopper.
Saint Laurent
Icare Maxi Shopping Bag in Quilted Lambskin
Courtesy of Saint Laurent
$4,900, Saint Laurent
Dimensions: 22.8 x 16.9 x 3.1 in.
Who says a tote bag can’t be elegant? Saint Laurent argues otherwise with its Icare maxi shopping bag. With expandable wings, the bag can be worn wide or closed—depending on your definition of shopping. Modeled with attention to the faintest details, Saint Laurent offers a removable zippered pouch, toggle closure, Carré-quilted overstitching, and—as the cherry on top—it’s decorated with the house’s antiqued gold tone monogram.
Bao Bao Issey Miyake
Platinum Mix Tote Bag, Green Mix
Courtesy of Issey Miyake
$1,200, Issey Miyake
Dimensions: 11 x 11 in.
Glistening jewel tones abound in Issey Miyake’s kaleidoscopic take on a daily essential. To say this bag is a fun way to add color to your everyday ensemble would be an understatement. With two adjustable straps and an interior zippered pocket, this tote can be customized so that you’re wearing it and not the other way around. All encased in an uber-water-resistant shell of Polyurethane, this might just be the rainy-day bag you’ve been looking for.
Fendi
Baguette, Acid Green Nylon Bag
Courtesy of Fendi
$4,200, Fendi
Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.14 x 10.62 in.
Although seemingly tiny, Fendi’s baguette bag holds the same versatility as its carbohydrate counterpart. With five pockets in the front, it’s all about storage at Fendi. It’s no surprise the Baguette has been the it-bag for as long as we can remember. It can be worn in multiple ways: under the arm, cross-body, or as a belt bag. Reinventing itself with each fit, Fendi reminds us, it’s not a fad and that the Baguette is here to stay.
Louis Vuitton
Maida Hobo
Courtesy of Louis Vuitton
$3,400, Louis Vuitton
Dimensions: 12.6 x 11.4 x 6.7 in.
Louis Vuitton has long been famed for its handbags that fuse posh aesthetics and efficiency. Its Maida Hobo bag is just one example. Updating a beloved classic with a stunning mix of grained leather and Monogram Empreinte leather, the Maida Hobo can be dressed up with pleated trousers and a cashmere sweater or down with a pair of cigarette jeans and a bomber jacket—your choice. Supplying removable handle in braided leather and an adjustable strap, it’s clear Louis Vuitton has its sight set on comfort. Bearing two large ornate, outer pockets, the Maida Hobo argues shuffling through your overcrowded bag can be a thing of the past.
Stella McCartney
Falabella Fold-Over Tote
Courtesy of Stella McCartney
Courtesy of Stella McCartney
$1,295, Stella McCartney
Dimensions: 14.5 x 14 x 3.5 in.
Tired of having all that extra bulk when you don’t need it and missing it when you do? Stella McCartney’s Falabella Fold-Over Tote in polyester offers a solution to that dilemma by allowing you to decide when your bag folds over—or doesn’t. Whether worn as a cross-body or shoulder bag, Falabella can instantly shape-shift from a day-to-night bag with chains attached right to its core for extra stability.
Love Moschino
Chain Charm Eco-Friendly Shopper
Courtesy of Moschino
$325, Love Moschino
Dimensions: 13 x 6.2 x 8.26 in.
White hot and adorned with removable, whimsical heart chains, Love Moschino’s Chain Charm Eco-Friendly Shopper is hard to resist. A double handle allows maximum comfort on your shoulder, while zippered front and side pockets offer optimal organization. All wrapped up in a polyurethane shell, this shopper bag can be worn in the sun, rain, or snow.
