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We’ve seen a lot of bags—these are our favorites. Heat Sealing Plastic Film
Some of us have a hard time shopping for handbags in general, let alone the best designer bags. After all, if you’re going to spend a hefty amount of your paycheck on something, you probably want to know that it’ll remain in your closet for a good amount of time. And then comes the question, “Which bag feels like me?” It makes sense, then, to crowdsource among your most fashionable peers to see what they purchased for themselves and why.
With that in mind, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to be your personal insider source and research the best designer bags—including plenty that are right in line with the best fall 2023 bag trends—so you can make a sound choice with your purchase. From 2023’s biggest It bags and functional travel tote bags (plus a couple of high-quality used designer bags) to classics that’ll stand the test of time, scroll down to see the need-to-know designer handbags to wear this year, according to ELLE editors.
“When in doubt, there’s no going wrong with a Prada Re-Nylon bag—particularly in the form of the Re-Edition 2005. Chalk it up to the resurgence of the best early 2000s fashion trends or the need for a shoulder bag, but I’m seeing this bag everywhere, and in a slough of candy-colored hues at that.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
Dimensions: Length: 22 centimeters; depth: 6 centimeters; height: 18 centimeters
“My Telfar is my go-to work bag. The medium fits everything I need—laptop, notebook, and more, with some room to spare. Thanks to the pair of long straps, I can wear it over my shoulder or as a crossbody to make commuting easier. And it’s sleek enough that I can bring it to evening after-work functions without feeling underdressed. The biggest challenge may be getting your hands on the highly-coveted bag, but with regular drops and at a fairly affordable price range, it’s worth every penny. No wonder everyone from Maiya the Don to Beyoncé keeps name-dropping it.”—Erica Gonzales, senior culture editor
Dimensions: Length: 15.25 inches; depth: 4.75 inches; height: 11.25 inches; handle drop: 5 inches; strap drop: 20.75 inches
“It isn’t a proper roundup of the best designer bags without a little Chanel, right? The luxury house has some of the most iconic handbags on the market—and each of them is equally timeless. That said, if you’re looking for a slightly more modern option, which is also large enough to hold more than your phone or wallet, might I humbly suggest the Chanel 19?”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 10.1 inches; depth: 3.5 inches; height: 6.2 inches
Colors: Black, Orange, Pale Blue, White, and Tweed
“If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Bottega’s latest It bag, it’s time to get acquainted. This celebrity-approved tote is perfect for everyday use. And, according to our records, it’s become a favorite designer bag among ELLE readers (like you!).”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 12.6 inches; depth: 4.3 inches; height: 9.8 inches; handle drop: 3.5 inches; strap drop: 17.7 inches
Colors: Inkwell, Travertine, Taupe Grey, Fondant, Black, and White
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Tory Burch has some seriously good pieces right now. Case in point: this mini top-handle bag (also a style among the best 2023 bag trends). Prepare to wear this every time you go out with your girls.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 7.7 inches; depth: 2.6 inches; height: 4.7 inches; handle drop: 3.5 inches; strap drop: 22.8 inches
Colors: Pink Love, White, and Black
“The Dior Toujours bag is the best expression of Dior’s know-how when it comes to handicraft. After all, ‘toujours’ translates to ‘always’ in French, and it’s destined to be a bag you wear in perpetuity. It comes in three sizes, and the large tan style is the travel bag of my dreams.”—Kevin LeBlanc, fashion associate
Dimensions: Length: 11 inches; depth: 7.5 inches; height: 8.5 inches;handle drop: 4.5–9.5 inches
Colors: Black, Powder Beige, Tan, and Latte
“I love hobo bags—so much that I wrote an entire story on them so you (and I) can shop the best hobo bags of the moment. Of course, you’re here for a reason, which means you’re likely looking for a designer option that is well worth your dollars. Saint Laurent’s offering [pictured here] is perfectly slouchy and will work well as an everyday leather tote.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 11.8 inches; depth: 5.1 inches; height: 12.2 inches; strap drop: 11.8 inches
Material: Leather with suede lining
“Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bandoulière gets a new look—and I’m thinking this will be the head-turning designer bag to carry anywhere. The quintessential size for everyday occasions, it’ll be the perfect pop of pink (hello, Barbiecore!) to any ensemble.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 9.8 inches; depth: 5.9 inches; height: 7.5 inches; strap drop: 18.3–21.7 inches
“My colleague Meg Donohue and I recently saw this at a preview and we were simply obsessed. Neither of us could get over that twisted handle—or the buckle. And on top of that, the color?! Simply flawless.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 11.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches; height: 6.75 inches; handle drop: 7.75 inches
Colors: Pigment Blue Matte Smooth Calf & Goat Suede, Black Matte Smooth Calf, Black Matte Smooth Calf & Goat Suede, and Maple Matte Smooth Calf
Material: 50% calf leather, 50% goat leather
“Remember what I said about top-handle bags? In case you needed any further proof, Versace just launched a new version of its Greca Goddess bag, outfitted with—you guessed it—a top handle. I envision this casually hanging on your wrist or the crook of your arm. And that gold hardware? I’m sold.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 7.9 inches; depth: 3 inches; height: 5.7 inches; handle drop: 2.4 inches; strap drop: 40.2 inches
Colors: Black Versace Gold and Pale Pink Versace Gold
“I’ve been admiring this timeless beauty ever since I first saw it sprinkled among fashion week street style photos. There’s something so appealing about the leather paneling, and the fact that it continues to be a popular choice among luxury lovers (and in a variety of colors, I might add), gives me every reason to make the investment.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 9.4 inches; depth: 4.1 inches; height: 6.5 inches; handle drop: 7 centimeters; strap drop: 80.5–11.5 centimeters
“Gucci’s 1955 Horsebit Mini Bag begs the question: why mess with a classic? With two different shoulder straps and a surprisingly roomy interior that fits just the essentials (including an iPhone 15 Pro), it’s the ultimate wear-all-day accessory…except when it’s raining.”—Claire Stern, digital director
Dimensions: Length: 8.1 inches; depth: 2 inches; height: 5.7 inches; strap drop: 21.9 inches
Colors: White, Black, and Brown
Material: 100% leather with 100% cotton lining
“An iconic bag named after an even more iconic celebrity, Jane Birkin (RIP). The style has always been a highly sought-after one, given its notoriety. And if you have it in your means to get one for yourself, consider it the purchase of a lifetime.”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 10 inches; depth: 5.25 inches; height: 10.75 inches; handle drop: 2.5 inches
“If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Fendi baguettes will never go out of style. Ever. I once loaned one from Vivrelle and was delighted by how practical and functional it was—aside from being the epitome of fashion. If there’s one designer bag I’m keen to invest in, it’s this monogrammed baguette.”—M.D.
Dimensions: Length: 10.5 inches; depth: 1.5 inches; height: 5.5 inches; handle drop: 4 inches; strap drop: 15 inches
“Since 2018, Marina Raphael has pushed the boundaries of handbag design by creating functional objets d’art that incorporate fine Italian craftsmanship, eco-conscious materials, and a whole lot of bling. Raphael, a descendent of the Swarovski family, often features glittering crystal motifs on her bags, which have been spotted on the arms of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez. Her latest line is an ode to the ocean, with bucket bags and totes brought to life through red coral crystal applications and detailed embroidery. Raphael was inspired after spending time in the Maldives, where rising water temperatures have resulted in devastating coral bleaching. Part of the proceeds from this collection will be donated towards supporting the restoration of the coral reefs in the Maldives, according to a press release.”—Rose Minutaglio, senior writer/editor
Dimensions: Length: 5.6 inches; depth: 3.9 inches; height: 11 inches
Colors: Cream Napa and Co
Material: Swarovski crystals and calf leather
“Larger-than-life bags are one of the biggest bag trends of the year. You may already have your oversized tote bags on lock, but what about those clutches that can hold everything you could need while you’re out?”—D.A.C.
Dimensions: Length: 13 inches; depth: 6 inches; height: 12 inches
“A paillette Paco Rabanne bag is perfect for any season, especially for those of us whose style sways towards maximalism. It’ll catch the light on sizzling summer days but will also sparkle and shimmer on glamorous winter nights. It might read like a Y2K trend piece, but this bag has been around—and will be around—way longer than any trend.”—Madison Rexroat, fashion and accessories assistant
Dimensions: Length: 4.9 inches; depth: 1 inch; height: 6.3 inches
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
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