The 13 Best Everyday Handbags to Carry in 2022

“I’m a sucker for clean-lined pieces that are easy to wear over and over again, and this buttery soft leather bag fits the bill perfectly. As the handbag can fold into an oversized clutch or be carried directly by its straps, it It’s almost like having two bags in one.” —Tiffany Dodson, Associate Beauty Business Editor

“I live in FEAR of the tote. It’s too heavy and bulky, so you can never find what you need – wallet, keys, phone, book – when you need it. Instead, I carry a small purse (what I believe in the old days was called a “purse” or “pocket notebook”) and a big-ish bag: the beautiful Medea Dieci bag in black, which can hold a slim laptop and the LRB, plus a phone charger and one of those water spray bottles you use at 4 p.m. to look ALIVE. It looks like a classic shopping bag, so it provides the added thrill that you’ve just made a life-changing purchase on a daily basis, when in fact you’re just moving around.” —Rachel Tashjian, fashion news director

“I got this bag as a gift from a friend and it quickly became a wardrobe workhorse. Big enough to carry my laptop three days a week, plus a change of shoes, a wallet and some keys, it makes my daily schlep that much easier. Bonus points for the bag’s wide straps that evenly distribute everything I (probably shouldn’t) be lugging around New York.” –Nikki Ogunnaike, Digital Director

“My boyfriend gave me this bag for my birthday and I’m obsessed. I always love an unexpected, abstract silhouette for my bags and surprisingly the large version of this one holds all my essentials, even my laptop from work.” —Bianca Betancourt, cultural editor

“Clean leather handbags with a touch of gold or silver hardware are my favorite when I don’t need to carry a laptop. (So everywhere but the office.) I alternate between a Gucci shoulder bag and found used and this small Frame shoulder bag. Something about the boxy shape and oxblood leather feels vaguely collegiate, which matches my trend for prep-lite blazers and loafers. And the interior can hold everything I need to really look the part. Its concertina compartments can hold a thin paperback or my Kindle along with my keys, wallet and lip balm.” –Halie LeSavage, Fashion Business Editor

“My mother graciously gifted me her old early Prada bag once I informed her that Prada’s nylon designs were experiencing something of a renaissance. It’s been considered a wardrobe staple ever since, punctuating my outfits with the kind of simple cool-girl charm often found in those who frequent the scenes below Canal Street.Utilitarian, versatile and luxurious, the Prada nylon bag has re-emerged as a timeless classic for a reason.Chelsey Sanchez, Associate Editor

“I invested in the cream version of the cult style with the firm intention of carrying it as an everyday bag. Much like Coach’s other leather styles, the soft exterior is surprisingly durable.” —Shelby Ying Hyde, Fashion Market Editor

“I fell in love with the reissue of Loewe’s Amazona bag. I’m still in work-from-home mode, so even if I’m not lugging around a laptop, this is the perfect day bag to meet the necessities (natural sanitizer for hands, phone, lipstick, notepad, Trader Joe’s Mango bars) and always chic while moving around town.The color is neutral but interesting, which is basically my style philosophy.Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion Director

“I’m obsessed with the Santos by Monica Dolores Square Tote in Cognac. It’s roomy enough to hold my laptop, but still sleek and lightweight. Plus, it’s responsibly made (from cactus leather Mexican) and the long shoulder strap makes it ideal for commuting now that we’re back in the office.” —Rosa Sanchez, News Editor

“For someone who is guilty of putting everything I own in a bag, this tote has been the holy grail. It has lots of organizational features including pockets for your phone, laptop and individual writing utensils, and a sturdy base to keep everything else in place.This tote has been with me to school and work since 2018, and I still can’t recommend it more.Sabrina Park, editorial and social media assistant

“If I’m running a quick errand or heading out for brunch or a cocktail, I always reach for my Heaven by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag. It’s lightweight, super comfortable on my shoulders, and goes with absolutely everything.” —Bianca Betancourt, cultural editor

“I love canvas bags when the weather warms up. This one is so sleek and classic and goes with absolutely anything.” — Kerry Pieri, Digital Fashion Director

“I’m not usually one to splurge on the it-bag of the season, but I recently invested in Bottega Veneta’s padded cassette shoulder bag. Whether I’m running errands or going to dinner, I’ve actually worn this bag every day since I first bought it. I love tucking in the straps to wear as a clutch for a night out. —Laura Galvan, fashion and luxury sales manager

“With Cuyana’s System Tote, it’s what’s inside that really matters. This leather work bag keeps my essentials organized with matching leather pouches that snap and snap together. I never hold the security line at work while rummaging through an endless compartment to find my ID card: everything is in a designated place, easy to access.” —Halie LeSavage, Fashion Business Editor