Move over, totes! There’s a new It Bag in town. Maybe it’s because as I get older, I’m schlepping less stuff around, but I’ve been using smaller, more ladylike bags lately. The top handle bag has such a classic shape and it really adds the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
You don’t have to splurge to get a good bag right now. The right purse can bring new excitement to your standard uniform, and J.Crew’s newest addition comes in under $150 dollars. It’s a cute little square shape you can wear day or night in a few different colors, like this calf hair leopard or a black patent croc embossed option. Their structured bag is sleek and finished off with a silver bar that makes it feel like a piece of jewelry.
There are a lot of great mid-price options, too. Parker Thatch always makes beautiful bags, and the caramel suede of this Charlie bag is a part of the suede resurgence this season. The rich forest green of this DeMillier bag stands out in a sea of brown and black.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Tory Burch is putting out some of the best collections of her storied career. The Lee Radziwill bag isn’t new, but it feels extra relevant with the surge of ladylike bags inspired in part by the swan herself. I love this camel color which works year round. The shoulder bag version is pebbled in a luxurious griege color does the trick too.
If you want to give yourself a true investment bag, Metier is at the top of every fashion editor’s list. The Private eye tote is totally timeless, but the navy suede color gives it a modern touch that adds an exclamation point to any outfit. Plus, it’s the kind of bag that only looks better with a little patina.
Shop the rest of our top handle bags edit below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how, and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
