Best Everyday Bags and Purses

Updated October 22, 2020
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Woman holding a stylish, everyday bag

Every woman has a best everday bag that she can leave her essentials in and grab as she goes out of the door, no thinking required. This is the everyday bag, a bag that is versatile for any situation and one that holds everything you need to go through a regular day. Below are some options to consider if you're in the market for a new one.

8 Best Everyday Bag Options

With 8 of the best everday bag options, you can be sure to find one that will work with your wardrobe. You may decide to save the best everday designer bag for special occasions.

Louis Vuitton Rivoli MM Top Handle

The Louis Vuitton Rivolil MM Top Handle, which retails for about $2,000, is beautiful purse for everyday use. Introduced in the summer of 2019, the Rivoli MM is a Monogram canvas is a sophisticated design. It's spacious enough to hold everyday supplies and versatile enough for both work and play. The option to carry it on your arm or over your shoulder is also a great feature of the bag.

3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Satchel Best Everyday Designer Bag

3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Leather Satchel

The 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Satchel, which retails for around $890, is also an excellent daily wear option. Named by Pop Sugar Fashion as one of their top picks for a versatile, everyday bag, this designer splurge ticks all the boxes. It's large enough to carry everything you need, and it's made of durable treated leather, which holds up well against scratches and frequent use. The detachable shoulder strap is a great feature as is the secure closure. The brand also produces this in a variety of new colorways every season, including richly-hued neutrals like burgundy, hunter green, and navy.

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

The Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, which sells for about $695, proves that uncomplicated styles are perfect for daily use. Named a "post-recession it bag" by the fashion experts at Business of Fashion, this simple leather bucket bag has taken the fashion world by storm. This surprisingly roomy purse, crafted from buttery smooth leather, goes with every outfit. The versatile colorways of khaki, cream, and stand-out black with a pop of red lining mean that it will remain a classic for years to come.

Rebecca Minkoff Blythe Best Everyday Purse

Rebecca Minkoff Blythe Crossbody, Black Patent

Although this is a smaller cross-body bag, the original Rebecca Minkoff Blythe Crossbody purse is a phenomenal everyday bag. As purse-authority Purse Blog puts it, "we don't go a day without seeing someone walk down the street with a Morning After Clutch and we don't go a week without wearing one ourselves." While smaller than the other options on this list, it is still large enough to carry the essentials and allows for a hands-free experience. It retails for just under $98.

Longchamp le Pliage

LONGCHAMP, Small Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote

The Longchamp le Pliage, which retails for about $125, is a nylon tote bag with leather straps that can be easily folded up into a quarter of its size. Its size, water repellency, and travel convenience have made it a bag beloved by everyone from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, to Jessica Alba. The brand has sold over 32 million pieces over 20 years and is truly a staple in the modern woman's closet.

Hayden Top Zip Tote

Kate Spade New York Watson Lane Maya Nylon Leather Zip Top Tote Brand New

Not only does this sturdy nylon bag come in a huge array of options, the Hayden Top Zip Tote also has leather straps and a zip-top closure to keep sticky fingers from stealing your wallet out of your purse. The 100% nylon exterior and fused lining adds to the longevity and durability of this tote, which retails for around $80 ($250 retail).

A New Day Tote Best Everyday Handbag

A New Day tote handbang from Target, sells for around $30 are another excellent budget option. A New Day offers a huge array of styles for an everyday handbag and has been named by The Budget Fashionista as one of the five best handbag brands on a budget. The Reversible Tote Handbag (pictured), which sells for around $30, is a great option for days when you need to carry a lot around.

What Makes a Best Everday Purse?

A purse needs to fulfill a few criteria in order for it to be considered a great everyday bag. Decide what criterai you prefer for your best everday purse, so it's easier to weigh the pros and cons of each one.

Big Enough to Carry the Essentials

For a bag to be truly an "everyday" bag, you must be able to carry essentials in the purse easily. This differs from person to person, but a good starting point is a medium-sized bag that can carry your wallet, phone, keys, and a small makeup case.

Versatile for Work and Play

Look for bags that combine structure with casual details, such as a slouchier shape, fun embellishments like tassels, or even a cross-body strap. This makes the purse a little more adaptable for both work and play and maximizes your opportunity to carry it on different occasions.

Goes-With-Everything Color

While black and brown might be the most obvious choices, richer hues can also be neutral. If your wardrobe is predominantly black or monchrome, then maybe a bag in a pop of color might be a great everyday option as well.

Durable Enough for Regular Use

Since you'll be carrying this bag every day, look for thicker straps, a sturdy base, and higher quality materials. Consider leather or cotton twill, which wear well.

Everyday Bags Are Everywhere

You don't really need to spend a lot of money on an everyday bag as even lower priced bags can be sturdy and versatile enough for everyday. Above all, look for a bag that you love and can see yourself carrying every day!

Best Everyday Bags and Purses