Photo:
@ceciliemoosgaard
New Yorkers are experts at fitting their entire lives into their bags. When you’re commuting to the office at 9 a.m., with a spin class booked for 6 p.m., and drinks with friends after, schlepping becomes a lifestyle. And it seems to be a transferable skill, too. I moved to the West Coast three years ago, and I’m still packing a day’s worth of outfits and an abridged skincare routine in my purse. I know the fashion world is still riding high on the mini bag trend, but it’s time to get practical—as far as weekdays are concerned, the bigger the bag, the better.
You quickly realize a few things once packing everything becomes your daily ritual. For example, the cutest bags are ill-equipped for the task of schlepping, and sourcing bags that are both stylish and functional is an art. As someone with years of experience, I assembled the coolest bags suitable for the task. Whether the object is to be hands-free or find a bag that works for the office and everything in between, you’ll find it all ahead.
Photo:
@endlesslyloveclub
Fp Collection
Idle Hands Sling
$98
For the carless commuter, a bag that doesn’t require hands is the dream.
Zara
Denim Tote Bag
$50
I like to use the summer as an excuse to get experimental with fabrics. This denim shopper is a cool alternative to leather and raffia.
BY FAR
Black Club Tote
$360
$191
Even BY FAR (the purveyors of minibags) has acknowledged the power of a good tote.
Zara
Large Contrast Bag
$50
How can a canvas tote look so stylish and luxe?
Amomento
Brown Shirring Tote
$110
$51
Sign me up for all the nylon bags—the material is waterproof (perfect for beach trips) and highly packable (so you can squish it into a fancier bag once you’re done).
Tory Burch
Ella Hand-Crocheted Tote
$298
We’re big Tory Burch fans around here.
Brandon Blackwood New York
Rouched Tote
$450
$315
The ruching adds just the right amount of pizazz.
COS
Leather Crossbody Bag
$150
Minimalists rejoice.
Mango
Shopper Bag With Buckle
$80
I surmise you can fit two good outfit changes in here.
Dragon Diffusion
Santa Croce Large Woven-Leather Basket Bag
$408
A Dragon Diffusion bag is on every fashion editor’s wish list.
Fp Movement
Quilted Carryall
$68
I have this bag, and it’s virtually indestructible.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Beige Lara Tote
$95
$68
I’ll gladly take anything from Maryam Nassir Zadeh if it’s on sale. This is also perfect for grabbing groceries.
Polène
Cyme
$410
Polène has a cult following for a reason—the quality and design are too good.
Demellier London
New York Tote
$595
The stripes lend a cool Hamptons vibe.
Aesther Ekme
Brown Sway Shopper Tote
$685
$385
For those that prefer a more hands-free approach.
BY FAR
White Oslo Tote
$650
$364
Proof that your “personal item” bag can also look incredibly chic.
Hereu
Taupe Calella Tote
$490
I can’t get over this combination of suede and contrast-stitching, the entire thing looks so luxe.
Coach
Reese Tote 28
$550
Coach is firmly entrenched in my NYC overpacking origin story, so it only makes sense that the brand made the list.
Altuzarra
Watermill Large Straw Bag
$545
A color that truly steals the show.
Mansur Gavriel
Soft M Hobo
$895
From the soft leather to the unusual shape, there are so many reasons to love this.
Prada
Denim Canapa Logo Tote
$546
I’ve been drooling over this bag for weeks.
Mm6 Maison Margiela
Tan Zip Triangle Tote
$715
A Margiela bag is a cool-girl calling card.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Morris Xl Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote
$525
This delicate blue is so on point for the summer.
Hunting Season
Large Striped Cotton Bucket Bag
$825
For added variety, try a bucket bag shape like this one from Hunting Season.
Moncler
Nalani Canvas Tote Bag
$850
This bag just screams taste.
Saint Laurent
Le 5 À 7 Large Leather Shoulder Bag
$3100
When schlepping becomes a lifestyle, it makes sense to upgrade, right?
Lemaire
Croissant Large Leather Cross-Body Bag
$1607
Lemaire’s Croissant bag is pricey, but it’s a classic that can be worn on repeat. It’s well worth the splurge, in my opinion.
The Row
Soft Margaux 15 Canvas Tote Bag
$4990
When money is no object.