4 Handbags Every Woman Should Own (Closet Staples)

Do you own all four of these handbags?

It’s time for another closet essentials series post! Today we’re talking about handbags every woman should own. There are four that are staples for my closet.

How many handbags do you have in your closet? And which ones do you actually use?

Maybe you’re the kind of girl who owns one purse. Maybe you’re the kind who owns forty. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, these are four handbags every woman should own (in my opinion). They’re the most versatile, useful bags, and if you have at least one of each you’ll be covered for all occasions.

Let’s talk about four handbags you should own

Every woman should own a tote bag.

Tote bags are such a handbag staple for me. There are lots of options, from reusable grocery type tote bags, waterproof pool tote bags, to zip top leather tote bags. Choose whichever one fits your lifestyle!

I used my MADEWELL LEATHER TOTE BAG as a catch-all mom bag/diaper bag for pretty much all of Sanny’s baby years. But tote bags are also great for:

• traveling
• farmers markets
• pool bags
• beach days
• trips to the movies to store all your treats
• and lots more!

I’ve linked some great tote bags below!

Do you own a casual crossbody bag?

A casual crossbody bag is by far my most versatile and used handbag. I’m a casual kind of person with three little kids, so a fancy bag is not my norm.

I finally invested in this LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG last year and it basically hasn’t left my side since. It’s the perfect size to hold enough things without holding everything, has a zipper top so it’s great for traveling and amusement parks, and the neutral color goes with everything.

I’ve linked a few other great casual crossbody bag options below

Every woman should own one dressy handbag

This is definitely a handbag every woman should own. You all need one go-to dressy handbag that goes with everything and can be paired with that little black dress for the company holiday party, or with a nice blouse and jeans when you’re going out for a nice dinner.

For me, it’s a little black bag. I prefer one that’s simple and classic, with a chain strap that dresses it up a big. Also bonus points if the straps come off (or tuck inside) so it can be worn like a clutch for super dressy occasions.

The exact one I own is no longer available, but THIS BLACK HANDBAG is similar!

I linked some similar black dressy bag options below!

A backpack is a handbag essential for me. Here’s why.

I’ll just preface this by saying that backpacks are definitely less of a closet staple for a more mature woman. I can’t really imagine my mom carrying a backpack around, and definitely not my grandmother.

But for my generation and the younger generations, backpacks are a chic, versatile, and functional handbag. I love mine for traveling especially, to keep my hands free, but they’re also great for work, going to the gym, carrying a laptop around, etc.

I have this DAGNE DOVER BACKPACK (mine is size medium in the “dune” color) and it’s made of the coolest neoprene so it feels almost like a wetsuit. It’s super sturdy, so well made, very functional, and so chic.

If you’re looking for a diaper bag backpack, I highly recommend this backpack from FRESHLY PICKED.

I’ve linked some more good backpack options below!

You might also like: 

• More in my closet staples series

• My top 5 investment pieces that were worth the splurge