Isn’t it funny that we worry about things like which bag will make more functional (and fashionable) sense with whatever you have on that day? It’s the little things in life that keep us going, I suppose. But it also begs the question: which bag, and when?
The Tote Bag
When to wear: commuting to work, running errands in the city, traveling around on a weather-questionable day, when you have a sh*t-load of things to carry
Tote bags are so versatile. There are 3 main tote bag categories that come to my mind – a canvas tote, a nylon tote, and a leather tote bag. Each bag serves its purpose differently but all maintain the same function of holding literally everything that you own and would need in a day away from home. My personal favorite is a classic Longchamp tote for its functionality, packability, and zipper-top closure. But you can never go wrong with a flimsy canvas tote bag, especially if you’re going for that effortless, casual-girl vibe. Here are a few tote bags that I think you probably need:
Longchamp Le Pilage Tote $140
LL Bean Boat and Tote $40
Madewell Medium Transport Tote $188
The Shoulder Bag
When to wear: at your friend’s 30th birthday dinner, running into a cafe for a latte even though you’re late for work, accidentally getting too tipsy at the winery
Shoulder bags can be cute, little, wide, y2k, leather, nylon, whatever. But they all have one goal in mind: carry a couple of things while also not being able to hang them on the back of a chair at a restaurant. That’s why I always carry those hilarious bag hooks with me wherever I go (they’re functional, alright?).
Shoulder bags, previously seemingly out of style for quite a bit of time, are back in full swing and we’re all here for it. Especially because you can find ANY that will match your style. They’re incredibly easy to thrift, and add a bit of spice to an outfit. Here are my recent favorites:
Baggu Nylon Shoulder Bag $44
Coach Ergo Bag $250
Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag $120
The Crossbody
When to wear: touring the Roman Colleseum, when your winter jacket is too puffy for a shoulder bag, running to Target to pick up just a few things but leaving with a lot of things
Sensitive topic, right? The crossbody is seeing a real lack of love in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. What’s really changed is the height at which a crossbody should sit on your hips or waist. A crossbody should not (please) be below your hips, kicking off to the side with every step.
The crossbody style has been replaced with shorter in-length straps and an excuse to wear fanny packs. They’re 100% functional because you’re 100% hands-free. Here are a few crossbody bags I think will stay flying off the shelves for a little while:
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag $20
Telfar Small Shopping Bag $150
Poléne Numéro Dix Crossbody $460
Bonus: The Clutch
When to wear: to your college roommate’s wedding ceremony, when the sleeves or shoulders of that shirt you’ve been dying to wear are too puffy, when you want to feel chic
I had to add in the honorable mention of the clutch. The cousin to the shoulder bag, a clutch typically has no straps. They’re used at fancy events where you sacrifice having a spare hand or shove it under your arm so you can carry both your drink and tiny hors d’oeuvres dish around until cocktail hour is over. But regardless of the total lack of functionality, clutches are timeless. That’s why I love thrifted vintage clutches! Here are a few vintage-inspired ones if you don’t feel like hunting in your local thrift store:
BTB Los Angeles Joey Clutch $129
Nina Cherry Print Allover Crystal Small Clutch $88
So there’s the round-up of what to where, when: bag edition. We all have our go-to’s and preferences, or you’re like me and change your bag daily. No matter what, it’s fun to find the perfect fitting bag for each occasion. What do you think?
xo, sjv
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