Four Handbags Every Woman Should Own

By Marie Kelly
02nd Nov 2017

My mother’s closet is cluttered with handbags. She’s addicted. The simple message of this online post – you only need four bags to manage every sartorial scenario – would fall on deaf ears because she takes far too much pleasure in buying bags, whether she’s repeat-buying the same style or not. But for those of you (like me) who want a well-curated wardrobe, read on.

The Classic Tote

If you have money to spend, then Tod’s, Saint Laurent and Marni all offer beautiful, timeless totes each season. I prefer logos and hardware to be discreet and minimal so these labels really appeal to me for this reason. On the high street, Massimo Dutti’s collections have come on in leaps and bounds, while Zara is always worth a look (but stick to the real leather options as not all bags there are of equal quality). H&M’s Premium Quality collection is also worth keeping an eye on. At the moment, I have my eye on this gorgeous buttery soft grey leather tote from Massimo Dutti.

Reversible leather tote, €99.95 (reduced from €149) at Massimo Dutti

A Crossbody

I spend my working week carrying around a tote that will hold everything from my Ipad to a lunchbox (yes, I still make my own lunch!). So at weekends, I love the lightweight feel, and the hands-free versatility, of a crossbody bag. If money is no issue for you, The Row designs the most exquisite crossbody bags in gorgeous shades of slate grey and biscuit in beautifully textured leather. At a more accessible price point, this Bimb Y Lola leather bag is a great option.

Aubergine crossbody bag, €250 at Bimbaylola.com

An Evening Clutch

There’s something very sophisticated about a clutch bag. It will take you to any event, from a cocktail party to a dinner date. Lanvin’s embellished satin clutch bag is divine, but at over €2,000, it won’t be popping up in my Christmas stocking anytime soon. There are plenty of good options on the high street, but for evening wear I prefer to spend a little bit more and choose a piece that nobody else will have. Introducing texture is a good idea when you want to elevate your look, and this midnight blue suede clutch ticks all the boxes for me. Plus, I love the ruffle trim, which makes this piece look more expensive than it is.

Ruffled suede clutch, Loeffler Randall, €270 at Net-a-porter.com

A Satchel

I love the collegiate vibe that a satchel brings to an outfit. The Cambridge Satchel Company recently opened an outlet in Kildare Village. I have always loved its fresh, modern take on what is a very traditional and quite conservative style of bag. Vibrant colour is its signature, and I think the company’s magnetic satchel looks fantastic in dandelion yellow. I also love Maje’s take on the classic satchel. The fringe trim and faded look of the suede gives this bag a gorgeous vintage vibe.