There Are 7 Different Bags We'd Say You Need in a Grown-Up Wardrobe

Finding a new handbag is tricky. Even for the most experienced shopper, navigating the new crop of trends each season is overwhelming, to say the least. Right now, with a micro-trend emerging on Instagram on what feels like a near-weekly basis, it's more confusing than ever. But we've decided to make things that little bit easier and narrow down the types of handbags currently trending but with long-lasting, grown-up qualities.

From minimalist totes that are ideal for work to practical options for multitasking to classic investment pieces you'll never regret, these are the nine types of bags you'll want to wish list immediately.

If You're Always at Work, Choose a Top Handle Tote

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: Nothing says businesswoman like a minimal but efficient top-handle handbag. Roomy and sophisticated without being boring—a sleek, smooth leather iteration is the epitome of chic. 

If You're Fancy, a Mini-Bag is Calling You

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: This is the bag you can have the most fun with. Take it with you when you have grown-up nights out and you only need a credit card and lipstick. 

If You Always Need to Use Your Hands, a Crossbody is for You

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: Small but mighty. The crossbody is the everyday bag you'll wear to run errands, carry a coffee and write emails at the same time. Think of it as the hands-free of handbags. Invest in this one—you'll probably wear it the most. 

If You're a Nineties Girl, You Need a Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: @lucywilliam02)

Style Notes: Our most recent bag obsession comes courtesy of the Fendi Baguette, which kicked off the "slung over the shoulder" bag trend in the '90s and is now making a huge comeback with brands like By Far. Luckily for us, the high street is picking up on it.

If You're a Label Fan, Invest in a Logo Bag

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: These might seem showy, but if you invest in the right brand, logo prints can have a really timeless feel. Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Burberry and Gucci all have iconic designs that will add value to your bag if you ever want to sell it on. 

If You're Always Carrying Loads of Stuff, Oversized Bags Are Back

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: The oversized bag is perhaps the most practical trend to come off the catwalks in the last few years. If the mini bag is for the fancy-free, this style—seen at both Bottega Veneta and Loewe—is definitely more for those of us with real-life responsibilities (and all the stuff that comes with that).

If You Spend All Your Money on Bags, These Are the Ultimate Purchases

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

Style Notes: The Hermès Birkin and Chanel flap bags are the Holy Grail of handbags. Once you have one fo these in your arsenal, you can hang up your shopping shoes and retire happy. 

Next up, the autumn/winter trends we believe in.

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.