The easiest way to transform any outfit and carry it from summer into fall is through the purposeful use of accessories. And more specifically, through the use of a fabulous handbag.
I don’t know what it is about autumn that makes me want to buy a million bags. Fall colors just look so beautiful on purses. Rich burgundies, deep greens and even softer taupe-y neutrals were made for leather and suede. Fall bags are my weaknesses.
But you don’t need a million handbags – or even more than two – to carry you into the cooler months. If you pick the right bag to invest in for your wardrobe and your own personal style, that perfect single purse can do the work of a dozen different options.
I wanted to share the bags that have recently caught my eye that I think are exceptional for fall. I’ve noticed that trends for purses this year are diverging into two separate aesthetics. One is the re-emergence of Y2K, with shoulder bags in monogram prints and blinged-out details. The other is a much more minimal and clean approach – solid leather in sleek finishes with graphic lines, structured silhouettes and barely-there hardware.
Y2K-inspired bags are fun, but they’re not at all my style. Instead, I’ve been drawn to the minimal trend, which is much more timeless and a better overall investment for your wardrobe. A bag like this glossy top handle purse from Chloe will never go out of style. Same with this similar Kate Spade version that’s at a lower price point. These bags will always be chic, no matter the year.
If you’re looking for a purse that marries the dueling trends in the best of both worlds, then this 3.1 Phillip Lim shoulder bag is for you. This bag is fun but in an elevated way. The color is absolutely gorgeous and would pair so beautifully with autumnal browns, burgundies and creams.
Another pink handbag that is just stunning is the Loewe Puzzle in this gentle mauve-pink. I’ve been lusting after a Puzzle bag for years, and this shade is one of the prettiest I have ever seen the brand do. It’s much more of a splurge than the 3.1 Phillip Lim shoulder bag, but I think this is a piece you’d have in your wardrobe for the rest of time.
Another thoughtful splurge would be this Saint Laurent Manhattan leather shoulder bag in a sage green. This gives me Hermes vibes at a fraction of the price – and you don’t have to go on a waiting list or play the Hermes game to buy one. I like that Saint Laurent has more understated purses. The ones that feature the iconic YSL logos are iconic for a reason, but sometimes it’s nice to fly under the radar. This is another bag that will remain forever timeless.
On the lower end of price points for investment bags are two Tory Burch ones. The first is the Lee Radziwill Petite Double Bag in a cool-toned tan leather. I own this exact purse in a blue and white floral pattern. It’s an exquisite bag for the price, especially if you can get it on sale. The construction is lovely, and it holds quite a bit more than you’d expect. This tan is a quintessential fall neutral that you can wear for any season. But it definitely will be a work horse for your wardrobe when the leaves start changing.
The second handbag is the Miller Cinch. This is a new release from Tory Burch, and I love it. It reminds me of the Gucci bamboo purses in a more casual leather and a more relaxed shape. I’m a sucker for a top handle bag, but I don’t have anything that’s like this one. I think they nailed the size, too. It’s large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it looks sloppy.
This Strathberry Crescent Shoulder Bag in Bottle Green has been around for a while now, and every time the weather gets chilly I debate whether or not to buy it. It can be worn as a shoulder bag with the thicker leather strap or as a crossbody with a gold chain strap. The options make it super versatile – you can easily dress it up or down for any occasion. Plus the color. I die. This may be the year I finally go for it.
