Sure, you can opt for that trendy little purse or that eye-catching tote you chance upon at a more budget-friendly store, but taking the time to really pick out the right bags and spending a little extra on quality and practical styles can benefit you much more in the long run. While a more affordable bag will save you some money now, you’ll find that you likely need to purchase new bags every few months or so, causing your overall expenses to pile up over the years. If you know how to pick your bags, you only really need to own a few. Take good care of them and they’ll be sitting in your closet for years—you’ll see over time that you can always reach for the bags you took the time to choose and invest in and rely on them to go with your clothing even as the seasons pass and your style preferences change.
If you’re ready to finally make the investment and stock up on the kind of bags that you’ll love for a long time, we list 10 great options you can shop locally. We found versatile pieces in a range of styles, colors, and price ranges. Knowing what works best for you is a process that may require a lot of thought and reflection, so take your time to decide which style meets your standards.
These versatile handbags are totally worth the investment:
Lora Carryall (P30,500) from Coach
As a general rule when investing in handbags, go for styles without any flashy logos or overly distinct details. This Coach bag is a great example, keeping its logo low-key on just an embossed tag attached to the handle. The spacious, boxy leather carryall would be a practical option for everyday looks. It’s even big enough to hold a 13-inch laptop!
Available on Trunc’s website; see a list of Coach stores.
Knott Medium Satchel (P19,650) from Kate Spade
If a compact purse is more up your alley, check out this stylish satchel from Kate Spade. The no-frills carrier can be used as a handbag or a crossbody bag, making it suitable for a variety of outfits and occasions. Despite its small size, it boasts a spacious inner compartment as well as a zip pocket on the side for small essentials that require easy access.
Available at Rustan’s; see a list of Kate Spade stores.
Le Foulonné Zipped Crossbody (P24,500) from Longchamp
You probably already own Longchamp’s famous Le Pliage bag, but for a more modern and minimalist style, check out the Zipped Crossbody Bag from their Le Foulonne F/W 2021 collection. It sports a long frame, slim silhouette, and no-frills style perfect to add an effortlessly sophisticated touch to your casual looks. We love it in this always-wearable brown shade, but you can also get it in black, cream, pink, and muted green.
Available at Rustan’s stores in Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, and Greenbelt 5.
The Midi Tote (P42,500) from Strathberry
The Strathberry Midi Tote Bag gives business formal a chic, feminine twist with an all-black leather exterior and structured-but-delicate silhouette. You can use it as a handbag or crossbody bag thanks to the detachable shoulder strap. It keeps the metallic details understated with just a few silver buckles and a silver closure up top as a finishing touch. You’ll love using it for work!
Available at Rustans.
Walker Nano Wallet On Chain (P11,950) from Tory Burch
For when you’re carrying just the bare necessities—smartphone, cards, cash, keys, you get the gist—rock this chic Tory Burch chain wallet. It’s slim, compact, and goes with pretty much everything. Plus, the combination of black leather and gold details will always be a classic.
Available at Rustan’s; see a list of Tory Burch stores.
Next M Hobo Sand (P25,500) from Furla
Keep your outfits lowkey with this no-frills handbag from Furla, which could quickly become your new fave grab-it-and-go bag. It features a simple but stylish sandy color from the base to the strap along with soft gold details and a zip-closure that almost blends into the beige fabric. The light tone will add a little more brightness and dimension to your look compared to a black bag—especially if you normally rock dark colors—but is just as versatile and easy to style.
Available at Rustan's; see a list of Furla stores.
The Editor Shoulder Bag (P39,500) from Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs’ The Editor handbag is as useful as it is elegant. At first glance, you’ll notice the smooth black leather, sleek silhouette that widens around the base, and subtle (not to mention, removable) gold details hanging on the strap. Look inside and you’ll find the bag is divided into three spacious compartments that house smaller pockets inside. Your belongings will always be organized!
Available at Rustan’s; see a list of Marc Jacobs stores.
Jorah (starts at P67,787.50) from Bally
If you love itty-bitty purses, Bally's Jorah top handle bag would be perfect for your collection. It’s available in several shades, but we’re loving this all-black piece, which sports a black buckle, making it great to pair with jewelry of all kinds. Lift up the top handle and you’ll find two compartments inside, so you can always keep your essentials orderly.
Available on Trunc’s website; see a list of Bally stores.
Ferragamo Boxyz Bag (P148,000) from Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo’s calf-leather Boxyz Bag would make any outfit (whether casual or formal) look instantly more polished thanks to the clean geometric lines in its design from the overall silhouette to the sleek flap and buckle. Its name is a reference to generations X, Y, and Z, owing to its timeless appeal that would work for a variety of ages, style profiles, and lifestyles.
Available at Rustan’s; see a list of Salvatore Ferragamo stores.
Montreal Smooth Leather Handbag (P36,500) from Demellier
This Demellier handbag combines classic style sensibilities (the versatile camel color, the no-frills leather finish) with a modern aesthetic (the architectural build, the chunky buckle), making for a bag that looks both timeless and fashion-forward. You can wear it over the shoulder, hang it across the body, or just hold it in your hand. It’s roomy enough to fit an 11-inch device, so you can even use it for work.
Available at Rustan’s.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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