As tailored separates and pointed toe footwear continue to rise within womenswear, bags are also getting sharper. On the fall runway, we saw the return of ladylike, dainty bags, by way of Sandy Liang and Anna Sui, and the debut of Miu Miu’s Adventure, a doctor-style bag designed for serious business—or at least to look the part. As we inch toward spring, we’ve seen the trend continue to hold, evident across street style: from London to Milan, we spotted editor-favorite top-handle styles, like Khaite’s Cate Bag and DeMellier’s New York shoulder bag.
Which is to say, the options are vast. To help, we’ve curated the best top handle styles across every taste and budget. For classic pieces that can pull double duty as an office commuter bag or the final touch for a night out, there’s Savette’s Symmetry leather clutch and Tory Burch’s petite-sized Eleanor satchel. For statement-making designs, Toteme’s minimalist T-Lock clutch and Osoi’s buckle-wrapped purse deliver on style and practicality. The hardest part is choosing just one.
From bestselling designer staples to affordable styles that deliver quality craftsmanship and striking design without the hefty price tag, these are the 15 best top-handle bags to shop right now.
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
courtesy of brands, collage by Sarah Olivieri
Best Work
Cos Mini Studio Bowling Bag
This sleek bowling-style bag from Cos proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles to make a statement. In fact, a structured silhouette crafted from buttery soft suede says more than enough.
Material: suede
Colors: black
Best Buckle
Osoi Zip Brocle Mini Bag
Osoi’s stylish purse features two trends in one—structured top handles and a chunky, wraparound belt. Somehow it manages to avoid trend overload for a look that’s edgy yet polished.
Material: leather
Colors: tan, black, off-white
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Coach Bowery Satchel 22
From the viral Brooklyn bag, adored by celebrities and editors alike, to the equally popular Ergo purse and buzzy kisslock clutches spotted across New York Fashion Week, Coach has also been experiencing a renaissance for the past couple years. We’ll add this chic bowling bag, with contrasting topstitch detailing and gold-toned feet, to the ones to watch next list.
Material: leather
Colors: black, blush, stone, and chalk
Best Overall
Savette Symmetry Pochette Leather Clutch
With its structured, rectangular shape and elegant twist lock closure, Savette’s Symmetry clutch is an instant classic. Perfectly sized to hold your essentials, like phone, wallet and keys, you can wear it with an oversized polo and pleated trousers for an elevated look.
Material: leather
Colors: black, maple, coffee, and eight more
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Best Everyday
Longchamp ‘Mini Le Pliage’ Handbag
Lonchamp’s bestselling Le Pliage is a stylish yet durable bag. Crafted from scratch-and water-resistant nylon and featuring a zip top closure to make sure your most precious valuables stay securely in place, it’s the perfect bag for running errands around town. Even better, you can quickly fold it up at home to save some closet space.
Material: nylon, leather
Colors: paper, marine, tomato, and six more
Most Preppy
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Soft Small Top-Handle Bag
Gucci’s petite-sized purse features the brand’s signature gold-toned horsebit, perfect for pairing with their iconic loafer for a smart look.
Material: leather
Colors: Rosso Ancora red, black, beige and dark brown
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Best for Vacation
Jil Sander Goji Bamboo Mini Bag
Vacation season will be here before you know it, which means you’ll need a go-to bag to wear with your rotation of destination-ready resort wear. Jil Sander’s Goji bag, with its clutch-style closure and glossy bamboo top-handle, can easily transition from casual poolside lounging to swanky indoor dining.
Material: leather, bamboo
Colors: black, eggshell
Pastels are having a big moment, from butter yellow to powder pink and baby blue. Add a subtle pop of color to your look this spring with Ganni’s miniature Bou bag, which features an icy hue that can add some warmth to neutral-toned looks or balance out busy prints.
Material: leather
Colors: icy blue, black, taupe, and ten more
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Best Layered-Effect
Balenciaga Rodeo Mini Leather Tote
With a slouchy, layered-effect exterior and spacious, dual-compartment interior, Balenciaga’s Rodeo tote is extremely cool (and practical).
Material: leather
Colors: beige, black
Most Unique
Liffner Bowling Mini Bag
Fashion’s all about having fun and Liffner’s suede bowling bag, which features cheeky, asymmetrical top handles, is perfect for injecting a little playfulness into your wardrobe.
Material: suede
Colors: rust
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Best Little Black Bag
Tory Burch Mini Eleanor Satchel
Effortless and elegant, featuring a sleek gold logo clasp, Tory Burch’s versatile Eleanor satchel is one you’ll grab for seasons to come.
Material: leather
Colors: black, malt whisky, soft ivy, and three more
Best Woven
JW Pei Thea Top-Handle Bag
This woven purse is made from vegan leather but you’d never know it. The buttery texture complimented by the gold-toned zip closure oozes luxury without the hefty price tag. Perfect for brunch or evening drinks.
Material: vegan leather
Colors: deep claret, dark olive, white, and two more
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Best T-Lock
Toteme T-Lock Leather Top-Handle Bag
With a curved silhouette secured by a simple, yet striking T-lock closure, this editor-loved style looks like art—and will make your outfit look like one as well.
Material: leather
Colors: fawn, bark, black, ash
Best It-Bag
Ferragamo Hug Soft Medium Leather Shoulder Bag
Ferragamo’s double-Gancini buckle Hug bag has quickly become an It bag. Featuring an elongated top handle that can be carried or worn over the shoulder and a centered zip compartment for securely stowing away your valuables, it’s perfectly sized to carry your work essentials to and from the office or pull double duty as a weekend tote.
Material: leather
Colors: black/burgundy, stone/burnt ocher, oxblood, and seven more
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Best Affordable
Zara Mini Double Handle Suede Bag
Sometimes you want to test-trial a trend without investing too much at the start. Zara’s mini suede bag is made from topstitched, suede and features a removable crossbody strap so you can go hands-free when you want to. A timeless style for an affordable price that doesn’t skip on the quality.
Material: suede
Colors: sand
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