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25 Clean and Classic Handbags

Calling all bag ladies! Whether you’re looking for a tote, satchel, shoulder bag or clutch, keeping it elegant, sophisticated and smart makes you look, well, elegant, sophisticated and smart. Here are 25 handbags that, like you, will never go out of style.

 

by Lesley Kennedy • MORE.com Reporter

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Lady in Red

A shiny patent leather tote in a bright red is elegant, sophisticated and the height of chic.

 

kate spade new york flicker shopper, $228, nordstrom.com
 
kate spade shopper tote image
Nordstrom

The Envelope, Please

It doesn’t get much fresher than a simple white clutch. We love the envelope flap and oversize shape of this style. This is definitely white done right.

Asos envelope clutch, $36, asos.com
 
asos white clutch image
Asos

Top Notch

A top-handled satchel says I’m serious, I’m stylish, I’m ready for anything. And we think you’ll use this bag for pretty much anything, too.

Melie Bianco Keira bag, $99, piperlime.com
 
Melie Bianco Keira bag image
Piperlime.com

Shine On

Whether you’re heading to the office or the beach, this roomy carryall will keep you looking polished and totally cool.

Talbots shimmer tote, $98, talbots.com
Talbots shimmer tote image
Talbots

Travel Ready

Heading out for a fab trip? Swap your usual day bag for this tote that manages to be both fashionable and functionable. Bonus: Lots of rooms for souvenirs.

Gap leather travel tote, $125, gap.com
gap travel tote image
Gap

Ahoy, Matey!

Nautical stripes may be the most classic print out there, so why not pick up a handbag that calls to the sea?

Rebecca Minkoff Diamond tote, $195, zappos.com
Rebecca Minkoff Diamond tote image
Zappos.com

Work It

Need a great style to carry to the office, important meetings or just when you want to look fab? This leather camel shoulder bag is the ultimate in ladylike polish.

J.Crew Edie attache bag, $228, jcrew.com
 
jcrew bag image
J.Crew

Whip It Good

Go ahead, and let 'em see you shine with this gorgeous leather metallic bag that will last you for many, many seasons to come.


Poppy by Coach crossbody bag, $188, coach.com
Poppy by Coach crossbody bag image
Coach

Spring Fling

With this super cute, yet totally sophisticated, white and yellow tote, we can now officially admit we have spring fever. Thank goodness this bag will instantly relieve our symptoms.

Banana Republic Linda tote, $59.50, bananarepublic.com
banana republic tote image
Banana Republic

Below the Belt

The handbag equivalent to the classic trench coat, this camel leather tote features a belt detail and, like the trench, goes with just about everything.

Halogen belted tote, $228, nordstrom.com
Halogen belted tote image
Nordstrom

Touch of Whimsy

Just because a bag has a classic look doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. This trompe l’oiel printed canvas tote features a quilted bag print. J’adore!

Thursday Friday Diamonds tote, $125, asos.com
Thursday Friday Diamonds tote image
Asos

Saddle Up!

Urban cowgirls will say “yeehaw!” over this classic white cross-body saddle bag. Perfect for when you need to get-along to work or ride on over to the bar for drinks with friends. Giddyap!

Harbridge Saddle Bag by Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $228, piperlime.com
Harbridge Saddle Bag by Lauren by Ralph Lauren image
Piperlime.com

Lock it Up

If you don’t have a simple, elegant structured shoulder bag in your handbag wardrobe, you’d be wise to pick up this turnlock number. Although, we must warn you -- your other bags are bound to get jealous.

Talbots medium leather bag, $159, talbots.com
Talbots medium leather bag image
Talbots

Mini Me

When a big bag is too much, swap over to this petite style. It's clean and classic in black, but it’s also cool in white or yellow. Hey, at this price, you might as well snap up all three.

Old Navy mini messenger bag, $15, oldnavy.com
old navy bag image
Old Navy

In the Clutch

For evenings out on the town, you’ll need a sleeker, smaller handbag, such as this smart leather clutch. Prefer to be hands-free? Just use the chain strap. See, totally clutch.

Elliott Lucca Cordoba clutch, $98, nordstrom.com
Elliott Lucca Cordoba clutch image
Nordstrom

Zip It Up

Keep your look classic even when you need to go casual with this triple-zip black cross-body bag. Just grab your keys, your phone, your wallet and you’re off! In style, of course.

Dooney & Bourke nylon bag, $58, zappos.com
 
Dooney & Bourke nylon bag image
Zappos.com

Pony Express

A mailbag-style purse is always on trend -- especially when its done in pretty green suede.

Madewell mini mailbag, $118, madewell.com
Madewell mini mailbag image
Madewell

Carry On

When you're heading straight from work to a weekend getaway, you'll want this two-tone leather carry-all by your side.

Ann Taylor tote, $298, anntaylor.com
 
Ann Taylor tote image
Ann Taylor

Orange Crush

For less than $50, this sleek, classic bag can be all yours. Hurry up, now, great style awaits.

Aldo Hollar handbag, $45, aldoshoes.com
Aldo Hollar handbag image
Aldo

Boho Beauty

This dark brown leather bag has tons of room and tons of timeless style.

Lucky Brand Abbey Road cross body bag, $178, piperlime.com
Lucky Brand Abbey Road cross body bag image
Piperlime.com

Yin & Yang

Black and white is the epitome of classic, as is the style of this zippered canvas tote.

Gap colorblock tote, $45, gap.com
Gap colorblock tote image
Gap

Drop in the Bucket

Soft red leather adds a perfect pop of color to your day-to-day basics.

J.Jill bucket bag, $149, jjill.com
J.Jill bucket bag image
J.Jill

Rope it In

A little bit preppy, a little bit nautical, a whole lot stylish, this roomy canvas tote bag is great for the city or the beach.

Lands' End rope-handle tote bag, $60, landsend.com
 
Lands' End rope-handle tote bag image
Lands' End

Little Black Purse

Need something to wear with your LBD? Try a LBP -- as in little black purse. This number can be worn across the body or as a clutch. Little purse, lotta style.

J.Crew Baby Brompton, $158, jcrew.com
J.Crew Baby Brompton image
J.Crew

White Out

No need to spend a lot to look expensive. This versatile hobo bag can be dressed up or down, but will always be in style.

Old Navy hobo, $35, oldnavy.com

 

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Old Navy hobo image
Old Navy
First Published February 22, 2012

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