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20 Classic Bags for Fall

Purses are a simple way to update your look for fall. From colorblock styles to ladylike structure, this season's bags have a vintage edge with modern twists.

By Becky MacCurtain and Deanna Pai

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Splash of Red

Brighten up fall's typically somber palette with an elegant red bag.

 

 

Coach, $300; net-a-porter.com
coach purse image
Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Doctor, Doctor

Faux snakeskin gives an edge to this retro doctor bag, which is easy on the eyes and on your wallet.

 

 

Aldo, $38; aldoshoes.com
aldo purse image
Courtesy of Aldo

Class Act

Don't let the ladylike shape of this handbag fool you—the ostrich leather, bamboo details and braided strap are unexpected and playful.

 

 

Elaine Turner, $350; elaineturner.com
elaine turner purse image
Courtesy of Elaine Turner

Crocodile Rock

Let reptile print shine with a simple shape and a goes-with-everything gray hue.

 

Dooney & Burke, $425; dooney.com
dooney and burke purse image
Courtesy of Dooney & Burke

Vintage Touch

You don't have to prove you're a lady with this polished purse, which says it all.

 

 

J.Crew, $238; jcrew.com
j.crew purse image
Courtesy of J.Crew

Wild Side

All business on the top and party on the bottom, this tote makes for a seamless transition from the office to a romantic dinner.

 

 

Ann Taylor, $248; anntaylor.com
ann taylor handbag image
Courtesy of Ann Taylor

Black and White and Cute All Over

A classic, over-the-shoulder purse gets reinvented with skinny stripes and equestrian-inspired buckles.

 

 

Kate Spade, $275; katespade.com
kate spade purse image
Courtesy of Kate Spade

To a T

We can't decide which we love more, the vintage-inspired needlepoint print or the sweet gold padlock.

 

 

Tory Burch, $465; toryburch.com
tory burch purse image
Courtesy of Tory Burch

I Love the '80s

The black patent leather and delicate gold hardware snagged us, but it's the cheeky flap top (disguised as a handle) that makes this a must-have.

 

 

Milly, $265; neimanmarcus.com
Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Cutting Corners

We can't say no to color blocking—plus, the red leather detail gives just the right amount of sass.

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff, $495; rebeccaminkoff.com
rebecca minkoff purse image
Courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

The Do-All Carryall

This versatile tote has enough room to stash a book (or the latest tablet). The forest green hue lends an extra dose of luxe.

 

 

Diane Von Furstenberg, $425; dvf.com
diane von furtsenberg purse image
Courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg

Feeling Groovy

A fresh breath of air from the sea of designer monograms, the Gucci emblem gets a playful, 70s-inspired makeover.

 

 

Gucci, $795; netaporter.com
gucci purse image
Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Modern Patchwork

The only thing better than a colorblock bag? A python colorblock bag. From the exquisite clasp to the delicate chain, this purse will take you through fall and beyond.

 

 

Chloé, $2,995; saksfifthavenue.com
chloe purse image
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Framework

Step aside, fire-engine red. Maroon steals the show with this oversized and minimalist doctor's bag.

 

 

Jason Wu, $2,495; kirnazabete.com
jason wu purse image
Courtesy of Kirna Zabete

Lock and Key

A utilitarian cross-body bag gets a luxurious makeover with warm gray leather and gold hardware.

 

 

Marc Jacobs, $795; bergdorfgoodman.com
marc jacobs purse image
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Colorblock Code

With plum, navy and beige, this purse is a colorful accompaniment to just about any fall ensemble.

 

 

Fendi, $2,200; bergdorfgoodman.com
fendi purse image
Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Seeing Red

Simple and elegant, a satchel in rich red is a foolproof option.

 

 

Banana Republic, $130; bananarepublic.gap.com
banana republic handbag image
Courtesy of Banana Republic

Flirting with Fuchsia

On occasion, more is more—this clutch pulls out all the stops with patent leather, crocodile texture and a deep pink hue.

 

 

DKNY, $175; net-a-porter.com
dkny clutch image
Courtesy of Net-A-Porter

Drawing to a Close

Drawstring bags aren't just for gym-goers. Add an unexpected hint of casual-cool to your average tote with this pick.

 

 

See by Chloé, $595; shopbop.com
see by chloe purse image
Courtesy of Shopbop

Saddled Up

The buckles have an equestrian feel, but the pale suede takes this satchel from the stable to the office.

 

 

Asos, $119; us.asos.com

 

 

Pair these picks with Age-Appropriate Fashion That Gets You Noticed.

 

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asos purse image
Courtesy of Asos

First Published Thu, 2011-08-11 16:55

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