Fall is right around the corner. If you're looking to gear up for the coming months, you've landed in the perfect place. Transitional dressing can be a little tricky, as most people find it difficult to manage the switch between seasons. I utilized my fashion and shopping expertise to help you carry your current summer favorites into the new season seamlessly by finding the top transitional-weather picks to focus your closet refresh on.

It doesn't take a lot to achieve peak between-season fashion, so I'll tell you exactly what you should buy and where to buy high-quality, editor-approved versions of each item. I recommend investing in versatile jackets, flat shoes, lightweight knits, tall boots, and a beautiful leather tote to really step into the fall vibes. Keep scrolling to shop summer-to-fall transitional clothing today.

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Versatile Jackets

An easy jacket is the perfect way to make your go-to pieces fall-friendly. For fall 2026, funnel-neck silhouettes have been trending in various fabrications. However, you can't go wrong with other timeless styles.

Flat Shoes

Trade your favorite sandals in for a solid flat-shoe style. Whether it's loafers, Mary Janes, ballet flats, or mules, there's endless potential for styling with this shoe category. I love wearing fun socks to give my outfit a little extra personality.

Lightweight Knits

As the leaves turn, sweater weather ensues. Having go-to lightweight knits can make the biggest difference when weather conditions start to shift. You can't go wrong with cashmere, and either a cardigan or crewneck is a perfect place to start.

Tall Boots

Boots are quintessentially fall, and I'm partial to taller styles. Pair your favorite boots and tights with cute trouser shorts, skirts, and dresses from the last few months to give them that autumn treatment.

Leather Tote

It's officially time to retire your raffia and straw carryalls for a fall- and winter-friendly leather or suede tote. Classic colorways, like luxe black or warm, rich brown, won't disappoint.

As someone who works in fashion, it should come as no surprise that I have a pretty long list of designer items that I hope to one day invest in. And as we slowly move out of summer and into the transitional season, I’ve started to think about the It bags that will define the next few months. But as someone who prides themselves on their minimal and polished style that will stand the test of time, I have to be honest and say that I’m not really looking for ostentatious logos or easily identifiable shapes. In fact, I want the very opposite: an It bag that, of course, comes loved and coveted by the chicest dressers, but that also remains under-the-radar, pared-back and most importantly, timeless.

Well, after spotting one of minimalist fashion house The Row’s lesser-known bags on Kendall Jenner this week, I think I’ve found just that. Enter The Row’s Astra bag.

Spotted in LA wearing the brown hand-embroidered leather iteration with a classic black T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, Kendall proved just how much this bag lends itself to everyday styling, meaning you’re sure to get your money’s worth of wear out of it. With a soft elongated body and long flat handles, this understated bag has long been known by the chicest dressers as the "IYKYK" style to invest in. So much so that when I first discovered it, it was completely out of stock. However, now that a few of the colours have restocked online (with hopefully more to follow), now is the perfect time to snap up yours before it inevitably goes again. Its sleek yet effortless appeal makes it easy to dress up or down for any occasion, and in true The Row fashion, you’ll never have to worry about it going out of style.

And don’t just take it from Kendall; the bag is loved by both elegant dressers and editors alike, firmly proving its place as one of the it bags that will dominate autumn 2026 (and well beyond this, of course).

Keep scrolling to shop Kendall Jenner’s exact bag, and then take a browse at some other The Row it bags I currently have my eye on.

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If I had to choose a specialist subject, it would be handbags. I’ll admit, I’m pretty picky when it comes to totes and shoulder bags, but that doesn’t mean my criteria is simply skewed towards designer offerings. Of course, I can appreciate an enduring investment bag or a rising cult favourite, but I also have a soft spot for incredibly well-made, more affordable styles. The draw is that these are harder to find. Whilst the high street occasionally excels in the expensive-looking bag department (think Anthropologie’s recent woven style or basically any bag that comes out of COS), there's also an array of mid-range brands dedicated to creating elevated styles with sumptuous leather at a fraction of the price of designer styles. Now, everywhere I look, stylish people are carrying exquisite bags by The Horse, in particular, the Clementine bag.

Let me introduce you to The Horse. The brand was born in 2009, specialising in refined leather footwear, quickly cementing its credentials and expanding its offerings to include beautifully made handbags too. Focusing on anti-trend designs, a high-end appeal, and quality fabrics allowed these mid-range styles to break through the noise and nestle into the wardrobes of the most stylish people around. Across the globe, The Horse's understated bags can be spotted throughout the year, complementing all aesthetics from the bold to the minimalist. At the top of my wish list is the beloved Clementine.

The Clementine bag is an easy everyday style with a structured silhouette contrasted by supple grained leather. The top handle allows you to carry in hand, or add the detachable strap for shoulder and crossbody wear. Personally, I love that the softened forms also allow it to look at home nestled in the crook of an arm. The style comes in two sizes, regular and mini, with magnetic closures to keep your treasured possessions in place whilst also being easily accessible. The structured base ensures this bag is surprisingly roomy, ready for all your daily essentials. Each Clementine bag is crafted from 100% leather and available in an array of sleek colourways from classic black to deep khaki to rich navy. The sophisticated look of the bag sets it up to outlast moving trends and bring a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether you're headed out for a casual coffee stroll or an elegant evening. Keep scrolling to explore The Horse Clementine bag and shop more bags on our radar right now.

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When it comes to adding a luxurious-looking bag to our collections, you might assume that every editor's wish list is filled with designer buys. In fact, there's one brand that comfortably nestles itself amongst the most iconic names, and that's DeMellier. Boasting a high-end look at a more affordable price, DeMellier's pieces are beloved by fashion people across the globe because they prioritise quality, design, and the wearer's needs just as much as any investment bag does. Of all the It bags the brand has created, the New York Tote is consistently spotted on stylish people and celebrities across the globe, and right now you can snap it up for less in the DeMellier summer sale.

The New York tote bag is spacious, sleek, and already has a home in my personal handbag collection. As a handbag-obsessed editor, I've carefully curated my edit of great handbags over the years, but of them all, the New York tote is my most used. Whether heading to the office or travelling abroad, the spacious interior is ready to be filled with all your daily essentials, and plenty more as needed. The open top offers extra space to throw in last-minute additions, whilst the thoughtfully designed interior has a series of pockets to keep your most treasured items close to hand.

The bag comes in a series of colourways, as well as variations on form which include midi, regular and a sleek east-west silhouette. Today, the DeMellier summer sale has launched, and honestly, it's full of worthwhile buys. If you're in the market for a beach bag, I'd personally recommend the Santorini, with a classic raffia form and leather handles to ensure longevity and comfortable wear. For those who like a hands-free option, the Vancouver and Paris offer the elegance and timelessness that DeMellier has become known for. And if you're looking for a tote with a serious dose of sophistication, the New York Tote is primed to become a work, weekend and long-haul flight companion. As the best pieces tend to move fast, let's get straight to it. Scroll on to shop the DeMellier New York Tote on sale, and explore more refined DeMellier bags that fashion editors and celebrities adore.

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Summer is almost here, which means my fellow editors and I are gearing up to dish out all the needed summer trend inspiration and shopping recommendations to carry you through the months ahead. Lately, I've been diving into all things summer accessories to help accentuate any current favorite warm-weather outfits or clothing already existing in your closet. In particular, I've stumbled upon quite a few chic summer handbags under $500 that would make the perfect cherry on top of your cutest looks.

Don't worry. I couldn't possibly leave you hanging, as I don't believe in gatekeeping. Ahead, you'll find a curated selection of summer-friendly handbags from a variety of brands at an affordable price point. Some favorite brands or retailers that make an appearance include Anthropologie, Madewell, Coach, Dragon Diffusion, and many others. Keep scrolling to discover your new favorite handbag.

When it comes to the best designer bags, The Row is always part of the conversation. Since its inception in 2006, the brand has built a stellar roster of It bags, ranging from the capacious Marlo to the newly ingratiated Peggy Clutch. With timeless appeal, refined form and an in-the-know feel central to every design, The Row's bags consistently impress and, in turn, sell out. As the very best The Row bags can move quickly, I keep a careful eye on new releases and restocks, and I just know that these The Row summer bags will be flying off the shelves in no time.

From sharp tailoring to summer sandals, The Row's hold over the fashion sphere sees dedicated shoppers avidly watching for new arrivals and restocks of the best pieces. Last year, the brand introduced a bold striped Barn Tote, which instantly became the insider bag of the summer, void of bold logos but identifiable to keen-eyed fashion people. Now, the style has returned in understated black and brown colourways, along with a fresh intake of new summer bags.

In line with the arrival of sunshine, the brand has bolstered its bag category with new styles for the summer months. The newly arrived Georgica is already proving to be an instant hit, formed of intricate woven raffia in a classic tote silhouette. The Alma offers a more relaxed form, with a spacious interior and a long handle for added ease. Alongside the new styles come summer-ready updates to the brand's best-sellers. The Idaho shoulder bag has landed, updating the beloved style with elongated handles and a more everyday shape, but still retains the understated appeal that we've become accustomed to with The Row's designer bags.

From woven raffia to canvas updates, I've rounded up the best The Row summer bags to shop now before they sell out.

Shop the Best The Row Summer Bags

1. The Georgica Tote Bag

Style Notes: A true summer bag, the Georgica Tote is a classic tote style made from intricately woven raffia with braided top handles. Spacious and sleek, this bag will hold its place in any great wardrobe for years to come.

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2. The Beau Raffia Tote

Style Notes: Honestly, I can't believe I found the Beau bag in stock. Crafted from black and beige raffia interwoven to create a tactile texture and finished with leather handles, this bag will bring an elegant finishing touch to any summer outfit.

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3. The Alma Raffia Bag

Style Notes: For those who like their bags refined, relaxed and spacious, you'll want to know about the Alma bag. This bag balances refined and relaxed with a supple raffia form, and a single handle to keep the pared-back look of the design.

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4. The Idaho Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: The Idaho is a favourite amongst fashion people, and I expect the new shoulder version will be a hit too. The elongated straps make it easy to wear over the shoulder, with a cotton canvas material that's fitting for the warmer months as well as all year round.

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5. The Amber Bag

Style Notes: The Amber feels so true to The Row's aesthetic for its sophisticated and in-the-know appeal. Void of any branding, the luxury notes comes from the artisanal craftspersonship required to create the intricate woven bag.

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6. The Barn Tote

Style Notes: After last year's success, the Barn Tote is back, now in a selection of sizes and colourways. The breathable style with slim leather handles comes in mini and regular sizes, as well as black, brown and striped colourways.

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7. The Lilou Bag

Style Notes: The Lilou tote is already proving to be a favourite amongst fashion people, and we've spotted Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk carrying the sleek style.

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For a few months now, I've been keeping a secret. As part of my job as shopping editor, I get to preview collections well before they launch, and a few of these secrets are harder to keep than others. Finally, I can share that DeMellier has a new bag. One that has already made its way into my wish list and those of fashion people everywhere, even though it just launched today. Trust me, the DeMellier Stockholm Shoulder bag is about to be the cult buy of summer 2026.

Stepping into the DeMellier showroom a few months ago, I honed in on a sleek, structured shoulder bag with designer appeal and clear craftspersonship ingrained in every stitch. The form is a striking east-west shape, sure to bring a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether you're heading out in a simple T-shirt and jeans ensemble, throwing on a pretty dress and flats or taking a more elevated approach for evening. This new style is an evolution of the instantly beloved Stockholm bag. Whilst the original has a curved silhouette, the shoulder style offers a more streamlined take on the line, with clean lines and a more structured form.

We've long sung the praises of DeMellier's designs, from the renowned New York Tote to the more recent Florence bag. Every new style takes the same considered approach, resulting in an unprecedented roster of best-selling bags for the brand. What draws us back to DeMellier's sleek bags is the consistent balance. First, there's the harmony between timeless and contemporary, achieved through an understated design accented by an eye-catching shape. Next, DeMellier spends equal time considering the refined look of the bag and the practical appeal. Elongated handles ensure the bag fits comfortably over the shoulder, with a spacious interior and pockets to make it practical for your everyday adventures. Finally, the colourways. For many of us minimalists, we're drawn to the enduring neutral shades in supple leathers and smooth suedes, but alongside you'll find a joyful yellow iteration that I can already see accenting crisp white and deep brown outfits this summer. As we know, DeMellier's pieces become instant favourites, so I wouldn't wait around before adding this style to your collection.

Shop the DeMellier Stockholm Shoulder Bag

Shop More DeMellier Bags We Adore

At last, the bright sunshine has arrived, and the seasonal switchover is officially upon us. Many of us are repeating the same steps right now, switching into linen trousers, unpacking our minidresses and booking in pedicures as sandals return to the everyday. As a handbag-obsessed editor, the first piece that truly signals the shift into the warm seasons is the first flurry of summer bag sightings, and right now, stylish dressers everywhere are reaching for these popular designer summer bags once more.

Whilst our beloved leather bags can hold their own all year round, many of us look for an update when the warmer days arrive. Often, these styles call for a tactile update to suit the change in weather, with open tops to be filled with picnic and beachside essentials. Of all the great summer bags around, the very best tend to feature some form of intricate weave, raffia infusion or intricate crochet work, bringing a touch of ease to handbag silhouettes as well as an update in texture and shade.

After leaning into a series of trending styles over the years, I’m ready to invest in a luxury style that will outlast shifting trends, is intricately crafted, and has designer appeal in every stitch. When adding any piece to my wardrobe, longevity is a key focus, especially for investment buys. The most worthwhile additions are always those that will serve our wardrobes year after year, and when it comes to enduring summer bags, a handful of styles can be spotted every single time the weather heats up. Whilst the new collections have offered a fresh wave of styles, I searched for the truly timeless styles, those that have earned their keep for years and still feel like a fresh update to any summer wardrobe. Below, you’ll find the 5 most popular designer buys for summer 2026.

Shop the Most Popular Designer Summer Bags

1. The Row Woven Bag

Style Notes: The Row's bags are known for being some of the most understated around, and when it comes to its summer collection, a tactile update is all that's required. Woven fabrics and leathers note the new season styles, and whether you've tracked down the sold-out Estelle or are falling for the updated Barn tote, each of the bags has the same The Row aesthetic: understated, refined and incredibly timeless.

2. Loewe Basket Bag

Style Notes: The Loewe basket bag is a cult piece every single summer. First launched in 2019, every year a Loewe basket bag can be spotted on the chicest dressers, in one form or another. The distinctive logo nods to the designer origins of the style, whilst the intricate raffia weave reflects the brand's craftspersonship. The spacious styles can be filled with all summer essentials, whether heading out for a picnic in the park or to the local beach.

3. Saint Laurent Raffia Bags

Style Notes: Rather than one specific summer style that returns every year, Saint Laurent's extensive roster of iconic bags gets a summer-ready update with the infusion of raffia finishes. From the capacious Icare to the refined Le 5 à 7, explore Saint Laurent's It bags, now reinterpreted in a tactile raffia finish for the warmer days.

4. Miu Miu Crochet Tote

Style Notes: For spring/summer 2024, Miu Miu launched a colourful crochet summer bag, which immediately caused a frenzy in the fashion sphere. The playful feeling of the shades and crochet texture felt so true to Miu Miu's aesthetic that it's been reinvented for warm-weather collections ever since. Whether heading out for spring picnics or strolling to the beach abroad, this bag is sure to bring a joyful infusion to any occasion.

5. Bottega Sardine

Style Notes: The Sardine bag brings together Bottega Veneta's iconic Intrecciato weave with a playful infusion of metal hardware, shaped as a sardine. The coastal nod is a fun motif that also works as the handle of the bag, spotted across the globe when stylish dressers put together their summer evening looks.

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There are few things as reliable as the return of the woven bag. As soon as the first spring sunshine appears, a shift occurs in fashion people's wardrobes as classic bags are swapped out for tactile woven styles. Over the years, there's been one brand leading the charge, inspiring a thousand dupes, but no one does woven leather bags quite like Dragon Diffusion.

The refined musings of Dragon Diffusions pieces can be spotted all year round, but when the sunshine returns, they really come into their own. The spring months always usher in a tactile update through the introduction of light linens, airy cottons, and, in accessories, woven leather pieces. The sleek and intricate work of the brand's designs in timeless silhouettes and understated forms has cemented the brand as the go-to for woven styles year after year. And alongside our favourite fashion people, a series of celebrities have also added the brand's iconic styles to their collections. Ashley Olsen has been spotted pairing hers with a light jacket and jeans, whilst Dakota Johnson wore the small Santa Croce with a monochromatic black top and trousers. From Paris to New York to London, those in the know are bringing out their Dragon Diffusion bags once more for spring.

Whether a sleek shoulder bag or spacious tote, Dragon Diffusion's best-sellers come in all shapes and sizes, and the composition of sturdy woven leather ensures that these bags remain a dependable staple years after they join your wardrobe. From city streets to far-flung islands or even a simple trip to a farmer's market, a woven leather bag brings a balanced touch of elegance and ease. If you're looking to add a sleek woven leather bag to your collection, keep scrolling to explore the best Dragon Diffusion bags below.

Explore the Best Dragon Diffusion Bags

1. The Rosanna

Style Notes: The Rosanna bag is a refined shoulder bag with intricately woven leather, primed to carry your everyday essentials. From day to evening, this bag moves seamlessly with your looks and comes in an array of sleek shades.

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2. The Nantucket

Style Notes: The Nantucket bag is a beloved style often spotted throughout the year due to its practical size and sophisticated look. The tote is features a refined east-west silhouette with a spacious interior and intricately woven straps which fit neatly over the shoulder.

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3. The Egola

Style Notes: The Egola bag reinterprets the classic basket bag in enduring woven leather. The spacious interior and open top allow this bag to be filled to the brim if needed, ideal for days at the beach or picnics in the park.

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4. The Santa Croce

Style Notes: The Santa Croce is a consistent best-seller featuring soft edges and a tapered top to create the iconic shape. Whether carried in hand or slipped over the shoulder, this bag always feels incredibly current, even years later.

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5. The Japan

Style Notes: The Japan bag sets itself apart with wider leather straps and a a classic tote shape. The ease of this bag translates to every season, particularly with the suede iterations and deep brown options.

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6. The Triple Jump

Style Notes: The Triple Jump's timeless form draws fashion people to it year after year. It's understated, sophisticated and brings a touch of spring ease to warm-weather dressing.

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7. The Diagonal Triple Jump

Style Notes: The Diagonal Triple jump features a north/south silhouette, designed to fit comfortably over the shoulder thanks to its vertical shape. This practical style can move with you from city to seaside in an instant.

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For me, the way to read the fashion mood at any given time comes down to the It bags of the moment. In the age of maximalism, the overarching feeling was displayed in bold logos and monogrammed patterns, whilst the boho eras were distilled in slouchy silhouettes and intricate leather work. For spring 2026, the resounding theme in luxury is a return to heritage, and its clearest marker is the reinvented Loewe Amazona 180 that fashion people and celebrities can't stop carrying.

Our first sighting of the Loewe Amazona 180 bag came from the spring/summer 2026 runways, and immediately, fashion people took note. For those in the know, it was a defining moment for the brand, reinventing one of its most beloved styles, which first launched in the 1970’s, now updated for the present day.

The Amazona 180 is a celebration of Loewe’s heritage and expertise in leather. Loewe was founded almost two centuries ago, and with 180 years of extensive craftspersonship, iconography, and a slew of It bags, Loewe has been cemented as one of the most impactful luxury brands around. Now the Amazona 180 bag celebrates the extensive history of the brand and has joined the lineup of the best Loewe bags.

The original Amazona bag was introduced in 1975 as an everyday style with softened edges and a polished look. In turn, it became an iconic style for the brand, and over the years, it has been reconfigured and updated with fresh colourways and fabrics to suit the changing times. But the ease and sophistication of the bag have always been maintained.

Loewe’s approach to handbag design has always focused on timelessness. From the Puzzle to the Squeeze, its best creations have earned their It credentials through elegance and ease, rather than loud branding. The Amazona 180 follows this, with a classic shape featuring contemporary accents to ensure a harmonious balance of new yet enduring.

Now, for 2026, the bag has a slouchy attitude, crafted to be worn in various ways depending on the mood of the wearer. The refined silhouette can easily be contrasted when worn slightly open, a form that the brand has considered by placing the Loewe branding in sight when the zips are undone. The bag also comes with three strap options: a short handle, a removable shoulder strap and a crossbody, which we’ve already spotted stylish people move between depending on their outfits. Inside, two compartments are separated by a suede-lined divider, and an internal pocket for treasured possessions. With a series of sizes and a playful arrangement of colour options, now is the time to add the Amazona 180 bag to your collection.

Shop the Loewe Amazona 180 Bag

Mini Amazona 180 Bag

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Large Amazona 180 Bag

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The testament of a truly great bag is the ability to feel current even years after release. Whilst some new arrivals will shine bright for a few seasons before being relegated to the back of wardrobes, a few standout styles are able to withstand moving trends, changing seasons and updated aesthetics. It takes a certain balance of timeless design, practical form and enduring ease, all of which have cemented the Coach Brooklyn bag as an It bag that continues to deliver.

First released back in the summer of 2024, the Brooklyn has spent the years since proving why it deserves It status. From celebrity sightings to street style, it’s a bag that is frequently spotted on the best-dressed people around, and for good reason. The silhouette is relaxed, formed of supple leather that has a streamlined silhouette from the single top handle to the structured base. The look is refined yet understated, spacious without being overwhelming and considerately designed to have a high-end look with a more affordable price tag. That’s why year after year, the Brooklyn bag remains a firm staple in so many great handbag collections.

Whether it’s Bella Hadid in a simple tank top and leather trousers, or Camila Moronne wearing a floaty spring dress, it’s never surprising when we spot a Brooklyn in the wild. The bag isn’t tied down to one aesthetic, moving from minimalist to boho to maximalist with ease, so whether you’re dedicated to a single style or more comfortable exploring a range of looks, the Brooklyn is ready to keep up.

The Brooklyn comes in a selection of elegant shades, from the perfect black bag to tactile updates with the suede iterations, ranging from size 28 to the spacious 39. Personally, I have the Coach Brooklyn in a soft blue, a style that consistently earns me compliments for its joyful shade and designer appeal. I can attest to the draw of the Brooklyn, not only for the clean lines and soft shape, but also for the ease of wear, slipping neatly over the shoulder and sitting comfortably alongside the body thanks to the softened leather. Next on my list is the black style, which is sure to hold its place in my forever wardrobe.

Whether you opt for the smallest size or the most capacious, the spacious interior is always a welcome surprise. The bag can be left open when filled to the brim or secured with the magnetic closure. You’ll also find an internal pocket for cards and small treasures with a snap closure to keep them secured. With a polished ease, timeless look and celebrity approval, this is a bag that will consistently hold its place amongst Coach’s best bags. Now, explore the range of sizes and colourways below.

Shop the Coach Brooklyn Bag

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While I may decode the latest fashion trends and It items for a living, as a careful shopper myself, I'm rarely the first to spend on one. Instead, I like to wait a bit to make sure something feels like it has staying power, confirm it works for my petite frame, is true to my relatively classic style, seems practical, and is something I'll actually love long-term. In short, I like to avoid buyers remorse, and as such, I'm always a little late to the game—by design.

Hopefully this explains why I've only now come around to the giant bag trend, as modeled so effortlessly by the always-cool Hailey Bieber above. Sure, I've been intrigued for a while, but as a 5'2" girlie who often buys mini bags because they look regular size on me, I had to make sure I felt like it really worked and wouldn't be something I get over quickly. So here we are. I've finally bought in, and in case you haven't taken the leap yourself either, I thought I'd share the options currently in the running. Just keep scrolling to see what's on my preliminary list!