Spring Bag Guide: 20 Ultrachic, Ladylike Options
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
The best bags this season are taking a turn for the ladylike. No more slouchy hobo shapes. Your wrists will get a break from clutches in favor of arching handles. And the bag swinging by your side or across your body will now offer a more structured shape that keeps the essentials inside more organized and looks great with spring’s more relaxed, undone looks. Instead of something trendy, these pieces are ultimately throwbacks you’ll appreciate for years to come; designers, after all, are the first to swing back toward sophisticated when things get a little too busy.
While often tucked under the arm, or slung saucily on the shoulders from many spring runways, these bags all seem slightly smaller than seasons past — a good thing, as tiny packages give you a bit more leeway to play with color, texture, and hardware. Whether it’s Fendi’s uptown-inspired neoprene tote or Topshop’s mini leather purse (in a great, bold orange), here are twenty choices that will have you looking toward the future while nodding at the past.
Photography by Stuart Tyson. Styling by Donna Castro. Market editing by Amelia Diamond, Veronica Gledhill, Rebecca Ramsey, and Diana Tsui. Featured wallpapers courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper, 230 Fifth Ave., ste. 510; 212-393-9002
Christian Dior The sharp shape and soft calfskin leather is perfect for swinging on the shoulder with its delicate strap, while the size is big e...
Christian Dior The sharp shape and soft calfskin leather is perfect for swinging on the shoulder with its delicate strap, while the size is big enough for daily essentials without looking bulky or losing polish.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Valentino
The perfect marriage of punk and proper, Valentino's fuchsia leather with matching rockstuds brings a touch of youthful rebellion to ...
Valentino
The perfect marriage of punk and proper, Valentino's fuchsia leather with matching rockstuds brings a touch of youthful rebellion to the classic uptown shape and strap.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Jason Wu A bag in a pastel shade feels refreshing, especially if you try wearing it with black or white for a feminine take on a graphic look tha...
Jason Wu A bag in a pastel shade feels refreshing, especially if you try wearing it with black or white for a feminine take on a graphic look that is not too saccharine.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Chanel
With white quilted lambskin, contrasting black edges, and hardware with a pewter finish, this splurge-worthy Chanel staple has just th...
Chanel
With white quilted lambskin, contrasting black edges, and hardware with a pewter finish, this splurge-worthy Chanel staple has just the right touch of street, whether wearing it with jeans or a draped dress.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Max Mara Most women tend to buy a black or brown bag, but a red one is like a red lip: It never goes out of style, feels good on everyone, and sh...
Max Mara Most women tend to buy a black or brown bag, but a red one is like a red lip: It never goes out of style, feels good on everyone, and should be an integral part of your wardrobe when you're looking to show some attitude.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Fendi Big totes can get heavy, even when empty, but this one swaps out leather for sporty neoprene. The result is a lightweight yet luxurious bag...
Fendi Big totes can get heavy, even when empty, but this one swaps out leather for sporty neoprene. The result is a lightweight yet luxurious bag that won't weigh down your arm.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Balenciaga A wallet-like exterior pocket keeps must-haves within reach while bubblegum pink calf skin serves as a fresh-yet-subversive counterpoi...
Balenciaga A wallet-like exterior pocket keeps must-haves within reach while bubblegum pink calf skin serves as a fresh-yet-subversive counterpoint for your patterned spring wardrobe (on all days but Easter.)
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Prada Crisp, clean white takes a bit more effort to maintain, but ultimately looks chic and modern. Apply a leather protectant like Apple Gard&ea...
Prada Crisp, clean white takes a bit more effort to maintain, but ultimately looks chic and modern. Apply a leather protectant like Apple Gardé before use and the bag will last for years. Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Saint Laurent Strong and substantial with serious lines, this structured lambskin bag is a power-broker in itself, adding polish to even the most...
Saint Laurent Strong and substantial with serious lines, this structured lambskin bag is a power-broker in itself, adding polish to even the most relaxed look.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
J. Crew Think of this as your investment bag that won't cost you a month's rent. The color combination is classic, the shape is modern, and quali...
J. Crew Think of this as your investment bag that won't cost you a month's rent. The color combination is classic, the shape is modern, and quality far exceeds the three-digit price.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Marni While the shape has a vintage feel with its dramatic gold frame clasp, the perforations that mimic polka dots are cheeky, colorful, and all...
Marni While the shape has a vintage feel with its dramatic gold frame clasp, the perforations that mimic polka dots are cheeky, colorful, and all-ages appropriate.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Topshop
A tiny cross-body is a smart way to pack a big punch of spring color, while brassy hardware keeps the whole package from being too swee...
Topshop
A tiny cross-body is a smart way to pack a big punch of spring color, while brassy hardware keeps the whole package from being too sweet. Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Coach The textured Saffiano leather looks sophisticated but also adds durability to this small everyday duffel. That means it'll stay structured,...
Coach The textured Saffiano leather looks sophisticated but also adds durability to this small everyday duffel. That means it'll stay structured, but also that it won't scratch.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Tod's Investing in an exotic can be hard (and expensive). Here, the mix of colors with the texture of python make it a special purchase that's wo...
Tod's Investing in an exotic can be hard (and expensive). Here, the mix of colors with the texture of python make it a special purchase that's worthy of the commitment.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Michael Kors Ever the ladylike silhouette, the colorblocked, all-American leather and gold closure add a sporty element to this bag, allowing for...
Michael Kors Ever the ladylike silhouette, the colorblocked, all-American leather and gold closure add a sporty element to this bag, allowing for more wardrobe versatility.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
ASOS A bag doesn't have to be designer in order to be cool, just like this little faux-leather black number doesn't have to be white, pink, or fl...
ASOS A bag doesn't have to be designer in order to be cool, just like this little faux-leather black number doesn't have to be white, pink, or floral to feel just right for spring.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Salvatore Ferragamo Smaller bags let you experiment with color and major hardware without overpowering your entire outfit; why not opt for a rich...
Salvatore Ferragamo Smaller bags let you experiment with color and major hardware without overpowering your entire outfit; why not opt for a rich fuchsia bag with a statement clasp to match?
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Calvin Klein Collection Although minimal and sleek from first glance, this one features a handle that virtually doubles in length when unlocked o...
Calvin Klein Collection Although minimal and sleek from first glance, this one features a handle that virtually doubles in length when unlocked on both sides. It's perfect for the lady who likes options.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Reed Krakoff The ultra-soft blue leather looks cool, while the convertible strap allows for hands-free ease when the bag is worn crossbody-style ...
Reed Krakoff The ultra-soft blue leather looks cool, while the convertible strap allows for hands-free ease when the bag is worn crossbody-style at the hip.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
Bottega Veneta Fans of Bottega's slouchy woven totes who want a dressed-up version should consider this accordion bag: it combines the house’s si...
Bottega Veneta Fans of Bottega's slouchy woven totes who want a dressed-up version should consider this accordion bag: it combines the house’s signature codes with a structured shape and fun, contrasting, metal details.
Photo: Stuart Tyson; Wallpaper: Courtesy of Secondhand Rose Antique Wallpaper
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