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For many years, tiny bags reigned supreme — some of which were too small to fit a standard-sized iPhone. As charming as small handbags are, they aren’t exactly practical. Even though tiny bags are very demure, I found that carrying a small bag made me feel less organized and pulled together. Luckily for me and any other big bag lovers, larger handbags are all the rage this season. Whether you’re a student, love to travel, or have a long commute, a big bag can really come in handy. These are some of the most practical and stylish big bag options on the market. We also included advice on how to make a big bag work efficiently, without overwhelming you.
Prices are accurate as of November 22, 2024. Subject to change.
Leatherology Park Satchel
I had my first baby recently and once I got the hang of things, I realized I did not need to schlep around a giant diaper bag with me wherever baby and I went. Enter the Leatherology Park Satchel. This large purse is a game-changer for a busy mom. It’s big enough to hold all of my and baby’s essentials and when I no longer need a diaper bag, I can still use it as a normal purse. It’s so practical, my husband even asked to borrow it for his next business trip. Once you clip on the convenient shoulder strap, it almost looks like a mini duffle and would be the perfect under-the-seat bag on your next flight.
The secret to making a really big bag functional is to get one that’s thoughtfully designed. This bag has ample pockets and a keychain so you’re never digging around looking for something. Hands down, the best feature is the exterior zippered pocket. It’s almost undetectable to the eye but is large enough to fit a phone and wallet. That way, when my hands are full, I can easily grab my essentials without opening the whole bag. It also earns major bonus points for the personalization options. Who doesn’t love a good monogram?
LoveVook Laptop Tote Bag
If you want an inexpensive work bag, this Amazon find will do the trick. With 30 colors to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your wardrobe (and with all colors under $40, you can stock up on as many hues as you like). It fits a 15-inch laptop in a separate, padded pocket, and is equipped with enough slip pockets and zippered compartments to neatly stow everything else you need.
DoubleMoonCo Suede Tote Bag
After seeing this Etsy find all over my TikTok For You Page, I knew I had to check it out. It’s a dupe for the insanely in-demand Row Margaux bag, but doesn’t come with a price tag of over $5,000. The reviews were convincing, but the price tag even more so. You can get the look for a lot less while also taking advantage of the fact that suede is having a major moment this fall.
Bostanten Vegan Leather Bucket Bag
If you’re looking for a super practical bag for fall, why not try this Amazon bucket bag? The adjustable shoulder strap caught my eye since we all know there is nothing more annoying than having to readjust your bag constantly when you’re on the go. It comes in all the classic neutral shades and a rich hunter green that just screams fall — it’s also usually $40 or less.
Reader Favorites
Freja New York Paloma Tote
Whenever possible, I love to support vegan leather brands and no one does it better than Freja. I’m a proud owner of many of its smaller handbags, but this perfect work tote caught my eye. There’s nothing that makes me feel more frazzled than digging through my work bag in front of clients, so I appreciate how many separate compartments there are. The ultrafiber material is lightweight but still feels more luxe than many real leather bags.
J.Crew Edie Bucket Bag
In 2020, Olympia Gayot became the creative director of J.Crew and since then, the brand’s bucket bags have been a staple amongst the fashion crowd every fall. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials, but I’m pretty smitten with this luxe black version.
Floral Linen Tote Bag
This large fabric tote bag is my ultimate travel secret. It folds down flat, so you can easily slide it in your suitcase without taking up any extra room. Then, when you get to your destination you can pop it open and use it as a beach bag, gym bag, grocery tote, or purse. It’s also machine washable, which is a nice perk after it inevitably gets filled with sand.
Able Jackee Shoulder Bag
The Able Alem Backpack is my go-to travel bag when I need to be hands-free (like when traveling with my little one), so I have full confidence the Jackee shoulder bag won’t disappoint. I adore a bag you don’t have to be too precious with and like my backpack, I know this bag will look even better over time as it becomes a bit distressed. It’s the perfect bag for throwing in everything you need.
GM Likkie Shoulder Tote Bag
Get the Longchamp look for a whole lot less with this sneaky Amazon find. It looks just like the popular Le Pliage tote and offers the same practical lightweight material. It fits a 13-inch laptop, and because the machine-washable nylon fabric isn’t heavy, you’ll give your shoulders a nice break.
H&M Strap-Detail Shopper
If you’re looking for a large work bag that isn’t designed to hold a laptop, this structured shopper is the perfect fit. Luxe hardware and stitching details elevate this classic style and the structured look makes it feel professional. You can order it and pick it up at your local H&M if you want to see the bag in person before fully committing to it.
How to Make a Big Bag Work For You
There’s a reason so many of us turned away from big bags: they can become a big hassle without a little organization. To make the most of your big bag, without it turning into a jumbled mess, these tips can help.
Add a mini purse. I came up with this hack pre-pandemic when my weekdays consisted of a lot of happy hours after work. I was sick and tired of schlepping my giant work bag into restaurants and started keeping essentials like my keys and wallet in a mini bag. That way, I could ditch my big bag in the car whenever I needed to. I do the same thing now with the Leatherology Park Satchel, keeping the brand’s incredibly chic Maddie Micro Crossbody in it at all times. That way when baby isn’t in toe, I can just grab this smaller bag without having to unpack and repack the Satchel.
Get a bag organizer. If you do like to switch out your bags frequently, this bag organizer is a must-have. Put all your essentials in the organizer and pop the whole thing in and out of whatever bag you choose. Another Better Report writer also uses mesh bags for easily seeing what’s where (it’s especially easy if they’re color-coded).
Don’t overstuff it. As tempting as it is to fill your big bag to the brim, restraint is best. A big bag is great for stashing a rolled-up cardigan to beat office air conditioning or a paperback for your commute. However, that doesn’t mean everything in your bag needs to be hefty. For example, why are most wallets so thick? Go with something slim instead, like the Minor History The Oyster Wallet, so you can’t overstuff it.
Double check dimensions. If you want to keep a laptop in your purse, double-check the dimensions before ordering to ensure the bag fits. You will also want to read reviews to get an idea of how sturdy the straps are so they don’t snap while holding such a valuable possession.
Feature Image Credit: bagstory/ Shutterstock
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Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer based in Northern California who graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism. She has written on a wide range of topics including finance, travel, and wellness for publications such as Elle, Coveteur, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy. When not whipping up articles, she works with consumer brands like Gorjana, Voluspa, Underclub, The Well, and St. John to help tell their brand stories.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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