News

Oct 19, 2024

26 Best Designer Bags of 2024, According to ELLE Editors

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. We’ve seen a lot of bags—these are our favorites. As the saying goes, “You’re never

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

We’ve seen a lot of bags—these are our favorites.

As the saying goes, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” And yes, that may be true, but I’m willing to bet that whoever coined that phrase never found the perfect designer handbag. Or, perhaps more realistically, that person wasn’t necessarily a fashion person (hey, we can’t all be!). But if you just so happen to be one of us, there’s a good chance you know the power of a chic luxury bag—because when you have the right one, it’ll elevate your ensembles—both casual and formal—to the next level in a matter of mere seconds. Not to mention, you have all your essentials with you in a chic, polished form.

But herein lies the question: Of the hottest designer bags on the market, which one do you invest in? After all, the best luxury handbags often come with a hefty price tag. Not to worry, that’s why I present you with this story.

Quite literally, it’s my job to go shopping—and with years of expertise, I not only have a pretty good idea of what’s trending, but I also know what’s well worth your money. Because a good bag goes beyond what meets the eye; you want quality—and these bags have to walk the walk.

Below, I’ve pulled together the must-know designer bags to have on your radar this season, along with some additions from my colleagues. Naturally, some of these fall right in line with the best trends of the moment—like must-have designer totes and crossbodies and chic suede options in the color we can’t get enough of. Scroll on to see them all.

And now, the bag I personally cannot get out of my mind. Prada’s belted bag seems to embody all that Prada is: modern and unexpected yet inherently classic. The silhouette of this leather top-handle style is undoubtedly timeless, but that belted detail gives it that extra something that makes it stand out—plus, I love this bright white hue for the colder months. Oh, and by the way: iterations of this bag were seen on the label’s spring/summer 2025 runway, so you know this is a good investment.

Dimensions: Height: 9.05 inches; width: 12.2 inches; depth: 4.33 inches

Colors: White/Black, Black, Caramel, Clay Gray

Material: Leather

One of the biggest handbag trends we saw on the spring/summer 2025 runways? Bowler bags. Coach’s vintage-inspired silhouette makes for a great travel bag, according to reviews. Not to mention, this is a Coach leather bag—which means it’ll last you season after season.

Dimensions: Height: 11.5 inches; width: 15.75 inches; depth: 6 inches

Colors: Brass/Black, Brass/Dark Navy, Brass/Merlot, Brass/Maple

Material: Leather

Gucci’s take on the slouchy, hobo-esque silhouette—which was inspired by a 1950s shape—gives a new perspective on quiet luxury. The logo-less design is undoubtedly polished, but that soft and supple leather gives it an ease that makes it perfect for an everyday shoulder bag.

Dimensions: Height: 18.2 inches; width: 19.3 inches; depth: 1.6 inches

Colors: Light brown

Materials: Suede

By now, you already know—boho is back. So, why not get yourself a designer bag from one of the luxury brands that does it best?

Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 12.5 inches; depth: 3.9 inches

Colors: Black, Clay Brown, Vegetal Beige, Woodrose

Material: Shiny-grained calfskin leather

While Loewe is no novice in making high-quality designer bags, the Spanish heritage brand has consistently been a top, must-have label (and bags) in recent years. Its hottest silhouette is the Squeeze—which is equal parts sophistication and whimsy. It comes in a wide range of eye-catching colors, but I’m particularly fond of this olive green hue for the colder months.

Dimensions: Height: 13 inches; width: 13.4 inches; depth: 5.3 inches

Colors: 9 options

Material: Mellow nappa lambskin

I love hobo bags—so much that I wrote an entire story on them so you (and I) can shop the best hobo bags of the moment. Of course, you’re here for a reason, which means you’re likely looking for a designer option that is well worth your dollars. Saint Laurent’s offering [pictured here] is perfectly slouchy and will work well as an everyday leather tote.

Dimensions: Height: 6.7 inches; width: 10.2 inches; depth: 4.3 inches

Colors: Black, Light Mask, Crema Soft, Red

Material: Leather with suede lining

You love suede; I love suede. We all love suede—right? I mean, there’s something so perfect about this smooth leather alternative that makes it perfect for fall. Combine that with the aubergine hue and the mini silhouette, and you have the perfect bag for those special occasions.

Dimensions: Height: 4 inches; width: 8 inches; depth: 2.7 inches

Colors: Amorone, Brown, Black

Material: Suede

“With its elongated silhouette and exaggerated straps, Alaïa created the must-have shoulder bag of the year. I’m also a fan of the many colorways and fabrics that the brand created. But if I had to pick just one, the white leather combo is undeniably dreamy.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead

Dimensions: Height: 4.5 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 4 inches

C0lors: Ivoire

Material: Leather

As an editor who happens to own multiple styles from DeMellier, I can be honest with you: This brand is well worth your time and money. I’ve already written about how one of my totes from the label has been through it all, and yet still looks as good as new, but there’s also the simple fact that these are truly timeless styles. Case in point: the Tokyo Leather Tote.

Dimensions: Height: 10.5 inches; width: 16.5 inches; depth: 6.5 inches

Colors: Black

Material: Cow leather, cotton lining

And now, I present you with my go-to shoulder bag of the moment (and for bonus points, you can wear it as a crossbody!). It feels like the Goldilocks of size and space, fitting comfortably under my arm but also being big enough to hold my wallet, phone, and—on some occasions—my kindle. And just look at that contrast stitching. Chic.

Dimensions: Height: 7.87 inches; width: 9.44 inches; depth: 2.95 inches

Colors: 22 options

Material: Smooth calf leather

It’s no secret that the ELLE fashion team loves Khaite, which makes some of the best accessories overall, including totes. The quality is amazing, and the aesthetic is subtle enough to go with any outfit. Slouchy hobo bags are back, too, with boho-chic styles hitting the runways for upcoming seasons. Accessories are the perfect entry point into any trend.

Dimensions: Height: 9.8 inches; width: 22 inches; depth: 9.8 inches

Colors: Cedar

Material: Suede

I don’t know too many women who would forgo the option of a hands-free lifestyle with the help of a chic crossbody bag. This has the polish that Bottega is known for but it still has an element of play, thanks to the braided leather detail and the subtle hardware.

Dimensions: Height: 7.9 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 3.1 inches

Colors: Avocado, Sterling, Black, Barolo

Material: Smooth calfskin leather

Who said satin bags were only reserved for evening occasions? Certainly not me. I love the sophisticated way this fabric knots in the middle. And with that gold-toned handle, this is the perfect way to dress up your fall looks in an unexpected way.

Dimensions: Height: 25 inches; width: 16 inches

Colors: Navy

Material: Dopio rosso fabric

“You’ve probably seen the It girls or your favorite influencers carrying around these cute Miu Miu minis in various colorways—I know I have, and I must compliment them every time. They’re perfect to carry just the essentials, and, as any girl knows, less is more on a night out. No wallet? No problem.”—Madison Rexroat, fashion and accessories assistant

Dimensions: Height: 6.7 inches; width: 7.9 inches; depth: 2.4 inches

Colors: 12 options

Material: Leather

Ah, yes—the Bambino bag. For the moments when you want to sport a bag that feels like a true accessory. Let this be the finishing touch to all your ensembles this season.

Dimensions: Height: 3.5 inches; width: 7 inches; depth: 2.25 inches

Colors: Dark Green

Material: Calfskin

There’s no denying it: The Row makes good bags. I know there’s a particular style that’s been selling out for the past year—and understandably so, it’s beautiful. But in case you want another option, this beautiful oversized, east-west leather tote has been on my personal shopping list for years. (Although I’m an editor whose approach to the best designer totes can be summed up as “more is more,” so take that for what you will...)

Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 20.5 inches; depth: 9 inches

Colors: Dark Brown

Material: Saddle calf leather

I own this bag—and can I just say, it completely eclipsed my go-to work tote the moment I got it (and trust me, I was not expecting that). The size is perfect to hold all of my daily essentials along with a 13-inch laptop—its bucket silhouette feels elevated but casual enough for everyday occasions, and the strap sits comfortably on my shoulder. I opted for a pretty winter white, but it comes in six other colors, including two vibrant ones: orange and green.

Dimensions: Height: 11.8 inches; width: 10.2 inches; 5.1 inches

Colors: 6 options

Material: Grained leather

A stylish flap bag is always a good investment. This new silhouette from Versace—which has been seen on Sabrina Carpenter and other style stars—is sure to be a go-to reach as you head out the door.

Dimensions: Height: 6.3 inches; width: 8.6 inches; depth: 3.4 inches

Colors: Black

Material: Lamb leather

There’s something so charming about this bag—most likely the fact that it’s called the Hug bag, with its little leather arms and whatnot. But in the classic Ferragamo shade of red, I can’t help but also describe this as downright sexy. Hey, the best of both worlds. Of course, if this Flame Red isn’t your thing, it also comes in a variety of neutral shades like black, olive, and navy.

Dimensions: Height: 8.6 inches; width: 12.4 inches; depth: 7.4 inches

Colors: Flame Red, Nero, Optic White, Yellow, Brown, Olive

Material: Leather

“In the not-too-big and not-too-small department, Toteme’s T-Lock bag reigns supreme. I’m also a huge fan of the versatility of this bag as its clutch design is fancy enough for evenings, while the structured finish and roomier size make it a polished grab for everyday wear.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead

Dimensions: Height: 3.5 inches; width: 5.5 inches; depth: 3.5 inches

Colors: 9 options

Material: Smooth leather

Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry, writing stories for Glamour, Who What Wear, Entertainment Tonight, and others. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Design. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award in the Online category of “Commentary/Analysis/Trend” for her article “Calvin Klein Underwear: What Is Plus Size?” Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden.

Wait, You Can Buy Designer Bags on Amazon?

This Celeb-Loved Bag Is At Its Lowest Price Ever

20 Small Crossbody Bags for Effortless Summer Days

The 15 Best Patent Leather Purses to Buy Now

The Bucket Bag Is Still Going Strong—Here’s Why

12 Crossbody Bags That Work With Everything

13 Designer Backpacks That Are Worth the Splurge

Rihanna's Bringing Back the Furry Backpack

Watch Marion Cotillard Model A Dreamy Dior Bag

8 Types of Bags You Should Add to Your Wardrobe This Spring

Beyond the It-Bag: 8 Designers to Watch in 2016

7 Bag Trends to Get Behind This Fall