Best Designer & Contemporary Handbags for Every Occasion (2025 Guide)

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Written By Crewstake Pty Ltd

If you’ve ever wished you could peek inside someone’s entire handbag collection and see what actually gets used, loved, and kept for years… this post is for you.

Over the last decade I’ve slowly built a collection of handbags that spans high-end luxury (Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton), contemporary favourites (Coach, Longchamp, Tory Burch, Michael Kors) and a few very special vintage treasures. Many of these bags are tied to places I’ve lived — Abu Dhabi, Greece, the UK, Poland, Japan, Switzerland — or to meaningful life moments (including my current season: almost eight months pregnant!).

This 2025 guide walks you through the stand-out stars of my collection and what I genuinely use them for: travel, everyday life in Australia, special occasions, date nights, work, and soon… mum life.

I’ll highlight who each bag is best for, how it fits into a wardrobe, and where you can shop similar styles if you’re building your own collection.

1. Best First Designer Tote: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

If you’re choosing your first proper designer handbag, it’s hard to beat the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM.

I bought mine years ago in Athens while living in Abu Dhabi, and it has seen airports, hotels, and countless trips since. It’s the quintessential “entry-level” luxury tote: durable canvas, roomy interior, and that iconic monogram.

Why it works so well as a first designer bag

  • Practical size: The MM is the sweet spot — big enough for travel, work or mum-life, but not overwhelming.

  • Lightweight canvas: Comfortable to carry all day, even when full.

  • Two-in-one design: It comes with the removable pouch you can use as a clutch, cosmetics case, or small errand bag.

  • Cost-per-wear friendly: Among Louis Vuitton’s more accessible classic bags, alongside the Speedy and Alma.

If you’re just starting your designer journey and want something that will actually be used, a Neverfull-style tote is still one of the safest, most functional choices.

Styling notes

I treat it as my travel and “everything” bag: airport days, road trips, or anytime I need a laptop, water bottle, snacks and a small pouch inside. If you prefer a quieter look, opt for the Damier Ebene canvas with dark handles — very chic and low-maintenance.

2. Best Mini & SLG Heroes: The Little Louis Vuitton Pieces

Before I ever bought a “proper” handbag, I dipped my toes into designer with a small Louis Vuitton piece: the Mini Pochette Accessoires. At the time, it did double duty as a tiny going-out bag (yes, it fit my old iPhone 4S!) and later graduated to life as an in-bag pouch.

Over the years I’ve found that these small leather goods can behave almost like mini handbags:

  • Mini Pochette / Cosmetic Pouch – Perfect as:

    • A grab-and-go dinner clutch in a resort or hotel.

    • A catch-all pouch inside larger totes.

    • A way to organise make-up, keys, or AirPods.

  • Pochette Accessoires – The slightly bigger, true Y2K shoulder bag:

    • Fits a modern phone and essentials.

    • Strap can be removed or swapped.

    • Works as an evening bag, casual day bag, or pouch inside a bigger tote.

These little pieces are ideal if you love the Louis Vuitton aesthetic but aren’t ready for a full-sized bag. They’re multi-functional, easy to pack for holidays, and add a touch of luxury even when you’re just popping down to the hotel restaurant for dinner.

3. Best Everyday Shoulder Bag: Coach Brooklyn 28

When it comes to a chic, understated everyday bag, the Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 is one of the real workhorses of my collection.

It’s a softly structured hobo-style shoulder bag in smooth, natural-grain leather with minimal branding and a very “quiet luxury” look. The Brooklyn line has gone viral recently for exactly that reason: it feels designer without shouting about it. (Coach)

Why I love the Coach Brooklyn 28

  • Perfect size for daily life: The 28 fits your phone, wallet, sunglasses, small pouch, and extras comfortably without looking bulky. (David Jones)

  • Comfortable wide strap: The shoulder drop is just right, and the strap doesn’t dig in even when the bag is full.

  • Minimalist aesthetic: Almost no visible logo; just beautiful leather and clean lines.

  • Magnetic closure & interior pocket: Easy to get in and out of, but still secure enough for everyday wear.

I wear mine as an easy, everyday shoulder bag with jeans, dresses, and office outfits. It has that effortless, slightly slouchy look that feels modern but still polished.

Shop this bag

4. Best Iconic Investment Pieces: Hermès Birkin 25 & Chanel Classic Flap

Every collection has a few pieces that are less about practicality and more about legacy. For me, those are:

  • Hermès Birkin 25 in Etoupe Togo leather

  • Chanel Classic Flap in Beige Clair Caviar

These are the bags I consider true investment icons — timeless shapes, neutral colours, and materials that (with care) will outlive trends and seasons.

Hermès Birkin 25

My Birkin 25 is the closest thing to a “unicorn” in my collection. The Etoupe colour is that perfect cool-toned taupe that goes with everything, and the 25 size is surprisingly practical: one open compartment that fits all the essentials without feeling too precious or heavy.

I keep the lock and clochette tucked inside to avoid scratching the leather and to keep the look clean. It’s the bag I reach for when I want to feel especially polished and put-together — think dinners, special events, or future milestone occasions.

Chanel Classic Flap

My Chanel Classic Flap in Beige Clair Caviar with gold hardware is another forever piece. I bought it in the UK when I lived there, and it’s stayed in beautiful condition (except for one hardware mishap that made me too nervous to wear it for a while!).

This is the bag I’m preserving for the long term: elegant evenings, weddings, special birthdays. While Chanel prices keep climbing, the Classic Flap remains one of the most recognisable and coveted handbags in the world.

Who these are for

If you’re at the stage of your handbag journey where you want fewer, better bags and love the idea of pieces you might one day pass down, these are the types of bags worth saving for: classic neutrals, historic maisons, and timeless silhouettes.

5. Best Festive & Date Night Bags: Gucci Marmont WOC & Tom Ford Icon Bag

For evenings, dinners, and festive occasions, I tend to reach for bags that feel a little extra — either through colour or design.

Gucci Marmont Wallet on Chain

My Gucci Marmont WOC in rich red with gold hardware is such a joyful, festive piece. The little heart on the back keeps it playful, and the chain can be worn long, crossbody, or doubled for a shorter shoulder look.

It’s perfect for:

  • Christmas parties and holiday dinners.

  • Weddings where you want a pop of colour.

  • Any time you want a small bag that still feels luxurious.

Inside, it’s organised like a wallet — card slots and compartments — but it has enough room for a phone and a lipstick, which is all you really need for the evening.

Tom Ford Icon Bag

Then there’s my Tom Ford Icon Bag: discontinued, fully leather, structured, and heavy in the best possible way. It has beautiful compartments, a clever flap that can be tucked in or left out to hide or reveal the logo, and exquisite leather quality.

This is one of my collector’s pieces — the bag I keep for special dinners, events and moments when I want something unique that you won’t see on every other shoulder.

6. Best Coach Shoulder Bags & Tabbies (My Most-Worn Family)

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know my heart belongs to Coach, especially the Tabby family. Coach has had a huge resurgence in the last few years, and the Tabby line in particular has gone viral for its blend of nostalgia and modern polish. (Marie Claire)

Coach Quilted Tabby 26 – “Me in a bag”

The Coach Quilted Tabby 26 in soft lilac with silver hardware was my first Quilted Tabby and still feels the most “me” — soft colour, feminine quilting, and that perfect day-to-night size.

Why I adore it:

  • Fits all daily essentials without being bulky.

  • Soft, pillowy nappa leather that feels truly luxe. (Coach)

  • Can be worn crossbody, on the shoulder, or carried by the top handle.

  • Works with both casual denim and dressy outfits.

I love it so much that I added more colours, including maple (which looks like a bar of milk chocolate) and a creamy neutral that works year-round.

Shop this bag

Coach Tabby 20 & Quilted Tabby 20 – Mini but Mighty

For evening or days when I want something smaller and sweeter, I reach for the Tabby 20 versions:

  • A soft butter-yellow Tabby 20 with silver hardware that acts like a neutral.

  • A cool-toned fuchsia Quilted Tabby 20 in “dragon fruit” that makes even the simplest outfit look styled.

They’re ideal as event, party, and date-night bags – still functional, but visibly special.

Shop the minis

Coach Soft Tabby

My Coach Soft Tabby in blue-grey crinkled glazed leather is a little edgier. It has a roomy single compartment, suede lining, and a slightly more relaxed vibe than the structured Tabby.

It’s a great choice if you like the Tabby look but prefer something softer and more slouchy.

Coach Bandit

The Coach Bandit is another modern classic from the brand — structured, minimal, and crafted in some of Coach’s best leather. Mine is the mini version with tonal hardware, making it very sleek and monochrome.

  • Great for polished outfits, dinners, and days when you want a refined, compact bag.

  • Shop it: Coach Bandit

Coach Trail Crossbody 17

My Trail 17 is like the cute, quilted, top-handle cousin in the Coach family. Boxy vanity shape, quilted leather, removable chain – it ticks all the “2025 trend” boxes while still feeling classic.

Coach Hamptons Hobo

I have both a modern Hamptons Hobo and a vintage one from Coach’s Y2K era. The silhouette is very Jackie O–inspired: sleek, curved, and made to be worn snugly under the shoulder.

  • Mine in rich green with brass hardware feels very quiet-luxury, very retro.

  • The vintage iridescent optic version I recently added is a total time capsule — and in incredible condition for a ~20-year-old bag.

If you love that early-2000s baguette/shoulder-bag look, this one is for you.

7. Best Limited & Vintage Treasures: Special Coach Pieces

Some of my most sentimental bags are from Coach, but in limited edition or vintage forms that you can’t just walk into a store and buy.

Lunar New Year Snakeskin Tabby

My Coach Tabby with snakeskin details from the Lunar New Year collection is one of my proudest pieces. Smooth leather, exotic snakeskin trim around the edges and strap, and a brass “C” buckle with tiny scales engraved — it’s pure artistry.

My husband had it imported via concierge from Singapore because it never arrived in Australia. It’s a forever bag for me, both for its beauty and the effort behind it.

Cherry Print Tabby 20

Then there’s my Coach Tabby 20 in cherry print — a whimsical nod to the Takashi Murakami cherry blossom era at Louis Vuitton. The cherries are slightly raised with a hint of shimmer, making the bag look almost 3D.

It’s playful yet surprisingly timeless, especially against the cream background and red strap.

Vintage Soho & Vintage Hamptons Hobo

On the vintage side, I cherish:

  • A Coach Soho shoulder bag combining wool, velvet, leather, brass, satin and suede in one beautifully preserved piece.

  • The newly revealed vintage Hamptons Hobo with iridescent optic fabric, pink leather interior, and a reversible strap — a true “blast from the past” that feels very Paris Hilton / Motorola Razr era in the best way.

These pieces are proof that Coach leather and construction really lasts when cared for – and that hunting pre-loved can yield treasures you’ll never see on anyone else.

8. Best Work & Commuter Bags: Longchamp & Coach Outlet Favourites

When it comes to work, commuting and travel days, I lean heavily on Longchamp and a few key Coach Outlet pieces.

Longchamp Le Pliage Original – The Everyday Essential

The Longchamp Le Pliage line is a true icon: foldable, featherlight nylon with leather handles inspired by Japanese origami. (Longchamp)

I own several sizes and colours because they’re just that useful:

  • Medium Top Handle (Original M Top Handle):
    My first Le Pliage, perfect as a work or day bag that fits a laptop, iPad, planner and lunch.

  • Medium Shoulder Tote (Original M):
    Ideal as a commuter or uni bag — long straps, zip closure, and that magical ability to hold everything.

  • Small Top Handle (Original S Handbag):
    Great for lighter days when you still want the Le Pliage look but don’t need a full work tote.

  • Le Pliage Green S Handbag:
    Similar structure, but with tonal leather and more eco-conscious materials.

  • Le Pliage Original M Backpack:
    I bought this for days spent on dusty renovation sites so I could be hands-free. It’ll be perfect again once baby arrives and I need both hands.

Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra – Leather Upgrades

If you love the idea of Le Pliage but want leather:

  • Le Pliage Xtra XS Pouch:
    A tiny, structured crossbody/handheld cutie — very similar to my little pouch-with-handle I use as a mini bag.

  • Le Pliage Xtra Shoulder Bag:
    A leather version that still keeps the simple, Parisian ease of the Le Pliage line, but in a more elevated finish.

Coach Mollie Tote – The Easy Everyday Tote

From Coach Outlet, my Mollie Tote in chalk is my definition of a throw-on-and-go tote:

  • Two large compartments with a central zip divider.

  • Top handles and a removable strap.

  • Clean, minimal shape that works with everything from athleisure to a summer dress.

It’s great as a daily tote, light work bag or weekend errand bag.

9. Best Mum, Travel & Diaper-Friendly Bags: Rowan Family & More

As I move into the next chapter (hello, baby!), capacity and durability matter more than ever.

Coach Rowan Large Satchel

The Coach Large Rowan Satchel from the outlet line is my pick for a chic, practical “mum” or diaper bag:

  • Boston-bag shape reminiscent of the LV Speedy.

  • Signature coated canvas with leather trim for durability.

  • Spacious main compartment + pockets.

  • Top handles and crossbody strap.

It’s big enough for nappies, wipes, snacks, spare clothes and my own essentials, without feeling like a purely functional baby bag.

Coach Mini Rowan

On the opposite end, the Mini Rowan is a small but mighty satchel:

  • Fully leather in a beautiful oat tone.

  • Still fits phone, small wallet, keys and a bit of makeup.

  • Structured, ladylike shape that works for both casual and slightly dressier outfits.

I see this as a great weekend or date-night bag for mums who want something compact and easy but still polished.

Together with my Michael Kors Selma and Ava crossbody (both in ultra-durable Saffiano leather), these form the backbone of my no-stress, toss-around, travel and mum bags — pieces I don’t have to baby, but still feel put-together carrying.

10. Best Quiet Luxury Under-the-Radar Piece: Tory Burch T Monogram Petite Barrel Bag

Last but absolutely not least, my one and only Tory Burch handbag: the T Monogram Petite Barrel Bag.

I originally gravitated toward a denim barrel bag because I missed out on a Coach denim collection, but this style has completely won me over. The petite barrel silhouette feels both vintage and current, and the T Monogram pattern is a subtle nod to logo lovers without being loud.

Key features I love: (toryburch.com.au)

  • Barrel shape with rolled top handles.

  • Optional crossbody strap for versatility.

  • Structured base with metal feet.

  • Jacquard body with leather trim.

  • Just enough space for your essentials.

It’s a perfect it-girl casual bag – think jeans, ballet flats and a blazer – but it also pairs beautifully with dresses and more polished outfits. If you like the idea of a designer logo bag that still reads chic and grown-up, this is a gorgeous option.

Shop this bag

Quick Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bag for You

If you’re overwhelmed by options, here’s how I’d narrow it down based on lifestyle:

  • You’re just starting your collection:
    Go for a classic tote or shoulder bag like a Louis Vuitton Neverfull–style tote, Coach Brooklyn 28, or Longchamp Le Pliage Original M.

  • You want a day-to-night shoulder bag:
    Look at the Coach Tabby 26 / Quilted Tabby 26 — they’re modern, versatile, and feel luxurious without full “Chanel” pricing.

  • You need a work or uni bag:
    Consider Longchamp Le Pliage Original M or L, or Coach Mollie Tote.

  • You’re a mum or soon-to-be mum:
    A Coach Large Rowan Satchel or Longchamp Le Pliage backpack gives you space, durability and hands-free options.

  • You want something special & fun:
    Limited editions like cherry prints, snakeskin accents, or vintage finds from Coach add personality and uniqueness.

  • You’re thinking long-term investment:
    Save and choose carefully — a Chanel Classic Flap or Hermès Birkin in a versatile neutral will stand the test of time.

Watch the Full Handbag Collection Video

If you’d like to see these bags in motion, how they sit on the body, and what they actually fit, make sure you watch the full handbag collection video over on my YouTube channel. You’ll hear the stories behind each piece and see close-ups that photos never quite capture.

Written for AlicjaGriffiths.com — Luxury Handbag Reviews & Style Insights.

Crewstake Pty Ltd
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