Vogue’s Essential Handbag Edit—Styles No One Should Be Without

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Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, June 2019

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Between work, weekend adventures, and special occasions, the best leather bags are among the hardest working in our wardrobes. Not only are options endless, but anyone is versatile for varying tastes and moods. Perhaps you’re a lover of the classics, like a structured top-handle and flap satchel. Or maybe you delight in trending shapes like current aughts-inspired shoulder bags and hobos (indeed, their return hath arrived). In any case, a crossbody, clutch, tote, or shoulder bag crafted from leather boasts an unmatched poise to elevate all outfits from casual to elegant.

Even more, leather bags stand the test of time like the best designer handbags always do. Those with clean, minimal lines will transition from day to night with ease, while embellished and vibrantly-hued designs are destined to accentuate more boisterous pieces. And for the dreamy summer wardrobe you’re eager to embrace? Woven leather bags are the pièce de résistance for enhancing them. Whatever your current wants and needs, keep reading for the best leather bags with a Vogue stamp of approval.

The Hobo Bag

Yes, indeed, the hobo bag is back. Set yourself with an ultra-sleek version crafted from leather in neutral tones of tan, white, and brown to earthier olive green and tawny.

Khaite the August hobo

Mango baguette bag

Loewe Luna bag

Wandler Maggie hobo shoulder bag

Ganni recycled shell shoulder bag

Neous Pegasus bag

The Shoulder Bag

Smaller-scale shoulder bags are the shape du jour day-to-day. Gucci’s Jackie 1961 is a timeless investment you’ll never regret, while colorful and uniquely-shaped designs make for chic modern moments.

Gucci Jackie 1961 hobo bag

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Fendi Croissant mini shoulder bag

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JW Anderson the Bumper bag

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JW Pei Lily shoulder bag

By Far Amira shoulder bag

Versace La Medusa hobo bag

The Crossbody Bag

Consider the crossbody your leather bag MVP. Wear your favorite repeatedly with casual and elevated looks of all kinds while enjoying the hands-free ease.

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Savette Symmetry 19 shoulder bag

Off-White Burrow-22 shoulder bag

Osoi Brot shoulder bag

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Zara minimalist leather crossbody bag

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Proenza Schouler Barrow bag

Givenchy cut out bag

The Tote Bag

From trapeze top-handles to souped up shoulder bags, a leather tote is more than just pragmatic. It’s a must-have shape per the spring/summer 2022 runways of Khaite, Bottega Veneta, Gabriela Hearst, and more.

Banana Republic slouchy tote

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Ree Projects Ann tote

Other Stories tote bag

Yuzefi Mochi shooper tote bag

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Cos leather small bag

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Everlane studio bag

The Top-Handle Bag

The leather top-handle bag is a must-have for pairing with workwear and sophisticated separates with a timeless, lady-like poise. Opt for a punchy shade when you’re in a statement-making mood.

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Balenciaga Hourglass shoulder bag

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Prada Astral monochrome bag

Valextra Iside mini bag

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Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito bag

Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini shoulder bag

Aesther Ekme crossbody bucket bag

The Clutch Bag

The leather clutch is a modern style du jour with timeless appeal. These effortlessly tuck under your arm—many with a flexible shape—while beautifully enhancing everything from party dresses to a simple T-shirt and jeans ensemble.

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The Row Bourse clutch

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Strathberry Stylist Bar crossbody bag

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Loewe Flamenco clutch

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Bottega Veneta Pouch clutch bag

Stand Studio Wanda quilted clutch

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Zara leather clutch

The Flap Bag

Most famously associated with Chanel, a flap leather bag is the epitome of versatility. Style yours for daytime with denim and shirting. Come evening, the same can work just as well with a cocktail dress or suit.

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Loewe Gate dual bag

Chloé Tess day bag

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Stella McCartney Frayme flap shoulder bag

Saint Laurent Loulou quilted shoulder bag

Callista mini flap bag

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Little Liffner Pebble shoulder bag

The Bucket Bag

When space and style are equally important, but a tote isn’t the mood, turn to the leather bucket bag. Current offerings are fresh with timeless distinction, from Ulla Johnson’s pleated drop to Loewe’s buzzy balloon silhouette.

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Loewe balloon bag

Bottega Veneta Cassette bag

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Ulla Johnson Lotus pleated bucket bag

Reike Nen tassel bucket bag

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M. Gemi the Colette bucket bag

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Anya Hindmarch Return to Nature bucket bag

The Woven Bag

Woven bags are more than a vacation essential. Like Bottega Veneta’s cult mini Jodi, leather versions are among the freshest as of late and perfect for pairing with airier attire suited for spring and summer’s warm weather

Bottega Veneta Jodie knotted tote bag

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Tory Burch Lee Radziwill double bag

Other Stories woven shoulder bag

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Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce tote

Simon Miller Puffin shoulder bag

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Free People Banks braided clutch