Every season, our shopping carts reflect the brands we treasured, the trends—both micro and macro—that impacted our wardrobes (and remained lodged in our sartorial brains), and the outfits that represented a major moment. We’ve written at length about what topped our carts, but which handbags, specifically, stayed at the forefront of our minds?
The top handbags of 2025 were all about modern polish with a hint of nostalgia. At the base of it all, practical silhouettes reigned supreme—think structured totes, soft shoulder bags, and minimalist top-handles. Motifs set the tone for major houses, where some of the most exciting bags of the year became recognizable for their details, like chunky padlocks (Chloé), belts (Miu Miu), and curved shapes (Alaïa), rather than in-your-face logos. Whether it’s a heritage style or a virtually unbranded silhouette, the defining “It” bags of 2025 shared one common thread: effortless luxury that could fits seamlessly into everyday life.
The Top-Shopped Handbags of 2025:
.jpg)
The year’s top-shopped bags found their stride during Fashion Month—some seen on the runway, others sported enthusiastically by the street style scene, demonstrating each city’s unique penchant for handbags that balance polish with ease. The street style scene showcased current handbag trends, from slouchy suede styles à la Miuccia Prada, to blast-from-the-past re-editions from Balenciaga and Chloé. On the more affordable side of the spectrum was Coach’s Empire carryall, still going strong, and Tory Burch’s Romy, crafted into bucket, crossbody, and shoulder bag shapes, alike.
Seeing them on our some of favorite celebrities reinforced their appeal, as was the case with Alexa Chung and Daisy Edgar-Jones, who carried Chloé’s Paddington bag on various occasions this year. Hailey Bieber remained a Saint Laurent loyalist, sporting various Le 5 à 7 styles on numerous date nights and off-duty moments. Additionally, we saw a few classics carry over from 2024, like Gucci’s Jackie bag (beloved by Dakota Johnson, for starters), Savette’s Symmetry top-handle bag (an editor must-have), and Toteme’s T-Lock bag, now in fresh colorways.
Whether you’re into a structured shape for work (and play!), or a languid carryall tote for commuting, there’s a top-shopped handbags for everyone—and the best part? They won’t be out of style come 2026.
Miu Miu Aventure
Trendy and classic all at once, Miu Miu’s Aventure bag reinterprets archival design for a modern wardrobe. It comes in buttery leather, and in cold-weather’s coveted suede, with gold-tone hardware and a vintage-inspired sensibility. Because of its cult-like status, the Aventure is constantly selling out, so snag yours, from small to large, before they’re all gone.
Chloé Paddington
A modern take on a true fashion classic, the Chloé Paddington bag celebrates the iconic Paddington silhouette that first made its debut on the spring/summer 2005 runway. It’s defined by its signature oversized padlock detail, relaxed barrel shape, and equestrian-inspired buckles, giving a nostalgic edge to any ensemble.
Demellier Hudson
As far as contemporary handbag brands go, Demellier takes the cake on high-quality affordability. Seen on the likes of Kate Middleton and Katie Holmes this year, the Hudson was a noted favorite of the London-based label, which includes the bestselling New York and the New York Midi. This specific top-handle blends polish with practicality, enhancing your everyday life. Made from Italian leather, it’s a spacious silhouette with soft edges, featuring a gold-plated closure, a business-ready, sturdy structure. Its adaptable design allows you to carry it effortlessly by hand, over the shoulder, or as a crossbody bag, making it perfect for transitioning seamlessly from workday to date night.
Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7
Coming in hot from last year’s top-shopped list is Saint Laurent’s most-wanted style of them all: the Le 5 à 7. Options range from a larger, suede shoulder bag, to more compact styles, oversized totes, fitting for weekending and more, and trending leopard-print, too (one of Hailey Bieber’s go-tos). Whichever Le 5 à 7 style you choose, it’ll be the statement-making accessory for any ensemble.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Prada Galleria
Originally released in 2007, Prada’s Galleria bag is a modern icon with history behind it. Prada originally named the bag after Italy’s oldest shopping gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Although there is an array of collectable limited-edition styles (like ones with geometric shapes and characters), the ones we saw most often this year were the core classics: black, white, and camel.
Khaite Lotus Bag
Khaite’s scarf-inspired Lotus totes are designed to be particularly lightweight, with a rounded base for stability. This spacious style, both in the small and medium sizes, is designed to fit your phone, wallet, water bottle, and a hairbrush. It’s left unlined for a weightless feel—perfect for toting around the city, in style, of course.
Coach Empire
Adored for its ladylike top-handle silhouette and more accessible price tag (under $1,000, hello!), Coach’s Empire carryall first popped off as an alternative to The Row’s Margaux bag, which, is officially not coming back. It has wear-all-day features, like a detachable strap, naturally grained leather, and a roomy open compartment for all your daily essentials.
Tory Burch Romy
A sleek take on the classic bucket bag, the Romy bag is Tory Burch’s answer to everyday refinement. Its structured silhouette is softened with curved edges, and a slight slouch. Its clean lines and barely-there hardware feel elevated without trying, while the convertible strap shifts it from day to dinner. Find a variety of structures, from the suede hobo, to the tote and shoulder bag.
The Row Marlo
2023 was all about the Margaux, 2024 was all about the India, and for 2025, all eyes were on The Row’s Marlo tote. Understated luxury at its finest—the Marlo is a study in clean, subtle lines with maximum impact. The minimalist design allows it to seamlessly upgrade any outfit, in true The Row form. Pack the spacious interior with everything from a toy poodle to a leather passport case.
Savette Symmetry
When it comes to polished, ladylike handbags, Savette is always top of mind. Its debut ‘Symmetry’ collection celebrates “geometry in its purest forms” with sleek lines and a curvilinear handle. The line has expanded from its first Pochette totes (in regular and slim shapes) to include a shoulder bag version with textured leather and a trapeze design.
Gucci Jackie
Like the interminable allure of the woman it was named after, the Gucci Jackie handbag’s versatility and classiness make it a true heirloom accessory. Alessandro Michele reintroduced the style in 2021, where it has since remained, long after his tenure ended and new creative directors came and went. Keep it ultra-classic in black or camel, or color a little outside the lines with an off-white or maroon take.
Alaïa Le Click
Alaïa’s Le Teckel walked so Le Click could run. With its distinct shape that represents the curved lines of the Guggenheim Museum’s rotunda, where the brand’s SS25 collection debuted, it offers a bold take on the coveted East-West trend.
Toteme T-Lock Bag
The T-Lock bag needs no introduction, and that’s exactly why it’s remained on our top-shopped handbag list for three seasons and counting. Fashion lovers, celebrities, and stylists alike are fans of this polished shoulder bag, thanks to its durable leather, curved top handle, and flat base. It’s aptly named due to the twisted clasp that secures a closure—a Toteme signature.
.jpg)
Balenciaga Le City
Balenciaga’s Le City is proof that you can carry your entire life in one bag and still look cool while doing it. With its moto-inspired hardware and slouchy-but-still-chic shape, it’s the handbag equivalent of, “I woke up like this.” The famous Y2K moto style once lived on the arms of every A-list in the early 2000s—a micro puppy in one hand, a Starbucks latte in the other, but has since become a collectible favorite beyond the celebrity circuit. Practical? Sure. Iconic? Always.
Bottega Campana
If you were to spend a night out in New York, you’d spot the quiet confidence of Bottega Veneta’s Campana bag all around. Its curved silhouette hugs the body with that unmistakable Bottega nonchalance, while the signature Intrecciato feels both heritage and modern. While the glossy black is hard to beat, other favorite hues include a deep burgundy, camel suede, and chocolate brown. Mocha mousse, anyone?
Liffner Buckle Bag
Calling all contemporary bag fans! You’ll spot this buckled bucket bag in the Vogue offices thanks to its versatility, which can be worn on the shoulder, or as a crossbody, and is cinched with a slender diagonal buckle that creates soft, delicate curves. Colorways include classic black, dark brown, camel suede, and oxblood.
