The Bags I’m Carrying This Fall

Some old, some new, and one I need an excuse to buy.

Oct 18, 2025

❤️ If you enjoy posts like this, tap the heart so more women can find our community.

There’s always a lot of noise this time of year about the it bags for fall. And don’t get me wrong, I love them all. There’s something about a beautiful bag that romanticizes the season. Where are we going? What are we carrying? What’s tucked inside?

But the truth is, I don’t have the lifestyle (or the closet space) to support a wall full of handbags.

What I do have is a thoughtful rotation: a few I’ve owned for years, a couple of new ones that fill gaps, and one or two I’m still thinking about. That’s really how it works, right? You add a new piece here or there each season and slowly build a collection that fits your actual life.

So today, I thought I’d share the bags I’m actually carrying on rotation this fall and one that is on my radar as my possible seasonal splurge.

The Old

I’ve had the Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote for years. Mine’s in the classic Marine, and it’s still one of my most-used bags. It’s lightweight, durable, and always looks polished whether I’m traveling, running errands, or heading to a meeting. It’s a true classic that never goes out of style.

I’ve also had this Personalized Leather Bum Bag from Etsy for years, and it remains one of my favorites. It’s available in stone or black, soft and beautifully made, and so practical for travel, errands, or casual nights out. Just this summer, I was out at night at the shore with two of college girlfriends and we all showed up wearing the same one. Obviously, get it monogrammed — it makes it feel a little more special.

Not pictured is a black pebble leather shoulder bag from Coach (no longer available) that I bought a few years ago during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The quality is perfect, I probably spent around $300 on it with the sale price, and it owes me nothing.

The New

Lately, I’ve been carrying the J.Crew Berkeley Shoulder Bag in Suede during the day. It’s roomy without being bulky, and the suede is beautiful, soft, structured, and rich in color. It’s the perfect everyday bag when you want something elevated but not fussy.

The Quince Italian Leather Baguette Shoulder Bag in black is one of those under-$100 finds that feels like a little luxury. The quality is fantastic, smooth Italian leather with just enough structure. It’s ideal for casual days or when I don’t want to carry much. I’m in Boston this weekend and carried this all day, got changed and took it to dinner. It’s perfect.

The Quince Italian Handwoven Leather Mini Shoulder Bag in cognac has quickly become my go-to crossbody. The woven texture gives it warmth and dimension, and the color goes with everything. It looks far more expensive than it is and has the feel of a designer piece. And they call this a “Mini” but it is quiet roomy!

I’ve also been using my Away Everywhere Bag for travel. It’s so well made and thoughtfully designed. There’s a place for everything, and the quality makes it one of those rare travel bags that looks good and works hard.

The Affordable Find

There’s truly no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on an evening bag. I bought this one on Amazon for $25 for a cocktail event a few weekends ago, and it’s a 10/10. It fit my phone, a slim wallet, lipstick, and portable charger. It’s simple, chic, and you won’t stress about setting it down on a table.

The One I Have My Eye On

I definitely don’t need another bag, but that’s never stopped me. The Tory Burch Romy Pebbled Tote has been sitting in my cart for weeks. I just think it’s so gorgeous. I love that there’s no logo, and it feels luxurious, modern, and still timeless. At almost $600, it’s definitely an investment, but it’s the kind of bag I know I’d have forever. I just need to justify how I’d use it.

I love this mix of old favorites and new finds. It’s proof that you don’t need a wall of handbags to feel pulled together — just a few good ones that work for the season you’re in.

What about you? What bags are you reaching for right now, and is there anything you’re still hunting for this fall?