You’ve heard me say it before, that accessories can be an outfit maker. That finishing touch. Used to punctuate a neutral outfit with a bright burst, to add in that final layer of texture and dimension, or to break up an outfit and add contrast. Shoes might be the leading lady in this regard, but bags have pretty big sway too. And I thought today we could focus on the latter, and the three bags that everyone should have in their wardrobe.
My personal approach to wardrobe curation is to look at function first. My specific wardrobe essential is not your wardrobe essential. Lifestyle, where we live, tastes and preferences, budget etc will define what this looks like for us. So I always ask, how are we using this item? Where does it fit into our lives?
Once you being to look at your belongings from a performance standpoint, things really start to click into place and it becomes less about having a set “list” of exact pieces, and more about selecting items that will fulfil a certain purpose.
#1 | the everyday crossbody bag
I’d recommend starting with a neutral colour, or something that will go with most of your wardrobe. This will be the bag you reach for on weekends, perhaps through the week (depending on what you do for work), and take with you on holiday. Consider things like, does the bag fasten shut for added security? Is there a strap that I can adjust depending on how I feel like wearing it? Is the leather durable or will it look worn within a month? What kind of shape do I like? What size would be best for me?
My personal favourites include the Claude Crossbody Bag from Sezane, the Tilly’s Big Sis from Saben (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN15), and the Acne Studios Mini Musubi Bag.
#2 | the large everyday bag
This could be a tote, a bucket bag, a backpack or maybe something else entirely. Essentially its purpose is to carry all your essentials and then some. You want to be able to fit a laptop, water bottle, lunchbox, and a book, plus breathing room if the day calls for something extra. For most people, this is probably the bag they will use to commute to and from the office, and potentially even serve as a travel bag too.
My personal favourites include the Madewell Bucket Tote (reviewed here), Cuyana Leather Tote (this Quince one is nice too), and the Atlas Backpack from Saben (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN15).
#3 | the evening bag
Final bag I think everyone needs in their closet is the evening bag. Which, unless you’re someone who has a lot of events, is unlikely to be on high rotation. To play it safe, I’d suggest choosing a colour that works back well with all your occasion wear (likely black, taupe/nude or cream). These don’t need to fit a lot, probably just your phone, wallet/cardholder, keys, and a lipstick or two, maybe powder if it’s summer.
My personal favourites include this leather dumpling pouch from Quince (also in woven leather), this croc embossed shoulder bag from The Curated, and the Beri Bag from Polene.
