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The Next Step: Bags

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How to Upgrade Your Handbag Collection | CorporetteWhat are the different “levels” for handbags — and how do you upgrade your handbag collection? I'm curious to hear what readers say.

We've already talked about how to upgrade your professional wardrobe, as well as where to buy grown-up furniture… up next in our Next Step series: handbags. I'm pretty solidly in Bucket 3 at the moment. I had a lot of fun wearing purses a few years ago, striving to wear a new one from my collection every week — but now I tend to reach for the same one whenever I head out, so I can see the sense in having a Bucket 5 bag if that's the only one you wear.

(Here's what I usually carry in my bag.) 

To me, the must-have details in any bag are a good leather or durable canvas (unless it's a really fun color that I've never owned before — and a good sale), interior pockets, feet, a zipper on top — and I always appreciate an attached key fob and fun lining. Ladies, what are your must-haves? Which buckets of bags do you currently own — and have you been upgrading them as you move up the career ladder? Which brands am I forgetting in the different buckets? 

Some of the best work bags for women as of 2025 include great totes from Cuyana (with a zipper), Tumi, Tory Burch, Lo & Sons, and Madewell (north/south). Also try this highly-rated organizing insert or these clever pouches with some of the less structured bags! If you're looking for a budget tote (or one in a specific color) check this Amazon seller (22K+ good reviews) or this Amazon seller (60K+ good reviews).

black tote bag
Cuyana
a great interview bag for females (and great work bag in general): the Tory Burch Ella
Tory Burch
black leather tote bag
Tory Burch
black laptop tote
Lo & Sons
black laptop tote
Tumi
one of the best work totes for women in the north/south shape: the Transport tote from Madewell
Madewell

(Looking for a luxury work bag? Here's our latest roundup…)

Hunting for a great professional purse? In 2024, readers are loving affordable crossbody bags like those from Cuyana, Lo & Sons, and Madewell.

In terms of a designer bag to suit your life as a professional, readers have been loving affordable(ish) luxury brands like Polène, Tory Burch, Strathberry, DeMellier, and Mansur Gavriel, as well as more designer bags like Chloé (particularly the Marcie line) and Mulberry. (If money is no object, Loewe and Bottega Venetta are always worth a look!)

Bucket 1: Budget Bags

  • Aldo
  • Nine West
  • Thrifted bags (you often can get great deals)
  • TJ Maxx/Flash sale special (i.e., whatever's on sale at Rue La La, Gilt, or Hautelook)

Bucket 2: Midlevel Bags

Bucket 3: Upgrading

(can usually be found on sale or full price for $250-$500)

Bucket 4: Splurges

(rarely on sale, usually around $600-$1200 full price)

Bucket 5: Money Is No Object

(usually start upwards of $1500)

Bucket 6: Different Ballpark

(can cost as much as five figures)

 Photo credit: Shutterstock / Gadelshina Dina.

The Next Step: Bags

94 Comments

  1. I disagree on the basic premise that a good bag has to be leather or canvas; esp for work. If you walk/train to work, microfiber is by far the best choice. Much lighter weight than anything else and very durable. MZ Wallace all the way.

  2. I am kicking myself a thousand times for NOT buying a Longchamps leather at Nordstrom Rack today. I bought a Kate Spade tote instead and am wondering if I should go back tomorrow and exchange.

  3. I am a bucket 2 or 3 person. I like a lot of change and would rather have a lot of options to choose from rather than spend a fortune on one. I get bored easily with my bags just as I do with the same old outfit. I do have to agree that just about everyone is carrying a Coach bag now, but the design works well for me. It’s about what works well for you. I’m pass the point of having to impress.

  5. Surprisingly, I’m in bucket 3. I carried a Michael Kors tote for most of university and I purchased a Michael Kors Selma satchel, which I love but rarely use since it can’t hold my books and laptop.

    I’m in law school right now and I’m currently carrying the Ann Taylor Signature tote. It’s “vegan leather” (aka fake leather), so it’s much lighter than my other bags. It’s big enough for my books/laptop without being overbearingly huge. I think it’s perfect for students. It’s originally $118, but I got it for 50% off! I don’t think I’d buy a fake leather bag for $118, but I do love the look of it so I’m glad I got it on sale.

  6. I upgraded to Buckets 5 and 6 when I turned 30 this year, but I certainly understand that that isn’t for everyone. My go-to work bags are Prada Saffiano totes. I have one black and one camel and I can’t see needing another for work use. I do NOT put my laptop in my Prada thou. I have a leather Tory Burch tote that I use for that and don’t mind getting messy. I think the weight of a laptop would wear out a good bag quickly. For going out with friends / personal use I have a couple of Celines, a black Chanel and a beige Chanel (again – I think one of each staple color is sufficient) and a really cool Gucci leopard print calf-hair bag.

    I will say, thou, that I do NOT spend nearly as much money on clothes. I tend to dress rather simply (well tailored, a lot of black/neutrals, sleek lines, classic shapes that aren’t “trendy” and can be worn for seasons/years) and let my bags and shoes do the talking. I sometimes worry about wearing expensive shoes and bags to the office, but I work at a huge, conservative, formal organization where “dressy” is the norm. I also believe in dressing to impress and dressing for the job that you want, not the job you have. (One last point on this – I’m also very young for my role, and I feel that dressing as thou I’m a bit older helps me gain the respect of those who work for me who are – in some cases – older than I am.)

    On shoes, I wear a lot of Louboutin point toe varieties (So Kate, Pigalle) to work, as well as Jimmy Choo Anouk pumps. But, I recently went out of my pointy toe comfort zone and bought the higher heeled classing Ferragamo pumps for work and LOOOOOVE them. Very comfortable, too.

  9. The Coach thing is bothering me because I have owned several coach and they come in several tiers. You have your cheap and almost tier 1. I’m not a fan of the Cs, but if you look up why they did it I get it. Americans love showing off their brands not realizing that looks cheap. During the recession they came out with their cheaper leather that is lighter weight and not a big deal. Finally they have their much nicer classic and up scale leather that is stylish and can be timeless. Those would be your tier 4. My daddy didn’t buy my purses so when I purchase them I do my research and ask questions. Is it a Chloe? No, but I at least an armed enough to know what to spend my money on if I opt for a Chloe, LV, Chanel or YSL. I may just buy a high end coach because it is a great company with a great tradition of quality.

  10. I like this list, but why guess and calvien klien is not in the list. I thought they were good brands.

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