When it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, versatility is everything. The goal is to invest in pieces that can be styled multiple ways—timeless silhouettes in classic colors that won’t fall out of fashion by next season. And while clothing tends to get all the attention, bags play a major role in pulling a look together. The right one can elevate even the simplest outfit.
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe lies in its staying power. It’s about stepping off the trend treadmill and curating a collection you can wear year after year. That said, when you’re streamlining your closet, it’s easy to overcompensate with accessories. But here’s the truth: you really only need five bags—as long as each one serves a purpose.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the only five bags you actually need, including the one to snag if you’ve had your eye on one of Coach’s cult-favorite styles. From night-outs to grocery runs to weekend escapes, consider this your no-fuss guide to bagging the essentials.
A Little Black Bag
Everyone needs a versatile little black bag that can go from morning coffee dates to the office and out for drinks after. If I had to pick just one black purse to have in my capsule wardrobe, it would be Coach’s iconic 70s-inspired Tabby. This bag has a timeless silhouette with chunky gold hardware that makes it feel extremely of-the-moment, and it's also really functional. Both the top handle and the crossbody strap are detachable, which means you can wear this as a shoulder bag, a crossbody, and a clutch. Multiple interior and exterior pockets make it possible to take more than just your phone, keys, wallet, and lip gloss with you when you leave the house.
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A Chic Laptop Bag
A lot of “laptop bags” are just big totes that happen to be able to fit a laptop, but Maison de Sabré’s is specifically designed for carrying your tech around while keeping the elevated look and feel of a luxury bag. The padded interior can hold up to a 16-inch laptop or tablet with additional pockets for your charging cables, passport, and other workday essentials. The full-grain leather exterior has easy-to-reach slip pockets and a detachable key bell so you don’t have to dig through your bag, and it can be worn either as a crossbody or carried like a briefcase.
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A Polished Work Purse
Even if you don’t need to carry a laptop to and from the office, you’ll still want a go-to work bag in your wardrobe. This mini tote from Strathberry is just the right size for your everyday essentials, plus a small notebook, so you can show up to meetings prepared. Made from crocodile-embossed calfskin with gold hardware, it makes a statement without distracting from how good you are at your job, which is exactly what you want in a work bag.
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A Big Bag You Can Take Everywhere
Sometimes you just need a big bag that can hold a change of clothes, your entire makeup bag, books, notebooks, over-ear headphones, and whatever else you can’t get through the day without. Dragon Diffusion’s handwoven leather bags offer a stylish way to carry a lot of stuff around with you all day. The widest part of the bag is over 17 inches, and the basketweave-inspired design means it has a little extra flexibility. The top handles have an 8.6-inch drop for added versatility, and the buffalo calf leather breaks in beautifully.
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A Smaller Everyday Bag
A great shoulder bag that’s roomy enough to hold what you need without making you feel like you’re carrying your entire life is a wardrobe staple. The Demi-Lune bag from A.P.C. is a great example of what you want to look for. It has an adjustable, comfortable strap, a roomy interior with several pockets, and a unique shape that adds dimension to your outfit. It’s made from durable cowhide leather that can handle everyday wear and will get softer the more you use it, so you don’t have to worry about keeping this one in a dust bag in your closet.
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The Status Tote
Sometimes a big canvas tote is the best bag for the job. If you’re going to haul your groceries in a glorified advertisement for a brand, make sure it’s one you genuinely love—and one that makes a great tote. I love my canvas tote from cult-favorite NYC dinner party supply store Big Night, because it celebrates the joys of throwing a dinner party, and it’s extremely practical. The flat bottom and extra-long straps mean I can arrange my groceries neatly so they’ll survive the long walk from the store to my apartment. It’s also made from 100% cotton canvas, so it’s durable, breathable (key if you’re doing a farmer’s market produce run), and easy to toss in the washing machine.
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A Going-Out Bag
Evening bags don’t have to be fussy, but they should be at least a little fun. They should also be small enough that they accent rather than overwhelm your going-out look, but are still large enough to hold the things you actually need. This one from Melie Bianco features a chic take on the classic elongated East-West shape, and is made from supple recycled vegan leather that won’t get ruined if you spill your drink on it. It has a zip-top closure to keep things secure and is large enough to accommodate a smartphone, wallet, keys, and a few other basic necessities.
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A Chic Weekender
A great weekender should be able to actually hold everything you need for a weekend, be comfortable enough to carry around the airport or train station, and make your traveling outfit feel put-together. The ALO Odyssey checks every single one of these boxes. It has a chic vintage bowling bag-inspired design with a roomy interior that comes with a bag for keeping clean and dirty clothes separate. There’s a removable shoulder strap with adjustable padding, long handles that are comfortable to hold, and the flat bottom design also makes it easy to pop on top of your suitcase so you can roll it around. It’s made from responsibly sourced calfskin with gold and citrine crystal accents that add to the sophisticated aesthetic.
