(We Got To Have It)

The Fall Handbags TZR Editors Will Carry Non-Stop Next Season

These are our must-have styles.

Aug. 27, 2023

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Feel free to disagree with me, but fall is the most wonderful time of the year to get dressed. Picture this: It’s a brisk late Saturday morning in October, and you’re picking out a cute look for an afternoon around town. That snuggly cashmere sweater you lean on season after season? An obvious choice. And those toasty fur-lined clogs definitely deserve to be seen, too. Perhaps the best part about putting together a cold-weather outfit, though, is choosing a handbag. That’s because you’ll find the season’s styles come in unique textures and rich shades — and this year’s offerings are no different.

A luxe leather shoulder bag, for example, is a non-negotiable for off-duty outings when you want to look put together. (Psst, we think this Prada Fall/Winter 2023 geometric-shaped design will be a style-crowd favorite this coming autumn.) If your work tote could use a replacement, look no further than J.Crew’s Berkeley Bucket Bag, which will house everything you need for the office (i.e., laptop, chargers and an already-made Trader Joe’s lunch). Bonus: The tote features calf hair on one side and leather on the other, so you essentially have two styles in one.

For more options to shop, TZR editors gave the low-down on their need-to-have fall styles ahead.

Prada

Medium Brushed Leather Handbag

$3,950

“There's something about optic white on accessories that pops more than any other color, and makes them wearable with just about everything you own. Although this bag is a trapezoid shape, it feels quite classic; and while I'm not one to gravitate towards heavy logos or hardware, the yellow gold triangle reads muted against the creamy hue.” — Kathy Lee, editor-in-chief, TZR

Hereu

Bauza Woven-Leather Shoulder Bag

$625

“I want everything HEREU makes, so it's no surprise when they created a new handbag, dubbed the Bauza, I immediately wanted that, too. I love the geometric interlocked construction on the front that gives the accessory some detail, but otherwise the leather shoulder bag feels sleek and minimal for everyday wear. I can see myself toting this to New York Fashion Week, work events, and when I walk my dog. (Emily Ratajkowski's outfits for when she walks her pup Colombo have inspired me to step up my own fashion game!)” — Marina Liao, senior fashion news editor, TZR

Toteme

Medium Leather Tote Bag

$1,190

“I’m hard on my handbags, so my ideal option is primed to withstand the wear and tear of NYC life — ahem, coffee spills and errant train doors — while looking elegant and cool. I think this crescent shaped design may just be up to the job. I mean look at the pebbled leather (destined to patina well) and Olsen-esque hobo shape (roomy enough for a water bottle and emergency almonds)! Practical details, sure, but they’re also chic enough to make me feel like the star of my own personal rom-com.” - Alison Syrett, deputy fashion editor, TZR

J.Crew

Berkeley Bucket Bag

$198

“I have my work tote sorted, but some days, I want a less bulky bag that will still fit my laptop and miscellaneous items. That's where the viral J.Crew Berkeley Bag comes into play. I love the classic bucket shape and the new colors that just came out scream 'fall.' Since I don't own any brown bags, my eye is on this chocolate leather and suede colorway.” — Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR

Reformation

Medium Vittoria Tote Bag

$498

“When it comes to fall dressing, I'm all about suede. Suede boots, bags, skirts, jackets — I'll take it anywhere I can. This beautiful tote from Reformation is the ideal daytime carryall for the season. The rich brown hue looks ultra-luxe, and I love the tie detailing on the shoulder strap for a unique touch. It's a timeless shape that will last me many years and actually comes at a reasonable price.” — Rebecca Iloulian, director of newsletter revenue and marketing, BDG

Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo ID Suede-Leather Mini Shoulder Bag

$498

“I'm a little too excited to start wearing suede after a hot summer where linen and cotton were my only fabric options. The crescent shape of this Ralph Lauren bag first stood out to me, and then I fell in love with the details, including the contrast stitching, the brass logo plaque, and the rusty color. The style is surprisingly roomy as well, expanding to fit all of my daily necessities.” — Maggie Haddad, senior social media strategist, TZR

STAUD

Valerie Shoulder Bag

$350

“In addition to the buttery suede texture, this fall-forward bag features a cool teal tone that is perfect for the cooler months. The removable crossbody strap makes it easy and versatile for everyday use and the knotted hand detailing adds some interest. All in all, it's the perfect accessory to transition me seamlessly into the new season.” — Angela Melero, executive editor, TZR

Loewe

Puzzle Small Leather Shoulder Bag

$3,250

“Try as I might to resist the siren song of cognac-colored everything come fall, but how could you ever skip over a bag this perfect? The Loewe signature puzzle style adds some interesting dimension to an otherwise totally classic shoulder bag, and the two different straps open up so many possibilities on how to wear it — and what to wear it with.” — Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR

Mansur Gavriel

Candy Pebbled Leather Shoulder Bag

$695

“I’ve been on the hunt for a bag that’s just roomy enough to hold my laptop as well as the other core components I travel with daily. This hobo from Mansur Gavriel is the perfect size to do just that. The muted banana color will easily transition into fall, while classic elements like the hobo shape and pebbled leather mean it will continue to be stylish for years to come.” — Jessica Fields, beauty writer, TZR

Coperni

Metallic Swipe Bag

€650

“I have Coperni’s Baby Swipe Bag, which can house my wallet and maybe a bottle of hand sanitizer. While I adore its cool shape, the teeny-tiny silhouette just doesn’t cut it for a day out. The label’s larger iteration, on the other hand, is the perfect size. I’m currently eyeing the silver metallic style, though the black would get a lot of wear this fall, too. — Kelsey Stewart, associate fashion editor, TZR