Are you in the market for a new everyday handbag? I am on the lookout for one for myself. My Barneys New York handbag I have been carrying is now a relic! (I still can’t believe that Barneys closed, and that was back ion 2020). So my 4 year-old bag that is the perfect size for me and I use practically every day needs to be replaced. I basically have to find one that is a similar size and has the same functionality, like inside pockets to find my keys and phone easily.
Best Handbags for Women Over 50
One good thing about being a woman over 50, is you know what you want and need when it comes to handbags. We have years of handbag experience. And we certainly have all made the mistake in our past of purchasing a bag for beauty over function. There will always be a place for that, but not when it comes to our everyday handbag. So where do you start?
How to Find Your Everyday Handbag
Here are 5 shopping tips to help you find the best everyday handbag that is perfect for you.
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1. Find a bag similar in size and style as the last bag you carried and loved. (This is what I am going to do). Measure your old bag, count the pocket and zippers and think about if you need more or less compartments to make it functional. My bag is 9″ x 7″ x 4″ and it has 2 inside pockets and one inside zipper. It has a top handle and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. This is what I will need.
2. If your last bag was large and cumbersome, consider down-sizing. I recommend this because, if you are like me, you will just stuff more and more into the bag if you have any extra space. You don’t want to get bogged down by a big, heavy handbag. It’s not good for your back, and you won’t look chic or fashionable walking at an angle or with a big puffy bag sticking out of your side.
3. Your everyday bag should only have room for what you absolutely need to carry. So make a list of your essentials such as your phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, pen and a small makeup bag. (Try to limit your lipstick to only 2 tubes, please!) The only extra space you really need is room for your hand to get items out of the bag easily.
4. Find a bag in a neutral color such as black, brown, tan or taupe that will span the seasons year round, as well as smooth medium-weight leather. If the bag includes hardware, consider if gold or silver tones will work best with the jewelry you wear most of the time.
5. As for the style the bag, it is your personal preference. I find a top handle satchel bag with a shoulder strap works best for me. The top handles make it easy to hang onto the bag when you open it when worn as a shoulder bag. This style gives me the option of carrying the bag with or without the shoulder strap.
Best Everyday Handbags for Women Over 50
So without further ado, here are some of the best everyday handbags I have found for women over 50. As always, I found high-end designer bags as well as lower priced lookalikes. You can decide if you want to splurge or get one for a steal.
Satchel
This is the style that has served me well. Both of these have at least 3 small pockets or compartments to keep the contents of your bag organized.
SPLURGE
Mulberry Medium Islington Silky Calfskin Leather Satchel, $1,695
STEAL
Coach Sammy Top Handle Bag 21, $450
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Shoulder Bag
A medium sized shoulder bag is a classic. Invest in a gorgeous shoulder bag like this one from The Row or find a similar one for a lot less like this Kate Spade bag.
SPLURGE
The Row Sofia Leather Shoulder Bag, $4,500
STEAL
Kate Spade New York Hudson Pebble Leather Medium Convertible Shoulder Bag, $328
Hobo
A hobo bag is a popular option as an everyday handbag because it is comfortable to carry and everything stays put at the bottom of the bag.
SPLURGE
Tom Ford Large Tara Leather Hobo Bag, $3,290
STEAL
JW PEI Erin Faux Leather Hobo Bag, $129
Backpack
A backpack is a great option if you have back or shoulder issues. Find one that is not too large, and is functional and lightweight.
SPLURGE
Strathberry Osette Leather Backpack, $695
STEAL
Cole Haan Small Grand Ambition Leather Convertible Luxe Backpack, $278
Tote
If you must carry a tote, try to find a smaller one with a zip pouch or an inside zipper pocket.
SPLURGE
Christian Louboutin Small Cabata Calfskin Leather Tote, $1,390
STEAL
Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote, $248
What is your favorite everyday handbag style?
You may also like to read Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024: Best Bets For Women Over 50 and 7 Summer Jackets You Will Need This Season: Splurge or Steal?
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