I'm Not a Bag Person, But These 5 Styles Go With Everything I Own

Louisa Hatt Wearing a Black Belt Bag Over a Trench Coat With a Red Turtleneck and Black Pants.

Photo:

@louisahatt

It's no surprise that some of the top-selling bags on our favorite sites like J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Shopbop are also classic shapes. If you're a minimalist who reaches for the same basics again and again, and your bag rotation happens to follow suit, make sure you own these five specific silhouettes, because there's truly nothing else you need.

First up, there's J.Crew's Geneva, a satin clutch offered in three colorways with a short handle at the top. Whether you style it with low-rise denim, a minidress, or a skirt and tights, there's no denying it's the one accessory that will get you through party season. Tory Burch's Lee Radziwill tote, named after the famous '60s and '70s style icon, is that luxe, structural tote bag that's perfect for work or really whenever you want to elevate your neutrals. Topshop's crossbody flap bag rings in at an incredible price for a wear-anywhere rectangular satchel you throw on to play up a preppy outfit or accent black accessories. Mango's leather shopper is similar in that it's under $100. However, this roomy tote is better for polishing casual off-duty days and feels way more relaxed in form. Finally, a sling bag of any material is ideal for days you're traveling, running errands, or just want to be hands-free. Whether you shop St. Agni's best selling soft crescent bag or a different pouch with a similar vibe, you'll reach for it whenever you're on the go.

Ahead, we've highlighted these five foolproof, perfectly versatile bags in multiple colorways and provided street style inspiration for each one.

SATIN CLUTCH

Paige Leneigh Wearing a White Prada Tank Top Under a Black Leather Trench Coat With Low-Rise Jeans and a Black Bag.

Photo:

@paigeleneigh

A clutch can make a midriff-baring shirt and low-rise jeans all the chicer. Allow it to accent the color of your trench coat to bring your color story full circle.

Your festive clutch should pack a punch against the rest of the pieces in your outfit. Start with an all-black foundation offset by a tough gray jacket and finish the look with your cherry-red bag and slingback heels.

Zarayna Ferguson Wearing a Gray Skirt and Cropped Jacket With Black Tights, Knee-High Boots, and a Black Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag.

Photo:

@zaraynaf

It's simple but a foolproof combination nonetheless—for nights out, style your small clutch with a miniskirt, tights, and knee-high boots. The outfit is slightly '60s-inspired and you can add allure with glamorous statement jewelry.

STRUCTURAL TOTE

Anouk Yve Wears a Brown Coat From The Frankie Shop With a Celine Sweater, Jeans, and Hermès bag.

Photo:

@anoukyve

Wear your neutral-toned leather tote bag with a brown coat, printed sweater, and dark-wash jeans.

Olivia Faeh Wears a White T-Shirt and Jeans With a Trench Coat and Brown Square Bag.

Photo:

@oliviafaeh

Style your brown leather tote with a white tee, wide-leg jeans, flats, and a classic trench coat. These are all wardrobe staples that blend together seamlessly, especially when playing with neutral tones.

Izzy Dilger Wearing a Cream Cable Knit Sweater Over a White Tube Dress With a Tan Bag and Flats.

Photo:

@izzydilg

A tan structural top-handle bag can easily add structure to a whimsical dress layered for fall and winter months. Add a cable-knit cardigan to evoke cozy vibes and match the color of your flats to your purse.

CROSSBODY FLAP BAG

Wear the bag with a plunging black sweater, wide-leg jeans, and pointed-toe shoes that peek out from the hem.

Megan Reynolds Wears a Black Blazer Jacket Over a White Pleated Skirt With a Black Shoulder Bag.

Photo:

@meg_e_rey

Wear the bag on your shoulder with a belted blazer over a white pleated minidress or skirt. Complete the look with patent ankle boots.

Elaine of Square Pearls Wearing a White Top, Printed Skirt, White Boots, and Black Bag.

Photo:

@squarepearls

Try adjusting your structural crossbody bag to its shortest length and carry it as a top handle bag. Style it with a neutral outfit of breezy basics, like a pleated maxi skirt and lightweight top. The bag will accent your accessories and ground out your look.

OVERSIZE LEATHER SHOPPER

Marianne Smyth Wearing a Navy Blue Cashmere Lounge Set With a Mustard Beanie and Black Leather Tote Bag.

Photo:

@smythsisters

Sleek leather totes can instantly liven up a lounge set. Pile on your coziest cashmere co-ords with a contrasting beanie and slippers, and allow your carryall to elevate the outfit.

A leather tote bag is the easy answer to your all-black co-ord sets. It will streamline your outfit and play up the palette, which you can offset with one statement piece, such as a colorful shoe or a gleaming white pearl choker.

Kaitlyn Ham Wearing a White Button-Down and Cream Pants With D'orsay Slippers and a Black Leather Tote Bag.

Photo:

@kaity_modern

We love how an oversize black leather tote adds character to a lighter monochrome outfit. Work an oversize boyfriend shirt with tan slacks and luxe taupe slippers and add your black leather bag as the final touch.

Mary Jean Wearing a Shearling Collar Leather Jacket With Baggy Jeans and a Black Leather Tote Bag.

Photo:

@maryljean

Wear your favorite leather jacket with baggy denim and a square-toe boot to add structure. A headband, dark sunglasses, and your go-to black tote are the finishing touches to this easy, on-the-go outfit.

Nitsan Raiter Fluxgold Wearing a Long Wool Jacket With a Red Baseball Cap, Adidas Samba Sneakers, and a Black Leather Tote Bag.

Photo:

@nitsanraiter

Even though a black leather tote bag is ultra-sophisticated and a no-brainer for work days, it fares surprisingly well with your off-duty sport essentials. Wear it with a long wool coat, sweats, Adidas Samba sneakers, and a baseball cap on the weekend.

NEUTRAL SLING BAG

Louisa Hatt Wearing a Black Belt Bag Over a Trench Coat With a Red Turtleneck and Black Pants.

Photo:

@louisahatt

A belt bag looks super luxe swung over the shoulder when your foundation is chic and polished. Start with a bright-colored turtleneck tucked into high-waisted, belted trousers. Then add your go-to pair of sneakers and a long tan trench coat.

Emily Wells Wearing a Gingham Top With Linen Lounge Pants, Sandals, and a Black Leather Belt Bag.

Photo:

@emswells

Belt bags are ideal for traveling, especially when you want to be hands-free to stop for pictures. Bring yours on vacation for wearing with casual daywear, such as linen pants and breezy tops.

Aemilia Madden Wearing a Black Utility Jumpsuit Over a Striped Turtleneck With a Black Belt Bag.

Photo:

@aemiliafay

Wear a black belt bag across your chest and twist your pouch to the back if you don't want to overcomplicate your look at the front. A striped foundational turtleneck underneath a utility jumpsuit looks effortless with this bag.