I'm a Stylist—These Are the Only Bags You Need for a Foolproof Capsule Collection
Caitlin Burke is a Who What Wear editor in residence; a stylist; a creative director who has worked with brands like Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, Rosie Assoulin, and Kallmeyer; and the author of The Style Out, her forthcoming Substack newsletter about fashion and style with insights from nearly two decades spent working in the industry.
The other day, I was chatting with a friend about our fall wish lists, and she asked what handbags I'm eyeing. Typically, I'd have an answer (or two) right away, but nothing immediately came to mind. In that moment, I realized something: For the first time maybe ever, I feel wholly complete with my bag collection. Any bag that's caught my eye recently has felt like it couldn't win against any of the bags I already own or fill a need I didn't already have the best possible (IMHO) option for. I joked that I already own all the best bags on the market. At least for my needs, my handbag collection, which I've spent years curating, checks off every box.
Of course, I know that's a big claim, so to back it up, I'm sharing all eight of the handbags I swear by. Think of them like a handbag capsule collection full of the only styles you could ever need for going out, working, lounging at the beach, and schlepping around the city. Scroll down to see and shop the curation.
The Carryall
Bottega Veneta Large Hop
Most bags that are large enough to be a true carryall come with an equally large price tag. While Bottega Veneta's Large Hop is no exception, I think it's the best option I've found at this size because I don't need to treat it preciously. With every other big bag I've purchased, I've been too scared to take it on an airplane or stuff it to the max, whereas this bag just gets better the more I beat it up. I chose olive (or Mud) for extra versatility—it literally goes with everything and works for every season—but you can't go wrong with any color option here.
Bottega Veneta
Large Hop in Mud
The Laptop Bag With Silver Hardware
Balenciaga Medium Bel Air Carry All Bag
I always say this Balenciaga Bel Air Carry All looks like if Picasso designed a Birkin. It can be fastened multiple ways and adds the same immediate richness to a look but is far less well-known. I find even fashion people stop me and can't quite place who makes it. It's less popular than the brand's sister Bel Air style, though that's also a great option. I prefer the silver hardware on this, but gold is also classic, and I debated the two heavily.
Balenciaga
Bel Air Carry All Bag Medium
The Laptop Bag With Gold Hardware
Phoebe Philo Small Kit Cabas
I actually have Phoebe Philo's Small Kit Cabas in the brown calf-hair version that is sadly no longer available (check resale sites as your best bet), but the smooth leather is also great. The size of this bag is perfect for a laptop, and again, it's a kind of IYKYK bag that will get you the nod of approval from the right people and is timelessly chic.
Phoebe Philo
Small Kit Cabas
The Going-Out Bag With Silver Hardware
Alaïa Le Teckel Small Bag
The size and shoulder strap on Alaïa's Le Teckel shoulder bag make it perfect for going out. I've spotted the medium size more in the wild, but I think the small is most flattering on the frame and makes it more of an evening bag while still working great for daytime.
