You Just Need One of These Highly Rated Everyday Bags in Your Life Right Now
From shoulder bags to large totes, we got it all!
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I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have a million things I need to carry with me each day. From my phone and wallet to my lip balm, hair clips, glasses, water bottle…the list is never-ending! Enter the “everyday bag,” aka the solution to all problems and the perfect accessory to hold all of your essential belongings as you tackle the day.
Finding the perfect everyday bag can be truly difficult. It needs to be spacious but not too big. Practical but also stylish. You might want your everyday bag to be trendy but also unique to you. For some, the everyday bag is a large tote or a cute lil crossbody. For others, it’s a small shoulder bag. Regardless of size and style, the most important criteria for these bags is—say it with me—functionality. This bag needs to be able to accompany you throughout the day. You’re going to wear it to work, school, appointments, workout classes, dates, shopping...so it should be able to adapt to any occasion and help you navigate your busy schedule with ease! Ahead, you’ll find 20 lifesaving purses that you’ll be thanking me for by the time you finish reading this article!
Our top picks for the best everyday bags of 2024:
From small to large, these bags are perfect for you girlies on the go—wouldn’t you say? Yup, I know. And because I want to hook you up, you should totally look into these fall trends and get your inner fashionista excited by styling these cuties before everyone else does. Oh, and course: Here are some purse organizers!
Want a chic shoulder bag that won’t break the bank? This beaut is at a great price point and it’ll hold just what you need throughout the day. The interior even has card slots along the side—how perfect is that?!
Rave Review: “It is the perfect size to carry any cosmetics, phone, small planer, any small snacks or accessories. I love it! Roomy but compact, just what I needed!”
| Color: | Beige, Black, Brown, and more |
| Material: | PU Leather, Polyester Lining |
| Size: | 9.8" W x 7.9" H x 3.1" D |
The Aota bag is just what you need for an everyday bag! The sleek and sophisticated style will elevate even the simplest outfit. Plus, it’s got a zipper to protect your belongings!
Rave Review: “Great quality and super chic. It has a timeless design and a very classic silhouette. Great bag for commuting. It also comes with a beautiful box and postcard from the brand.”
| Color: | Black |
| Material: | Recycled Polyurethane |
| Size: | 13"L x 7"H x 4.25"D |
Looking for a bag that is not too large, fits perfectly over the shoulder, can be worn to dinner, AND to the bar? Look no further! This JW Pei bag can hold all your essentials while looking sooo stylish. To top it all off, it comes in over 15 colors!
Rave Review: “So classy and easy to wear. Doesn’t slip off shoulder, looks amazing and expensive. Would recommend.”
| Color: | Acorn Brown, White, Black, and more |
| Material: | Vegan Leather, Fabric Lining |
| Size: | 10.43" W × 5.71" H × 2.36" D |
Cooler weather calls for a change in your everyday accessories! Swap out your summer bag for a stylish option like this one from Free People. The suede, fringe details, and rich-green color are perfect for the fall!
Rave Review: “I have had my fair share of purses from high-end to super cheap looking for the PERFECT bag and now my search is over! This bag is PERFECT! It holds exactly what I need with the style I like! High quality and not overpriced!”
| Color | Kelly, Cognac, Washed Orchid, Vermillion, Brilliant Blue |
| Material | Suede and Leather |
| Size | 7.75" W x 7.75" H x 3.5" D |
I love the sleek and elegant style of this Brandon Blackwood bag. It fits comfortably over the shoulder and has a practical zipper closure. If you’re someone who mainly wears neutrals, this bag will serve as the ideal pop of color!
| Color: | Red, White |
| Material: | Cowhide Leather |
| Size: | 10.6“ L x 6.7“ H x 3“ W |
This shoulder strap design is on the pricier side, but trust me—it is totally worth it. Everyone who has it is just OBSESSED with it. It comes in over 15 different colors, is super spacious, and has a zipper closure. 10/10 would recommend.
Rave Review (from my sister who has this bag in color Sandalwood): “This is a great bag. It dresses up a casual look or looks great with a cocktail dress. It’s just the right size where it’s big enough to fit essentials but small enough to fit into some concert venues...and it’s really well made!”
| Color: | Olive, Black, Taupe, and more |
| Material: | Italian Textured Calf Leather, Microfiber Suede Lining |
| Size: | 9.4" x 7.9" x 2.9" |
How cute is this Fréja purse?! It has such a unique shape with its long shoulder straps—ideal to pair with bulkier coats, jackets, or sweaters! The interior of the bag even has a clip for your keys—what more could you ask for?!
Rave Review: “I’ve had this bag for a few months now and it’s holding up nicely...The silhouette is so unique. I don’t think I would find a shape like this anywhere else. Keep in mind the front flap doesn’t have any magnetic closure, but no issues so far. Beautiful bag!”
| Color: | Oat, Pecan, Black |
| Material: | Vegan Ultrafiber Leather, Ultrafiber Lining |
| Size: | 11.6" L x 5.8" H x 2.8” W |
Who doesn’t love a classic black shoulder bag?! This one from M. Gemi is super functional and can easily transform into a wristlet by adjusting the shoulder strap, taking your look from daytime to nighttime in seconds! You can take my word for it because this is my any-occasion bag and I absolutely loveee it!
| Color: | Black, Ivory |
| Material: | Italian Tumbled Calf Leather, Cotton Lining |
| Size: | 11" L x 8.3" H x 2.4" W |
Bucket bags are so versatile and can easily be worn for any occasion! This pick from Los Angeles Apparel has a functional drawstring closure and a spacious interior. The long shoulder strap makes it easy to wear this bag across the body. I’m sure it will become a staple for you!
Rave Review: “Hands down my new favorite bag. It’s a classic design and the black leather is nice and smooth. It feels vintage, but it’s new!”
| Color: | Navy, Distressed Chestnut, Black, Dijon, Sand, Ivy, and more |
| Material: | Cowhide Leather |
If you’re looking to elevate your crossbody, check out this one from Cos. The smooth leather gives this purse a clean and sleek appeal. You could easily wear it with leggings to run to the supermarket or with a dress to go to dinner!
Rave Review: “Supple leather, perfect scale, love this design!”
| Color: | Cream, Black, Beige |
| Material: | Leather |
| Size: | 4.3" H x , 12.4" W x 3.9" D |
Anyone call for a practical messenger bag? It has a long shoulder strap that you can adjust to your liking and just enough space inside to fit your essentials!
Rave Review: “I get so many compliments each and every time I wear this bag....The quality is exceptional and fits all of your basic items. I love it and it’s so worth it! Can’t beat the price too.”
| Color: | Brown, Black, Beige, and more |
| Material: | Faux Leather, Polyester Lining |
| Size: | 8.85" L x 6.5" H x 2.75" W |
This Montana West shoulder bag is perfect for those lookin for something that’s not too small but not too big. Its medium size offers just the right amount of space for your belongings. It mimics a hobo bag with that semi-slouchy look, but it’s not overwhelmingly large!
Rave Review: “I love this purse! I use it daily, and have for a few months now, and I haven’t seen any signs of wear and tear at all. It’s the perfect size for a shoulder bag, small enough that it’s not awkward but big enough to hold all the necessities! It’s super simple, but the hobo style and black leather make it effortlessly chic and it goes with absolutely everything!”
| Color: | Black, Coffee, Green, White, Tan, and more |
| Material: | PU Leather |
| Size: | 12" x 5.5" x 1.5" |
Some of you might prefer a backpack as your everyday bag (my mom swears that backpacks are the best everyday bags). This one from Rebecca Minkoff is a huge winner. It’s got multiple zippers for holding your essentials and looks super stylish. Wear it as a traditional backpack or throw it effortlessly over one shoulder!
Rave Review: “Super cute, perfect size for an everyday bag, amazing quality! Complements almost any outfit easily!”
| Color: | Stone, Black/Gunmetal, Black/Shellac |
| Material: | Leather |
| Size: | 8.5" W X 9" H X 4" D |
I’ve been obsessing over Coach recently. They have sooo many great options, but this one really stands out. The chic suede material and minimalist design is just perfect for the fall. Plus, the bag itself has a very spacious interior to carry all of your necessities. Consider me sold!
Rave Review: “This is my best Coach purchase to date....This is my official work bag and it holds all of my papers, two sets of keys, my long Coach wallet, my pencil case, my cosmetic case, my Metrocard holder, one large Moleskin notebook, and one large yearly daily planner. Buy it! You will not regret this purchase.”
| Color: | Peanut, Ivory, Black |
| Material: | Suede and Glovetanned Leather |
| Size: | 13.25" L x 10.25" H x 7.75" D |
This Charles & Keith Hobo bag is just what you need this fall and winter. The gorge glossy finish is perfect for the cooler weather and will def elevate your everyday ’fits. Wear it for any occasion and look cool as hell!
| Color: | Noir, Cream, Dark Brown, Black |
| Material: | Faux Leather |
| Size: | 10" H x 10-11.8" W x 3.14" D |
Madewell always seems to come through with great pieces for your wardrobe, including some exceptional purse options! This bucket bag is on the larger end, which makes it great to bring to work in the morning and dinner with your friends in the evening. Promise you’ll look très chic.
Rave Review: “This is one of my favorite Madewell bag designs…the bag holds everything you need for the day and fits perfectly over the shoulder. Definitely recommend!”
| Color: | Soft Mahogany, Amber Brown, Tawny Khaki, True Black, and more |
| Material: | Leather |
| Size: | 14" H x 10" W x 6" D |
Okay, I know we’ve been seeing this woven bag trend a lot recently. But trust me, it is here to stay! This gorge, woven tote from Etsy is a staple that you can use during any time of year and for any purpose. It even comes with a zippered interior pouch!
Rave Review: “I have received so many compliments for this bag! I love the space that it has!”
| Color: | Brown, Silver Gray, Gold, White, Khaki, Green, Olive Green, Coffee, Black |
| Material: | Vegan Leather |
| Size: | 13.7" W x 11.4" H x 6.2" D |
This LL Bean bag is a must. It comes in four different sizes with two different handle lengths and over 10 different colors, and it can be monogrammed! Use the smallest size as a handbag or the larger size as a work bag, grocery tote, beach bag, or weekender. The Boat and Tote is an essential for any occasion!
Rave Review: “This has been the best bag to take to work! I did a lot of research before deciding which size to get and I am so glad that I decided on the medium size for a work tote! It fits my laptop, chargers, lunch bag, and a notebook. I am already planning on buying other sizes for different occasions.”
| Color: | Blue, Black, Mauve, Natural, Graphite, and more |
| Material: | Cotton Canvas |
| Size: | Small: 10.5" H x 9.5" W x 5" D. Medium: 12" H x 13" W x 6" D. Large: 15" H x 17" W x 7.5" D. Extra Large: 17" H x 19" W x 10" D. |
You’ll never need to worry about juggling all of your belongings when you have this around your shoulder! It’ll fit as much or as little as you want while simultaneously elevating your look. Plus, this deep maroon color is just perfect for the upcoming autumn season.
Rave Review: “LOVE the size and quality of this bag….so stylish to use when dressing up or down. If you want a larger statement-making bag this one will not disappoint.”
| Color | Bright Wine, Black, Bone |
| Material | Synthetic Leather |
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.
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