I love nothing more than when a friend comes to me for shopping advice, especially about an investment purchase. The other day, I was thrilled when my friend shared that she had been saving and was ready to invest in a designer bag.

Immediately, I took it upon myself to help her find her dream bag. I spent hours researching and meticulously analyzing the market to compile a comprehensive list of the best bags available. I established specific criteria, focusing on timeless designs, quality construction, high resale value, and the reputation of luxury brands renowned for their quality and demand. After sifting through over 150 designer bags, I narrowed the selection to 27 fail-safe investments. I made sure to include a diverse range of options from esteemed designers such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Prada as well as emerging brands like Aesther Ekme and Bevza. The curated edit features a variety of styles, including slouchy shoulder bags, structured bowler bags, and elegant evening clutches.

Want to see the styles I recommended? Keep reading because I've highlighted 27 investment-worthy handbags below, all for your shopping pleasure. Even if you're not currently looking for a new bag, the handbags below are worth adding to your wish list.

In this day and age, there are many designer brands making incredible things to tempt us with, but if you ask me, a lot of it isn't worthy of your hard-earned money. But I will say with confidence that there are a select few luxury brands that have the distinction of nearly everything they make being "worth it." The Row, Khaite, Prada, and Toteme are at the top of that list of brands.

One of the perks of my job is getting to shop all day, and I'd say that it's a major perk when I get to shop for The Row, Khaite, Prada, and Toteme. I did my editor due diligence and chose the most stunning items from each brand for fall 2024. I know that deciding what's "stunning" is subjective, but I think these selects are pretty spot-on. So before they sell out, keep scrolling to see the top items of the season from The Row, Khaite, Prada, and Toteme.

The Row

Khaite

Prada

Toteme

Saint Laurent's of-the-moment hobo bag was first spotted on two of its most influential ambassadors, Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber. Bieber carried the bag back in July during the latter stage of her pregnancy, styling it with an equally talked-about leather bomber jacket, black trousers, and her signature '80s earrings for a church service with her husband. With an all-black backdrop, the spotted nature of her purse stood out significantly, leaving fans of the Rhode founder's style to inquire about the anti-quiet bag from the get-go. When Kravitz was seen around the same time at a dinner with Saint Laurent's creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, at Sushi Park in Los Angeles, the leopard-print bag was also in tow.

On Hailey Bieber: Saint Laurent Bomber Jacket in Lambskin ($6500) and Le 5 à 7 Small YSL Hobo Bag in Leopard-Print Calf Hair ($2900); Jacquemus Les Slingbacks Cubisto H ($945)

I certainly didn't expect to spot Saint Laurent's latest viral handbag at the Italian Grand Prix, but I did, on Alexandra Saint Mleux, a content creator and the girlfriend of Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Saint Mleux wore the handbag on two occasions during her stay in Monza, showing off its versatile qualities in the F1 paddock. On its debut, she styled the statement accessory with a white crop top and matching knee-length skirt, also adding gold-rim sunglasses and strappy, flat sandals to the mix. Two days later, after wearing a leopard-print coat for Quali day, she paired the bag with a simple, bateau-neck midi dress in black and an alternative pair of flat sandals for a walk in the paddock with the couple's dachshund Leo.

On Alexandra Saint Mleux: Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Small YSL Hobo Bag in Leopard-Print Calf Hair ($2900)

With the clearly popular bag selling out, another similar style—the Bea, which is larger and more tote-like but with the same elegant and practical appeal—quickly took its place. The oversize open-top bag, which features the same golden hardware and leopard-printed calf-hair exterior as the Le 5 à 7, was spotted not once, not twice, but three times in late September, first on Bieber, then again on Harrier, and last, on Kate Moss.

Bieber paired her Bea with a matching Toteme leopard-print coat, black trousers, and red Adidas Sambas for a church service with Justin in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Harrier and Moss both debuted theirs in Paris—Harrier at Charles de Gaulle airport, where she was spotted alongside her fiancé, Sam Jarou, sporting the same '80s-style leather Saint Laurent bomber jacket that Bella Hadid and Bieber can't stop wearing as well as black yoga pants, a hoodie, and Adidas sneakers, and Moss outside of the Ritz Paris, styled with a black cashmere sweater, leggings, and knee-high boots.

On Hailey Bieber: Toteme Pony Hair Coat Leopard ($5700); Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top ($59); Saint Laurent Bea Leopard-Print Tote Bag in Calf Hair and Leather ($5100); Adidas sneakers

On Laura Harrier: Saint Laurent Bomber Jacket ($6500) and Bea Leopard-Print Tote Bag in Calf Hair and Leather ($5100)

On Kate Moss: Saint Laurent Bea Leopard-Print Tote Bag in Calf Hair and Leather ($5100)

Bags aren't the only category that's taken a liking to leopard print. The outerwear, footwear, and skirt categories too have all seen recent success with the anti-quiet pattern, taking cues from iconic dressers who preferred it in the past, like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Alexa Chung. Ferragamo, Prada, Toteme, and Michael Kors are but a few of the top fashion brands that have joined Saint Laurent in adding leopard into their fall and winter collections, bringing it to its highest high of the decade.

Celebrate the triumphant return of leopard print (though, for some, it never left) by shopping the few Saint Laurent bags left in stock below. And if not a bag, I also included plenty of other, just-as-outfit-making leopard pieces for you to consider.

Shop fall's first It bag before it sells out:

Shop the leopard-print trend:

Hilary Swank, Willem Dafoe, Alexa Chung, and up-and-coming style star Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban (aka Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's daughter) walked the runway. Gen-Z favorites like Ariana Greenblatt, Nara Smith, and Kiernan Shipka also made their debut. There were 67 looks that will shape the trend landscape for seasons to come: Think suede bags and skirts, sporty jackets, clashing belts, and cutout swimsuits worn as tops. The brand showed at the Palais d’Iéna, in a space reinvented by interdisciplinary Polish artist Goshka Macuga to look like a printing house. I can already see the headlines: "Extra, Extra! Layered camisoles are back for spring!"

Ahead, find every noteworthy moment from Miu Miu's S/S 25 show (and then some).

A Gen Z Front Row

Given that Miu Miu was founded in 1992 with the intention of being a younger, more playful, and affordable version of Prada, it makes sense that season after season, the brand draws in a youthful crowd of buzzy A-listers. This season, we saw an especially Gen Z audience, which included a mix of TikTok sensations like Nara Smith, Alix Earle, and Addison Rae, and Hollywood favorites like Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt and Twisters' Kiernan Shipka. South Korean musician Wonyoung, Chinese actress Liu Haocun, and Presumed Innocent's breakout star Chase Infiniti all attended the show.

WHO: Nara Smith

WHO: Ariana Greenblatt

WHO: Alix Earle

WHO: Addison Rae

WHO: Kiernan Shipka

Start Spreading the News

The S/S 25 collection debuted in a sprawling, industrial space at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris, redesigned to look like a printing house. On the ceiling hung copies of a physical newspaper that was produced by Macuga for Miu Miu, titled The Truthless Times. According to a press release, the newspaper explores "ideas of truth, misinformation, and manipulation." It explains, "The audience is seated within a representation of printing presses—machinery of information, presumed fact—the plurality of elements within the space both proffering tools to dissect and decipher the concept of truth, and underscoring the profusion of information that characterizes contemporary reality." The intention behind this partnership between Macuga and Miu Miu was to investigate vanity, analyzing how women see themselves in the context of modern-day life.

Frazzled Fashions

This investigation into lived experiences and how they impact the way we dress can be seen throughout the S/S 25 collection, starting with the first look, modeled by Kidman-Urban. A simple, white cotton dress, according to a press release, was meant to signify the absolute truth of early youth. "Before dissimulation is learned, each individual is honest to themselves, to their ideals," it stated. "As a reaction to an era of overstimulation and over-information, simplicity in clothing may offer clarity and precision, and serve as an honest frame of character." A partnership with French children's brand Petit Bateau saw Miuccia Prada send recreations of traditional kidswear down the catwalk.

The frazzled piece everyone's talking about on social media comes in the styling, done (as usual) by Lotta Volkova. According to the release, these otherwise understated pieces are worn in "unschooled" manners to represent a hunger for rediscovery. "Sweaters are wrapped into tops, shirts twisted—wrong ways of wearing, to find something new," it stated. The styling may appear to be too much at first, but the longer you digest each look, the more you realize that it's only a sense of unfamiliarity you're experiencing. This explanation is exactly why Miu Miu (and Prada for that matter) is always the brand leading trends, not following them.

Icons on the Runway

Though there were a good amount of traditional Miu Miu models on the catwalk this season, the brand also continued its pursuit to incorporate friends of the house into its show, with Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne, Amelia Gray, and Hilary Swank all joining Kidman-Urban in the latest spring fashions. Willem Dafoe closed the show, reprising his role as one of Miuccia Prada's most iconic male models. (In 2012, the actor walked the Prada runway in the Italian brand's “Villains” show alongside other on-screen antagonists Adrian Brody and Tim Roth.) "Many actors, used to presenting alternate visions of imaginary realities, here they walk in their own truth," the release stated.

WHO: Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban

WHO: Alexa Chung

WHO: Hilary Swank

WHO: Willem Dafoe

WHO: Cara Delevingne

The It Items

The only thing Miuccia Prada excels at more than kickstarting trends is designing sought-after, viral products, from satin ballet flats to micro-miniskirts. Looking back at the early 2020s, so many of the most prolific fashion items came from her, whether at Miu Miu or Prada. And this season was hardly an off-year for the designer. On the accessories side, the obvious winners were the belts—so many belts—and the bags, which were brown and suede and just what everyone I know has been searching for this season. (If you want one sooner than spring 2025, let me direct you to ISA, Who What Wear's intelligent shopping assistant, who's chronically online and in tune with all the best-in-show suede bags right now.)

A crisp white T-shirt embroidered with Miu Miu's logo on it is sure to become the next Prada or Loewe logo tank top, and elevated swimsuits, similar to ones spotted at Tory Burch's S/S 25 show in New York, will no doubt be spotted all across the fashion capitals next year when the weather heats up, paired with knee-length skirts, tailored trousers, and hot pants. Other highlights included loud-printed outerwear, shrunken track jackets styled unexpectedly with elegant skirts as opposed to equally sporty bottoms, and suede outerwear and skirts. In other words, invest in that suede jacket in your shopping cart right now. It's not going anywhere.

It item: Brown suede East-West bag

It item: White cotton Miu Miu T-shirt

It item: Patterned coat and chain belt

It item: Shrunken track jacket

It item: Brown suede motorcycle jacket

It item: Blue patent-leather skirt and cutout one-piece swimsuit

It item: Camel-colored leather shoulder bag

With all its history and legacy in the leather goods business, you'd expect the handbags and accessories to be the highlight of any Hermès show. This season, there was certainly no shortage of beautiful leather goods to delight in, but it was none other than the ready-to-wear that got everyone in the industry talking. The spring/summer 2025 collection was marked by sheer mesh pieces that ranged from pant sets to skirts and tunics, all expertly layered in the same shade for one tonal look.

But it wasn't just the presence of these see-through looks that was noteworthy, but the expert styling that lent an elevated and sophisticated energy, too. Tonal leather jackets, slim waist belts, and classic handbags worked to toughen up the sheer mesh pieces and give the whole collection a sense of balance between light and heavy. Other key callouts to know were cool-girl clog sandals, sleek riding boots, and a refreshing pop of fuchsia among the otherwise warm neutral color palette. Ahead is our breakdown of what to know about the Hermès spring/summer 2025 show.

Sheer Supremacy

While sheer is nothing new, we've been taking note of just how many sheer looks have taken over the runways this fashion month, and with such a significant stamp of approval from Hermès, it's official: sheer is set to be 2025's biggest trend.

Beautiful Belts

Layering and tonality were two of the standout styling elements of this collection and this was done through the employment of slim waist belts. Hermès belts are already a hot-ticket item among its customers, and the introduction of this new style finished with sleek metal closures is sure to spark excitement come spring once they become available.

Cool-Girl Clogs

For footwear, there were two standout styles: sleek, minimalist riding boots and open-toe clog sandals. We need to discuss the latter. They came with details like a toe ring and sturdy slingback strap and immediately felt like a must-have item. Considering we're amidst a growing boho resurgence, these sandals are poised to be a strong summer addition.

A Pop of Pink

On the whole, the color palette of this collection was defined by warm camels, beiges, and burgundies, but they were punctuated by a bright spot of pink mid-show. Vibrant fuchsia coated five of the looks and although it was a deeply saturated shade as opposed to the baby pink hues we saw throughout the New York and Milan shows, it comes as another sign that pink may be taking the place of red as fashion's go-to color next season.

And, of Course, the Bags

Don't worry—the Birkin and Kelly both had their rightful place on this runway, but they were accompanied by several fresh styles that we can't help but feel giddy about. Hermès introduced 11 new-season handbag silhouettes for spring/summer including ladylike bowler bags, classic top handles, and woven baskets.

These standout buys captured not only the essence of modern style but also the hearts of every trend-watcher lucky enough to witness them.

From luxe jewelry and statement accessories to innovative takes on wardrobe staples, these 37 unforgettable items have secured a permanent place in my fashion memory. Whether you’re looking to invest in timeless classics or searching for the next trend-setting piece, the attendees from New York to Paris offered a wealth of inspiration that has turned into a Pinterest board of my mind. Let’s dive into the key pieces that turned heads and left a lasting mark on this season’s fashion narrative.

So which specific pieces made the cut for the top buys of the season? Ahead, we’re diving into our fall accessories edit with the key items to own. From the directional peep-toe pumps our editors can’t stop talking about to the archival bag that was just reissued to the timepiece everyone is trying to get on their wrist, these are the noteworthy accessories to invest in for fall 2024.

The bag I'm naming the top investment of 2024 is the Bottega Veneta Lauren 1980. The clutch originally debuted in the '80s when it was named after actress Lauren Hutton, who wore it in the film American Gigolo. In recent years, it has since garnered a cult-like following with fashion fans searching for it on the vintage market. For those who couldn't track one down, though, the bag was recently relaunched and is set to be the next key buy from the Italian fashion house.

When we first reported on the flat-shoe renaissance, I didn't realize just how impactful it would be. Flats have become ever more popular in recent years, from ballerinas to mesh styles to slingbacks to "naked" shoes. The winning shape, however, is the Rebecca flat from Loro Piana, designed with an almond toe and a pointed silhouette that makes it the perfect elongating shape. It has carved itself out as a smart buy and is so popular that the brand continues to release it in new colorways.

One thing that isn't surprising? The inclusion of a timepiece on this list. In recent years, watches have exploded as a category and are reflected in the sales numbers. What may be surprising, however, is the watch that is more popular than ever, despite its long history. While there may be plenty of buzzy new timepieces on the market, one of the most in-demand pieces is the Cartier Tank watch—a 107-year-old watch that has truly stood the test of time.

Yet another clutch ranks as a top contender for best designer bag buy of 2024: The Row Margaux clutch. The Row's top-handle Margaux bag all but dominated the shopping scene last year, and now the internet-famous logo-less bag has arrived in yet another iteration and in new colorways. Shades of burgundy and emerald green round out neutrals like camel brown.

The talk of the shows at fashion month and the Who What Wear office? The architectural pumps that are starting to pop up everywhere, including Khaite. The tall heels are practically the opposite of the flats that have all but taken over, but perhaps that is what makes them feel so fresh. The same can be said for the peep-toe detail, which is something we're watching closely as it starts to appear in more and more shoe designs.

Luckily, it's always possible to dress and shop for the moment in a way that will last, too. For example, this season there are so many on-trend pieces that are quite classic at their core. To see, read about, and shop the eight aforementioned trends, simply keep scrolling. They may be in your closet already but it's always fun to see how brands have freshened up and put a spin on things for 2024!

1. Barn Jackets

I may be sick of hearing its name, but I'm nowhere near being sick of this perfect, iconic outerwear style.

2. Big Bags

A quick Google image search of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen is all you need to understand that big bags are a fashion staple and will always have their place in a chic yet functional wardrobe.

3. Suede on Suede

As a longtime lover of suede, I'm happy to see it spotlighted as particularly on-trend this fall. The rich texture makes any item and outfit more intriguing.

4. Preppy Polos

You might think polos are suddenly everywhere this season, but I promise they've been everywhere for the many years prior, too.

5. Draped Details

Scarf-adorned jackets, cape-adorned coats, scarf-adorned capes! There's something for everyone in this chic outerwear trend that simply takes the guesswork out of accessorizing.

6. Burgundy Fever

As someone who doesn't wear or buy a lot of colors, I've always loved burgundy for its muted vibes and ability to truly go with everything.

7. Leopard Everything

Surely, you don't need me to lecture you on how iconic animal print has been throughout the years. Buy a piece now and you'll wear it forever.

8. Boat Shoes

A year-round shoe style. Wear these with socks or tights in the colder months and then ditch the stockings for spring and summer.

Hear us out: Purses are the perfect way to transition any wardrobe from summer to fall in a single purchase. Rather than buying a plethora of new pieces, buying a designer handbag can make an old pair of jeans or a simple jacket feel brand-new. Plus, no other luxury items retain their value quite like a purse. If you're unsure what exact handbags are worth the investment, don't fret. Considering that we're certified bag ladies, we figured it was our journalistic duty to research which handbag trends took over the fall/winter 2024 runway collections. Ahead, we're sharing a breakdown of the seven biggest handbag trends for fall and a rationale for why they'll make great investments for this season and beyond. We've also curated trendy purses from luxury and contemporary brands that you'll be totally justified in purchasing or, at the very least, see on TikTok in no time.

As we've previously reported, there's one shade that's sure to secure the top spot in everyone's closet this fall: black cherry. While there were plenty of examples of this color incorporated into ready-to-wear collections, what's going to carry (excuse the pun) this trend into commercial success this fall is handbags. From deep merlot clutches at Victoria Beckham and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini to east-west bags crafted from crocodile-embossed cherry leather at Gucci to classic quilted Chanel bags in a bougie bordeaux, there was no shortage of examples of this dark shade on the runway this season. It will take time to see whether this trend becomes as hot as expected, but there's no better way to spice up your fall staples than with a purse in this particular color.

Remember a few years back when mini bags were all the rage? Well, they've called in reinforcements. While we may no longer be clamoring to get our hands on the smallest bags in sight, that's likely to change simply with the flick of a wrist. As a hybrid bag style between a miniature top-handle bag and a traditional clutch, a wristlet hasn't always been considered the easiest bag to style for everyday life.

The fall/winter collections showed that this trend could be worth holding on to, and the silhouette's versatility was demonstrated in full force. At Chloé, there were adaptable wristlets that could be styled as a bracelet or shoulder bag. Similarly, Prada's classic Cleo Bag was creatively restyled as a wristlet with the addition of a leather wrist strap that easily attaches to the bag's hardware. Even the more traditional versions of the wristlet seen at Gabriela Hearst and Roksanda had elements that could make them just as versatile as the others. Whoever said mini bags were dead clearly never saw wristlets coming.

Clutches are forever chic, but with fall/winter 2024 collections, we saw designers take elements of this classic bag and transform them into something current. It's almost as if everyone got the memo that the theme was swan fashion, as clutch designs were coded in '60s eveningwear aesthetics. Of course, we saw the traditional satin fold-over clutch surface this season, including at Altuzarra's F/W 24 show. Overall, there were far more contemporary takes on the classic evening clutch. Pouches felt far more polished because of their elongated east-west shapes, punchier colors, and elevated styling—see Carven's and Carolina Herrera's shows. But it wasn't just the retro pouch that got a recent upgrade. The everyday dumpling shape was given an elevated eveningwear spin by playing with size, shades, and styling at Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini. By turning back time to revisit this timeless bag, designers made the style feel more timely than ever before.

Even if you don't follow trends extensively, it should be no surprise that '90s fashion has resurfaced. It's taken over social media, street style, and even our own site. The bags from that era, however, haven't been given as much attention until now. Sure, we still see some of the decade's silhouettes, but it wasn't until these past few seasons that we saw luxury houses revitalizing bags from the '90s in full force. More specifically, designers have brought back the bowler bag—a shape with a flat bottom and round top that was first popularized by Prada and Dior.

While these two luxury brands may have put this bag on the map, it was made relevant again with the release of The Row's Margaux tote bag. Since then, we've seen this bag take over social media, street style, and the selection of handbags offered in fall/winter 2024 collections of Miu Miu, Tod's, ACNE Studios, Bally, Coach, and Sandy Liang. While every designer reimagined this bag in different ways, from mini bags to oversize suede versions, there's no denying that this style will strike out this fall as one the biggest bag trends of the season.

A particular textile stood out this season in terms of bags: suede. Once the first crisp breeze is felt in the air, this material makes the rounds. It bubbles up once every bag and boot style in sight is made from suede. We'd be shucking our duties as fashion editors if we didn't mention the outsized presence of suede handbags throughout the fall/winter 2024 runway shows. Unlike previous iterations of this trend that may have felt Western, we saw designers make suede accessories more sophisticated. Some fall collections achieved that by opting for unexpected shades of suede materials. For example, a crescent-shaped shoulder bag and top-handle handbag came in a chocolate-brown suede at Officine Générale and Moschino. At Miu Miu and Bevza, brands made this material bolder by relying upon unique shapes. Overall, designers showed that even the most predictable fall trends can be surprising if you look at them a bit closer.

Raise your hand if you've ever had trouble choosing what type of bag to wear or buy. Don't worry—you're not alone. For the accessory lovers reading this story, if you're finding it hard to pick only one trend to buy this fall, consider this your sign that you don't have to choose. Rather than doubling down on one handbag trend, carry multiple bags much like what we saw in the fall/winter collections. Across the board, designers struggled with sticking to a single bag this season, as some chose to style bags of different sizes, shades, and shapes all together. See Coach, Bottega Veneta, and Fendi. Others, such as Tory Burch, created bags that crafted an optical illusion of multiple handbags stacked on each other without the extra baggage. By exploring variations of maximalism through bag silhouettes and styling, designers proved that sometimes the better choice in life is not to choose at all.

ICYMI, bag charms are so back! We've seen charms come back into the conversation on social media as users rush to hop on the trend of Jane Birkin–ifying their bags, and they've cemented cultural relevance because of recent runway collections. It may be surprising to see this trend surface again considering it is centered on styling, but that's the point. Whether it's quirky charms or the doubling up of bags, this season is about making what's in style more signature. Thankfully, fall collections provided plenty of ways to do just that as a minimalist or a maximalist. At Miu Miu, overstuffed bags were covered in charms, and at Burberry, sleek shoulder bags featured a single key chain. Moreover, the offering of bag charms ranged from eccentric to luxurious, and there was everything from New York City–inspired bag charms at Coach to leather lollipop holders at Fendi. By showcasing different ways to embrace bag charms, designers reminded us that the best trends encourage us to make what we already own feel brand-new—whether it's an old black bag or any other basic in our wardrobes.

TOTEME

STAUD

NILI LOTAN

JACQUEMUS