What Are the 12 Different Styles of Luxury Designer Handbags?

Our CEO coined the phrase, "The strength of a woman is her purse," which underscores the significance of a handbag in a woman's life. Beyond its function of carrying personal items, a luxury designer handbag profoundly enhances one's daily confidence. These bags serve as reliable companions on every endeavor, safeguarding our confidences and evolving into highly personal possessions. They subtly influence our perception of the world, and conversely, how the world perceives us.

Let’s meet the 12 handbag types that make up the world of luxury bags — those that ensure we are ready for any outing. From stylish designer totes for a day at the beach to elegant evening bags for the opera, these are the styles of handbags that complete and elevate every look. 

Why Knowing Handbag Styles Matters

Luxury handbags represent the perfect fusion of function and fashion. Each handbag style is meticulously crafted to cater to your specific needs in various environments. By familiarizing yourself with the distinct styles, you can select the ideal handbag for any occasion. Let's delve into how different types of purses offer both the practicality you require and the style you desire, ultimately completing and enhancing every outfit in your wardrobe and fostering a heightened sense of empowerment.

The 12 Different Types of Designer Handbags

As seasons change and fashion evolves, these are the most timeless and versatile types of designer handbags:

Designer Top Handle Bags

One of the original designer handbag types was the top handle bag. The Hermès Kelly bag is the quintessential top handle bag with its chic, trapezoidal shape, graceful top handle, and demure charm. A dressy bag that adds polish to any look, the style is ideal for weddings and other festive occasions. 

Designer Shoulder Bag

The 2.55, the original Chanel Classic Flap bag, was the first designer shoulder bag and the first style that empowered women. It was an immediate sensation — liberating women from handheld or clutched bags. It was a bold statement that implied women had important things to do when in public beyond merely looking decorative. The hands-free convenience and exceptional versatility make the shoulder bag one of the most popular styles of handbags.

Designer Clutch Bags

Another of the earliest handbag types, the designer clutch makes a powerful statement of status and style. Without shoulder straps or handles, the clutch bag is meant to be carried in the hand or tucked under the arm. Wearing a clutch signals that you are to be served or catered to — an ideal bag for any dressy occasion where you are a guest rather than a participant.

Designer Hobo Bags

The hobo bag was inspired by the 1930s migrant workers who would carry their belongings wrapped in a blanket tied to the end of a stick. The signature unstructured, slouchy design and rounded bottom appeal to a bohemian spirit. Luxury hobo bags typically have a single strap that is carried in the hand or over a shoulder. 

Designer Crossbody Bags

Luxury designer crossbody bags push the hands-free convenience of the shoulder bag to new heights. A longer strap allows this handbag type to be worn across the body, with the strap on one shoulder and the bag resting on the opposite hip. This style distributes the bag’s weight more evenly while thwarting would-be thieves. The look is bold and edgy, with a dashing, contemporary flair.  

Designer Totes

The ultimate in practicality, designer totes are spacious, unstructured bags designed to hold more than just your essentials. Ideal for busy days on the go, whether shopping, sightseeing, going to the gym, or relaxing at the beach. Typically, two short handles top the spacious carryall, which can be open at the top or secured by a snap or zipper. This type of designer handbag is truly a wardrobe staple.

Designer Bucket Bags

Designer bucket bags have an intriguing origin story. Louis Vuitton created the first bucket bag in 1932, specifically to carry up to five bottles of champagne! With its round, flat base, spacious compartment, unstructured sides, and drawstring-cinched top, this versatile handbag type retains its signature features to this day. Typically carried by the top strap, the bucket bag can also be slung over the shoulder for a boho-chic vibe.

Designer Backpacks

Fashion continues to evolve different kinds of handbags to provide practical yet stylish support for our active, multifaceted lifestyles. Initially met with considerable skepticism, designer backpacks are now widely celebrated for their chic blend of hands-free practicality and contemporary style. Ideal for casual outings, luxury backpack handbags include many models appropriate for wearing to the office.

Designer Messenger Bags

Designer messenger bags were inspired by the utilitarian bags worn by bike messengers, mail carriers, military couriers, and diplomatic attaches. Today, luxury messenger bags are typically smaller, but they retain the soft-sided, rectangular shape and long, comfortable strap that allows them to be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody. This style of handbag exudes a dashing quality, projecting confident ease for your next adventure.

Designer Belt Bags

The inspiration behind elegant fashion accessories often has humble origins. This was never truer than for the dashing designer belt bags. The extraordinary convenience of the 1980s fanny pack outweighed its complete lack of visual appeal. Today, the utterly practical bags have been reimagined, matching their unique pragmatism with equal style and panache. Today, luxury belt bags are often worn at the waist with the bag in front, off-center for a contemporary flourish.

Designer Vanity Case Bags

Designer vanity case bags marry the functionality of precisely organizing your essentials with the sumptuous materials and style of luxury handbags. The boxy shape, charming top handle, and zip-around opening are hallmarks of this chic handbag type. Embodying the joy of dressing up purely for the sake of it, these bags are perfect for carefree outings where fashion takes precedence rather than for more serious occasions or the office. 

Minaudières

By definition, minaudières are small, hard-cased, exquisitely decorative clutches designed to dazzle as one-of-a-kind statement pieces. They are worn to the most glamorous events, such as galas, red-carpet appearances, and exclusive soirées, which blur the line between fashion and art. Unlike traditional handbag types, minaudières often take on whimsical and unexpected forms. Iconic designs have included a pavé crystal bee hive, a pug dog covered in Swarovski crystals, and a flawless replica of a Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle.

From the most practical totes to the extraordinary minaudières, the different types of designer handbags offer endless possibilities to perfect your style. Whether you prioritize function, fashion, or making a bold statement, there is a luxury handbag type ready to elevate your look and confidence.