Not every bag fits every life. That’s why there’s no must-have list here, but five absolute basics for everyday life & events and, at the end, the test: Which ones really suit you?
Read through our five classics and ask yourself honestly: How often would I carry it in a completely normal week? Whatever lands on “all the time” definitely deserves a spot in your closet. Our tips come from years of advising customers in our stores in Leipzig and Dresden.
1. The shopper: everyday all-rounder
If you could only buy one bag, it would be this one. A shopper or tote bag reliably has room for your notebook, water bottle and spontaneous purchases anytime, anywhere – while adding style to your look instead of dragging it down like the next shopping bag that ends up back on the pile in your closet at home…
Pairs with: Business casual and the clean look. Wide-cut jeans, a simple shirt, a blazer. Structured models from Liebeskind Berlin or Furla look deliberately grown-up. Valentino brings some shine to the office, and reisenthel is the unbeatable choice for anyone who uses their bag a lot for everyday shopping.
Pro tip: Before buying, measure your laptop and compare it with the inside dimensions, not the outside ones. Also look for a stable stand thanks to a reinforced base and, for example, a zip – because open totes are only pretty until it rains on your way to work.
2. The crossbody bag: hands free, mind free
City trip, concert, flea market with a coffee in one hand and a lucky find in the other: the crossbody bag wins hands down. It sits securely close to your body, never gets in the way and comes in versions for truly every style type and every colour palette.
Pairs with: Streetwear and casual, but elegant looks too. Hoodie, cargos, sneakers – or a trench coat with a small crossbody bag. For a laid-back look, Hey Marly (with interchangeable bag charms) and aunts & uncles are our favourites. If you like it more glamorous, go for GUESS.
Pro tip: The bag should sit roughly at hip height, not dangle on your bum. And a second, wide strap turns the same model into a completely new bag – the cheapest style hack there is.
3. The shoulder bag: a quiet statement
The shoulder bag is the piece people will ask you about. Soft hobo bags or slim east-west bags tucked under your arm instantly turn jeans and a knit sweater into a look with attitude.
Pairs with: Minimal chic and luxury – think fine knits, a midi skirt, loafers. The more pared-back the outfit, the more room the bag has as a statement piece. The hobo bags from Liebeskind Berlin in shades like cognac or deep soil are made for this, while JOOP! and Coccinelle give you the slightly more classic version.
Pro tip: This is where leather bags really pay off, because the material gets more and more beautiful over time – if you like a characterful patina. We’ve summed up how to recognise good quality in our guide to high-quality handbags.
4. The clutch: evening bags
You probably won’t need it often; but when you do, it has to be right. A clutch saves any outfit for a wedding, Christmas party or birthday dinner and spares you the moment of standing there in an evening dress with your everyday shopper.
Pairs with: Evening and glam, but also a chic after-work look with a black turtleneck and a satin skirt. The pochettes from Michael Kors and metallic models from Valentino are true all-rounders, abro mixes things up with woven leather and Picard is simply timelessly elegant.
Pro tip: Do the phone test – does your smartphone fit flat inside? And ideally choose a model with a detachable chain: a clutch by day, over the shoulder by night, and your hands are free for your glass.
5. The backpack: comfort, no style compromise
Uni, weekend trip, cycling: for anything that keeps you moving, a backpack beats any bag after all. The good news: it doesn’t have to look like a school hiking trip (unless outdoor is your style).
Pairs with: Athleisure and smart casual. It works just as well with a functional jacket as with a wool coat, if you choose a clean model. Kapten & Son stands for Scandinavian minimalism, the hyped Kånken from Fjällräven is a classic with cult status, and leather backpacks even make you meeting-ready.
Pro tip: Wear the backpack on both shoulders and pull the straps tight so it sits snugly against your back. It looks better and your neck will thank you.
Your 5-bag check
Tick off what you already have – the gap shows you where your next purchase really makes sense:
- Shopper for work and everyday life
- Crossbody bag for on the go
- Shoulder bag as a statement piece
- Clutch for special occasions
- Backpack for anything on the move
Our rule of thumb for colour: Buy the first bag of each type in a neutral shade like black, cognac or taupe. Once the foundation is in place, you can play with trends like animal print or seasonal trend colours for future outfits.
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