Choosing the right handbag is not an easy feat. It doesn’t matter the occasion or the outfit, that tote is responsible for storing all of your necessities when you leave the house. It can be overwhelming to find a bag that fits all of your must-haves but actually looks stylish as well. (Read: not a plastic bag). It doesn’t matter if you’re like me and find the need to carry everything but the kitchen sink, or maybe you can get away with a few less “essentials.” Whether you are a career-savvy professional, or just climbing up the corporate ladder and wanting to invest in a staple bag, I’ve come up with a list of tips to help you find the bag for your lifestyle. If you are a student or a busy mom-on-the go, use this cheat-sheet before you hit the bag department to save time and aggravation.

1. The Stylish Student

When we think “school bag” it’s hard not to conjure up memories of candy-colored knapsacks bedazzled with our favorite Disney characters. While you may still love Belle and Ariel, attending a Psychology 101 class with either one of them on your bag isn’t going to do you any favors. The grown up messenger bag has remained a popular collegiate style for good reason. It comes in a variety of colors and fabrics from berry leather to the classic taupe canvas. They range in size whether you want to fit a notebook and pen or a few binders. The convenient shoulder strap keeps both hands free so you can carry your ever-present Starbucks coffee. If you can get one with an adjustable shoulder strap, do it because they always stretch out over time from the weight of those English Lit texts. Additionally, when it comes back-to-school shopping time, I recommend bringing the largest binder or notebook you plan on carrying with you to the shop in order to ensure the perfect fit. You don’t want to realize the night before class starts that your binder is just that much too big for your bag to close properly. Here are a few solid options:

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By Heather_C

Try:
1. ClaireChase Red Sorrento Laptop Messenger Bag
2. Tumi T-Tech Forge Fairview Messenger Bag
3. Beach Handbags Seaside Beach Medium Messenger
4. David King & Co. Tan Small Laptop Messenger Bag

2. The Young, Creative Professional

However chic your school bag was, when you join the working world, it is time to change your bag. Though your pay check may be going towards student loans, spare a few pennies to invest in an office-appropriate handbag. If you are working in a creative field, you have more freedom of choice because the dress code is less rigid. When deciding on a style, consider the items that you will be carrying on your commute including business documents, lunch and your assortment of pens and pencils. One of my go-to office bags is the satchel. The structured style dresses up any outfit and the optional shoulder strap means you can wear it a multitude of ways. Consider one in an unexpected hue such as a cherry red or black patent leather. Similarly, look for styles with unique details to make it your signature bag. Here are my suggestions:

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By Heather_C

Try:
1. TOPSHOP Gray and Neon Whipstitch Satchel
2. Cambridge Satchel Company Matte Red Leather Satchel
3. Melie Bianco Berry Shannon Whip Stitched Messenger Satchel
4. Big Buddha Glam Green Satchel

3.  The Mom-on-the-Go

While the rest of us are concerned about whether our bag will hold the latest issue of Vogue, you have genuinely important things that you need to tote with you. In addition to your own must-haves, you have to ensure your bag holds all the provisions for your little bundle of joy.  A compartmentalized diaper bag is ideal since it saves you from rummaging through wipes and bottles when you are looking for your house keys. A washable bag or one with plastic lining that you can simply wipe down is highly recommended to clean up leaky bottles in a jiffy. Furthermore, the compartments will help you to stay organized and prevent your stuff from getting mixed up with your tiny tot’s. Here are my selections:

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By Heather_C

Try:
1. Ju-Ju-Be ‘Be Prepared’ Legacy Diaper Bag
2. Bleeker Gray Diaper Bag
3. Eddie Bauer Belmont Duffle Diaper Bag
4. Bumkins Grande Diaper Bag

4. The Polished Professional

At the office you want to look like you mean business, however, seriousness and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For an office-appropriate look with some panache, select a structured bag like a fail-safe tote but avoid the expected black and choose something slightly out-of-the-box like a timeless animal print. A neutral pattern like this means you can pair them with a variety of pieces in your wardrobe. The roomy style will be able to hold all your important work papers while the bold hue means it can easily transition into your weekend wardrobe.

Created on ohthatsyou.com

By Heather_C

Try:
1. B. Makowsky Mansfield Python Embossed Trim Straw Tote
2. SEE by Chloe Linia Reversible Tote
3. Juicy Couture Essentially Everyday Pewter Nicola Tote
4. Magid Rachel Animal Print Tote