Our goal: Find the season’s best bargains on handbags in every style, from color blocked to quilted. Mission accomplished.
Twice as Nice
Here’s proof that classic, go-with-anything accessories can still be utterly adorable.
Click to buy ModCloth tote bags at modcloth.com
Colorblock Party
Taupe and peach team up in one of the season’s most wearable designs.
Envelope, Please
Nothing’s chicer than a flat envelope clutch (even if most of its contents should be, well, flat…) Dorothy Perkins’ striped take comes in combos of taupe, white and silver or beige, peach and gold.
To buy: Dorothy Perkins stripe clutch, $29 at dorothyperkins.com
Star Studded
After a winter full of heavy studded satchels and totes, this clutch is like a wardrobe palate cleanser. The color is dreamy, the studs are delicate, and the shape is light-as-air.
To buy: Dorothy Perkins ‘Studd’ clutch, $29 at dorothyperkins.com
Box Seats
Don’t save this clutch for evening. It’s Audrey Hepburn-inspired details look great with crisp summer separates and pretty day dresses.
To buy: ModCloth ‘Sweet Structure’ clutch, $49.99 at modcloth.com
Cutie Pie
It’s as if Zooey Deschanel’s essence were distilled into one bite-size bag: feminine, charming and fun.
To buy: Aldo ‘Tison’ bag, $35 at aldoshoes.com
Saddle Up
The handbag equivalent of a sailor-stripe tee. In other words, classic, chic and eternally polished.
To buy: Oasis ‘Skye’ bag, $45 at oasis-stores.com
Le Chat Noir
Motif clutches and shoulder bags (think fruits, seashells, and cute animals) are everywhere this season. We love this black cat because it blends whimsy with sophistication.
To buy: H&M shoulder bag, $17.95 at hm.com
Optical Illusion
Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors have made bold black-and-white striped bags a key statement accessory. This under-$50 version is plenty chic for about $1,000 less.
To buy: Dorothy Perkins wing tote, $49 at dorothyperkins.com
Black Tie
Not a pastel person? This satchel’s diminutive shade and darling details provide all the joie de vivre you want in a new spring bag.
To buy: ModCloth ‘Verbs and Nouns’ bag, $49.99 at modcloth.com
Quilting Circle
You can’t go wrong with a quilted, light-on-the-logos bag like this one from Forever 21. It pivots beautifully from weekend casual to meeting polish.
To buy: Forever 21 ‘Posh’ satchel, $27.80 at forever21.com
Bucket Brigade
Here’s the sort of swingy, tassel-trimmed bucket bag we imagine our moms carried back in college. If you can’t unearth one from her archives, pick up this spot-on style from Old Navy.
To buy: Old Navy bucket bag, $32.94 at oldnavy.com
Lemonade Stand
As refreshing as a glass of the real thing, this lemonade-colored tote balances elegant styling with a youthful attitude.
To buy: Nasty Gal ‘Lemonade’ bag, $48 at nastygal.com
Pyramid Scheme
This bold studded bag makes us want to put on high heels and sing the late-seventies summer anthem “Hot Child in the City.”
To buy: Urban Expressions ‘Rush’ bag, $40 at hm.com
Pale Beauty
This bag’s matte gold hardware, cool gray color, and etched texture fooled us into thinking it cost hundreds.
To buy: H&M shoulder bag, $29.95 at hm.com
Boxed In
Available in spearmint, blush, and ivory, this boxy crossbody is perfectly sweet—and perfectly proportioned.
To buy: Forever 21 ‘Subtle Thing’ crossbody, $16.80 at forever21.com
Soft Touch
One of the prettiest, most wearable (or is it “carryable”?) bags we’ve seen for spring. The pale mint color acts like a neutral, but it’s also available in beige for true classicists.
To buy: Aldo ‘Bodner’ bag, on sale for $29.98 at aldoshoes.com
Pet Snake
Trade in your dark and bulky tote for this Old Navy carryall. The faux suede interior is plenty room, and there’s a little pocket for your cell or keys.
To buy: Old Navy tasseled tote, $39.94 at oldnavy.com