If the new year is inspiring you to give your wardrobe a refresh, it might be best to start with an everyday necessity that can transform your look in a flash: your handbag.
Trends and styles predicted to come out on top in 2026 vary widely, from chic shoulder bags that offer just enough room for your must-haves, to load-bearing totes roomy enough to toss in everything you need for a long day at work.
Brands such as Coach, Patricia Nash, Kate Spade and Brahmin have seen spikes in search traffic recently, so we've curated top picks from those brands' respective spring collection -- and many others -- that speak to the modern woman's style and function to provide the best carryall money can buy.
Marc Jacobs has revamped one of his most iconic bag shapes, the Snapshot, to now include new chain strap options and updated functional details to celebrate ten years of the compact silhouette.
Strathberry, the brilliant Scottish brand whose covetable bags are perfectly aligned with the quiet luxury and nineties minimalism trends, have recently unveiled more takes on the popular Kite collection including totes, sling bags and more.
Whether you're in the market for a cute, under-$50 bag or want to invest in something stunning you'll keep in your closet forever, keep reading to see our favorite handbags of 2026 so far!
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BAGGU Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Sporty bags have been on-trend for a few seasons, with BAGGU being one of the leaders of the pack when it comes to cool nylon options. This polka dot crescent bag is a convenient shape and size for daily use, and at under $60, it's a budget-friendly way to work the popular pattern into your wardrobe.
Sleek, luxe and fresh for 2026, this compact bag is perfect for travel thanks to its dual crossbody or shoulder wear, double zipper opening and multiple compartments for stashing ID, credit cards, lip gloss and more.
Duronia Basket Spring Wicker
Get ready for spring picnics with this gorgeous wicker basket purse from the new releases at Patricia Nash. It's the ideal size for a day full of adventures and has a comfortable back so it sits against the body comfortably, and there's a mirror on the inside top of the lid for quick touch-ups on the go.
If there's one piece to invest in that will serve you well for years to come, it's your work bag. Look no further for the perfect tote to fit your laptop and daily essentials than the gorgeous Kite Tote from Strathberry.
Beautiful embossed leather makes this Brahmin bag a luxurious option for anyone looking to buy a mid-tier luxury handbag that will hold up for decades with proper care, and the gorgeous blue colorway -- Waterfall Melbourne -- is fresh and light for spring and beyond.
Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 With Pillow Quilting
Coach is a brand that comes in and out of fashion on a cyclical basis, but the past few years has seen the legacy leather company reach new heights, thanks to new styles, colorways and an overall refreshed look that brought them into the 21st century. The Tabby is an exquisite example of this: a simple but chic shape and quilted detailing, priced under $400 for a mid-tier luxury experience and a collector bag you'll carry for decades.
The Love Knot Slouchy Bag: Buckle Edition
All things slouchy and buckled are top picks for the new year, and this bag from Anthropologie offers both in a variety of stylish colors for under $100.
Shoulder bags are everywhere on trend reports right now, and they don't get much more interesting or eye-catching than this beautiful option from Kate Spade. Its contours mold beautifully to the shape of a body, too, so it's as comfortable as it is lovely to look at.
One of lululemon's trending bags is the Slouchy Sling Bag 6L, a crescent-shaped, casual pick for toting to the gym, wearing with your best athleisure looks and using as an easy, low-maintenance bag for daily errands while still looking put-together.
The vintage bowling bag aesthetic looks fresher than ever for this year, especially rendered in one of 2026's biggest colors: cool, sky blue.
Italian Leather Handwoven Satchel
Woven leather has been on lots of must-have lists for a few seasons now, but the style in a roomy carryall, crafted in a fresh sage colorway, feels new and exciting for 2026. Inner pockets and dividers make it easy to stay organized, too, and the under-$150 price point for genuine leather is hard to beat.
While the "quiet luxury" trend may have -- ironically -- quieted down over this past year, the imprint it left in its wake is of top-quality, beautifully constructed pieces that speak to personal style without looking overly branded or trendy. Strathberry is perfectly aligned with this brand of sophistication, and bags like the bestselling Mosaic implement these concepts with flair, at a price that's accessible for anyone who enjoys a worthy investment.
Trending handbags on sale
Check out even more of our favorite purse picks, now on sale so you can invest on a budget.
KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Lafayette Leather Crossbody Bag
Quilted black leather with gold hardware is reminiscent of Lagerfeld's time at the helm of Chanel, but the under-$150 price tag makes this crossbody accessible and stylish for the masses.
Structure and clean lines will be big for 2026, and you can try out the look for yourself with this under-$25 option from Amazon that comes in tons of colorways, so you can experiment with your favorites on a budget.
Brahmin Dayan Medium Shoulder Bag
The east-west shoulder bag trend is still going strong for 2026, and this luxe version from Brahmin adds texture, spice and a touch of attitude in a color palette that works with countless looks.
The Dakota Saddle Crossbody Bag
Reminiscent of the boho bags of the aughts with a streamlined, modern edge, this suede and leather bag is chic and on sale for under $100.
Baldwin Large Shoulder Bag
Go for a classic bag handbag with a twist thanks to this innovative signature shape by Donna Karan. Goldtone hardware adds a rich feel, while the generous size makes it convenient for everyday use.
