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May 6, 2015

An Easy Guide to Spring’s Best Bags

By rebecca ramsey

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We’re already a month into spring and have our uniform down, but we’re still thinking about bags — whether they’re big-time splurges or sensible purchases, we’ve searched long and hard, discerning what makes a great bag and using spring’s trends to pull together a range of styles we love and that make sense for the season. From Prada’s top-stitched day bag to Saint Laurent’s fringed suede stunner and Valentino’s chic bucket, click through to see our top choices available right now.

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When You Can't Kick The Bucket Trend The insanely popular Mansur Gavriel bucket has been reimagined with a lighter, more summer-apropriate, canva... When You Can't Kick The Bucket Trend The insanely popular Mansur Gavriel bucket has been reimagined with a lighter, more summer-apropriate, canvas body. Valentino, on the other hand, gets into the bucket game with its new "Eye on You" bag. And should you want something brighter, Creatures of Comfort's sky blue suede packs multiple trends into one bag.
When You Need A No-Brainer Tote For Work Large enough to carry your daily needs without being overwhelming in size or shape, these simple totes a... When You Need A No-Brainer Tote For Work Large enough to carry your daily needs without being overwhelming in size or shape, these simple totes are your best bet for work. Try colors that will mix well with most wardrobes, like classic shades of bordeaux and navy, to make it easier on yourself when you're rushing out the door. 
When You Want People To Think You've Been Somewhere Beachy Spend the weekend sunbathing in the park (or, if even that feels like too much effort,... When You Want People To Think You've Been Somewhere Beachy Spend the weekend sunbathing in the park (or, if even that feels like too much effort, your roof), then take a raffia tote to work and everybody will assume you were in Tulum.
If You Love Fringe But Are More "No-chella" Than Coachella. Fringe may call to mind some music-festival nightmares, but this season the... If You Love Fringe But Are More "No-chella" Than Coachella. Fringe may call to mind some music-festival nightmares, but this season there are plenty of chic ways to wear it. Channel Stevie Nicks and Liza Minnelli with these versions, in suede, black, and an extra playful black-and-white clutch. 
For A Cheerful, Vaguely '70s Vibe Spring runways channeled bohemian peace protestors and Joni Mitchell. Suede is softer but less durable tha... For A Cheerful, Vaguely '70s Vibe Spring runways channeled bohemian peace protestors and Joni Mitchell. Suede is softer but less durable than leather, so make sure to treat it before wearing it with your new gladiators.
When You Love A Trend, But Only Occassionally Large-scale, wallpaper-esque floral bags are a great to way to embrace the trend of big floral prin... When You Love A Trend, But Only Occassionally Large-scale, wallpaper-esque floral bags are a great to way to embrace the trend of big floral prints without feeling overwhlemed. Wear Marni's printed shopper with flared jeans and a white tee for a classic look.
When You Want Something Light and Bright If you're overwhelmed by the onslaught of prints this season, try a fresh pale white or ivory. Throw on ... When You Want Something Light and Bright If you're overwhelmed by the onslaught of prints this season, try a fresh pale white or ivory. Throw on a clean white tote from J.Crew for work, or a carry Narciso Rodriguez's boomerang clutch with a white dress. 
For The Ultimate Arty Move Nothing says art patron like Max Mara's new, limited-edition Whitney bag, designed by the Renzo Piano Building Worksho... For The Ultimate Arty Move Nothing says art patron like Max Mara's new, limited-edition Whitney bag, designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, which comes in four shades of leather (varigated to mimic the museum's facade), and while the slate blue just sold out, you can act quickly for the bordeax, tobacco, or black.
For People Who Secretly Love Carrie Bradshaw Yes, denim bags have made a comeback since Carrie Bradshaw carried her Dior saddle bag. Seen at... For People Who Secretly Love Carrie Bradshaw Yes, denim bags have made a comeback since Carrie Bradshaw carried her Dior saddle bag. Seen at Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dolce & Gabbana, designer denim is one of spring's biggest trends. Try Maison Margiela's carryall for trips to the park, or 3.1 Phillip Lim's patchworked tote for gallery outings.
When You Need To Keep Your Hands Free For Fun Classic crossbodies are perfect for the warmer months when you're heading to outdoor concerts or ba... When You Need To Keep Your Hands Free For Fun Classic crossbodies are perfect for the warmer months when you're heading to outdoor concerts or bars and just want to keep the baggage light. Three good options are Gucci's new gleaming box bag, Michael Kors's hand-stiched, free-spirited style, and Coach's ladylike croc-embossed version.
If You Love It When Strangers Compliment You Artful shapes are not just for street stylers anymore, owing, in large part, to the success of J.W. ... If You Love It When Strangers Compliment You Artful shapes are not just for street stylers anymore, owing, in large part, to the success of J.W. Anderson. His twisted bag from his namesake label and knotted wedge clutch for Loewe are pure street-style bait, continuously restocked to meet demand. Alexander Wang also plays on the shoebox for his lacquered bag, and Céline's ovaline leather bag is an interesting departure from Phoebe Philo's more linear designs.
For A Power Bag That Also Connotes Craftsmanship Try a top-handle bag that will give your look a professional feel. This Prada bag was stitched b... For A Power Bag That Also Connotes Craftsmanship Try a top-handle bag that will give your look a professional feel. This Prada bag was stitched by hand and will immediately draw the eye to its expertise. This is also the kind of bag that will age well and look just as good next summer. 
When You're Just So Sick of Black While seemingly cliché for spring, pastel bags look fresh after a dreay winter. Balenciaga's classic Le ... When You're Just So Sick of Black While seemingly cliché for spring, pastel bags look fresh after a dreay winter. Balenciaga's classic Le Dix bag has been revamped in a pastel coral, while Burberry's blush knot clutch serves as a nice neutral (and would be a great bag for the summer wedding season). 
When All You Want Is A Slouchy Tote Jil Sander's leather bag offers its complete functionality without giving you the appearance of trying too ha... When All You Want Is A Slouchy Tote Jil Sander's leather bag offers its complete functionality without giving you the appearance of trying too hard. It's inherently cool and beautiful — but with a contrasting color handle and soft leather body, its pure ease.
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