Your Day Just Got Brighter With These Amazing Everyday Bags We Found For Ya

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I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have a million things I need to carry with me each day. From my phone and wallet to my lip balm, sunscreen, glasses, water bottle…the list is never-ending! Enter the "everyday bag" AKA the solution to all problems and the perfect accessory to hold all of your essential belongings as you tackle the day.

Finding the perfect everyday bag can be truly difficult. It needs to be spacious, but not too big. Practical, but also stylish. You might want your everyday bag to be trendy, but also unique to you. For some, the everyday bag is a large tote or a cute lil crossbody. For others, it’s a small shoulder bag. Regardless of size and style, the most important criteria for these bags is—say it with me—functionality. This bag needs to be able to accompany you throughout the day. You're going to wear it to work, school, appointments, workout classes, dates, shopping...so it should be able to adapt to any occasion and help you navigate your busy schedule with ease! Ahead, you'll find 20 lifesavin' purses that you'll be thanking me for by the time you finish reading this article!

Our top picks for the best everyday bags of 2024:

From small to large, these bags are perfect for you girlies on the go—wouldn't you say? Yup, I know. And because I want to hook you up, you should totally look into these summer trends and get your inner fashionista excited by styling these cuties before everyone else does. Oh, and course: here are some purse organizers!

Joy Shoulder Bag

Looking for a bag that is not too large, fits perfectly over the shoulder, can be worn to dinner, AND to the bar? Look no further! This JW Pei bag can hold all of your essentials while looking sooo stylish. To top it all off, it comes in over 15 colors!

Rave Review: "So classy and easy to wear. Doesn’t slip off shoulder, looks amazing and expensive. Would recommend."

M Bag

The M is an iconic Maje option that comes in tons of different styles and colors. This one is on the smaller side, but you may prefer that for your everyday bag! It has a built-in handle as shown here, but comes with a detachable long strap to wear is as a crossbody. And the fringe...to die for, no?

Rave Review: "This bag is just perfect. I'm more of a smaller bag person so this is all I need to keep my phone, wallet, keys and a few little other things with me while I'm out and about. It also has the perfect length strap to attach and make into a crossbody, which I love!"

Hobo Purses for Women, Shoulder Bag

Want a chic shoulder bag that won't break the bank? This beaut is at a great price point and it'll hold just what you need throughout the day. The interior even has card slots along the side—how perfect is that?!

Rave Review: "It is the perfect size to carry any cosmetics, phone, small planer, any small snacks or accessories. I love it! Roomy but compact, just what I needed!"

De La Cruz Bag

This Brandon Blackwood pick is a fun twist on a classic shoulder bag. I'm just obsessed with this scrunched exterior that turns a simple silhouette into an alluring statement piece that can still be used daily. Also, it has metal feet on the bottom—such a thoughtful touch!

Braided Shoulder Bag

I know we’ve been seeing this woven leather bag trend everywhere recently but it’s here to stay! This gorgeous one from & Other Stories is spacious and incredibly stylish–you can easily wear it in any season!

Rave Review: "Great quality!! My new staple bag!"

Zaya Bag

Special occasion? No problem. Remove the straps on this Anima Iris cutie and you'll have the chicest envelope clutch that's spacious enough to carry all of your belongings for a night out. Put the strap back on and you have the perfect daytime bag. Get you a bag that can do both!

Numéro Dix Bag

This shoulder strap design is on the pricier side, but trust me—it is totally worth it. Everyone who has it is just OBSESSED with it. It comes in over 15 different colors, is super spacious, and has a zipper closure. 10/10 would recommend.

Rave Review (from my sister who has this bag in color Sandalwood): "This is a great bag. It dresses up a casual look or looks great with a cocktail dress. It's just the right size where it's big enough to fit essentials but small enough to fit into some concert venues... and it's really well made!"

Andie Drawstring Bag

Bucket bags are so versatile and can easily be worn for any occasion! This classic Lauren Ralph Lauren leather pick has a functional drawstring closure and a spacious interior. The long shoulder strap makes it easy for you to wear this bag across the body. I'm sure it will become a staple for you!

Rave Review: "This is the perfect staple bag. It is always in style and instantly upgrades any look, from day to night. The leather is of the highest quality, and the statement gold logo adornment is a stunning finishing touch. Pictures do not do it justice! It is equally fashionable and functional and is made to last for years... I recommend it with the highest confidence!"

Caroline Bag

How cute is this Fréja one?! It has such a unique shape with its long shoulder straps—ideal to pair with bulkier coats, jackets, or sweaters! The interior of the bag even has a clip for your keys—what more could you ask for?!

Rave Review: "I’ve had this bag for a few months now and it’s holding up nicely...The silhouette is so unique. I don't think I would find a shape like this anywhere else. Keep in mind the front flap doesn’t have any magnetic closure, but no issues so far. Beautiful bag!"

Evelina Shoulder Bag

Who doesn't love a classic black shoulder bag?! This one from M. Gemi is super functional and can easily transform into a wristlet by adjusting the shoulder strap, taking your look from daytime to nighttime in seconds! Plus, the spacious interior holds your belongings comfortably with a zipper closure. This bag is a need!

Half Moon Crossbody

If you’re looking to elevate your crossbody, check out this one from AllSaints. The smooth leather gives this purse a clean and sleek look. You could easily wear it with leggings to run to the supermarket or with a dress to go to dinner!

Rave Review: "I wore this bag all over Europe on a recent trip and it was PERFECT! Fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, and chapstick—all the essentials. It lays flat and isn’t too bulky. It’s totally pick-pocket safe (which was important in some cities) and could easily be dressed up or down! The leather is really soft but doesn’t scratch easily! Absolutely love this bag!"

Messenger Handbag

Anyone call for a practical messenger bag? It has a long shoulder strap that you can adjust to your liking and just enough space inside to fit your essentials!

Rave Review: “I get so many compliments each and every time I wear this bag....The quality is exceptional and fits all of your basic items. I love it and it’s so worth it! Can’t beat the price, too.”

Juliet Shoulder Bag

I've been obsessing over Coach recently. They have sooo many great options but this one really stands out. It has a detachable shoulder strap and a crossbody strap allowing for versatility (we love), as well as a spacious interior for carrying your wallet, phone, keys, and whatever else you might need. Consider me sold!

Rave Review: "The perfect blend of structure and slouch... Nice and roomy, light but not too light. It feels like a quality bag. Simple, classic and timeless—a staple for any wardrobe!"

Lover Bag

Aupen ring a bell? Well, duh! Your faves Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hailey Bieber regularly wear the brand! The Lover is a medium/large bag that comes in two styles–one with a zipper closure and the other a flap closure.

Rave Review: "My husband got the Lover for me and it’s a beautiful work bag!"

Crinkled Leather Shoulder Bag

We love bags that are interesting shapes! This one from Marge Sherwood is 100% leather, has a dual zipper, and fits perfectly over the shoulder. I just know you’ll look cool as hell wearing this every day.

Nylon Flap Backpack

Some of you may prefer a backpack as your everyday bag (my mom swears that backpacks are the best everyday bags). This one from Tory Burch is a huge winner; it's spacious and can be used for travel or simply everyday use. Plus, the nylon exterior is super easy to clean, keeping your bag lookin' brand new!

Rave Review: "I love to take this backpack when shopping or just walking around in the city. I can be hands free without the bulk of a crossbody... The part of the backpack that faces your back has a zippered pocket to place a wallet, money, or other valuable you want to have close to you. Definitely a keeper!"

Essential Bucket Tote

Madewell always seems to come through with great pieces for your wardrobe, including some exceptional purse options! This bucket bag is on the larger end, which makes it great to bring to work in the morning and dinner with your friends in the evening. Promise you'll look très chic.

Rave Review: “This is one of my favorite Madewell bag designs…the bag holds everything you need for the day and fits perfectly over the shoulder. Definitely recommend!”

Leather Shopper Bag

You know that canvas tote bag that has been practically begging you to relieve it of its service? You can let that one go now. Instead, check out this elevated suede bag from Mango. And how about this beautiful blue color? So gorge.

Love Knot Slouchy Bag

You'll never need to worry about juggling all of your belongings when you have this around your shoulder! It’ll fit as much or as little as you want while simultaneously elevating your look.

Rave Review: "I can’t say enough how much I love this bag! I buy every color, so please come out with more. It’s large enough to fit everything I take with me which is everything but the kitchen sink, but it doesn’t look like an oversized bag. The leather is soft and supple and the strap gives it style."

System Tote

If you are looking for a larger everyday bag that you can use for work, this one is for you! This Cuyana bag comes in two sizes, 13" or 16", and has an incredibly spacious interior. You can even customize this bag to have more interior compartments or straps. It's giving professional chic!!

Rave Review: "Love my new tote! Have used it both as a work bag, as well as a handbag! Fits a lot, including a water bottle! The Caramel color is so beautiful! Buy it…You will thank yourself later!"

Why trust Cosmo:

Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

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