Gift Guide 2014: The Best Bags for All the Women in Your Life, Based on Their Favorite TV Shows

My favorite thing about fashion is that people’s choices are so telling. When you understand the social language of fashion (and, by extension, of handbags), how people choose to adorn themselves is a little window into how they see themselves, just like their favorite books or college major. With that in mind, we tried out a little thought experiment in the office: can you guess which handbag someone would love based on only which TV show they’re obsessed with?

Personally, I think that you absolutely can, with at least reasonable certainty. So, if you’ve found this gift guide because you’re a husband, boyfriend, mom, sister or very generous friend who’s trying to pick the perfect handbag for someone in your life, allow us to give you some guidance based on that person’s taste in TV. It is, at the very least, a jumping-off point. For even more of those, check out our full array of gift guides.

Scandal
Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag
$2,870 via Bergdorf Goodman

This is the biggest no-brainer of the group; Olivia Pope’s fondness for grey and white Prada bags is now part of the show’s lore, and she’s carried this exact bag during a couple of episodes.

Mad Men
Dolce & Gabbana Monica Top Handle
$1,995 via LUISAVIAROMA

Mad Men is famous for its meticulous fashion and styling, and any woman obsessed with that midcentury universe would love this structured little red top-handle, which fits the era’s ultra-tailored aesthetic perfectly.

The Mindy Project
Chanel Classic Flap Bag
$5,500 via Chanel Boutiques

Mindy Lahiri has carried her Chanel Classic Flap prominently in more than a few episodes, and based on paparazzi photos, Mindy Kaling also carried it quite a bit. It makes a lot of sense for her character, who is an accomplished doctor who maintains her feminine edge.

The Good Wife
Gucci Jackie Soft Tote
$2,990 via Gucci

Alicia Florick is all business at a prestigious law firm, and women looking to emulate that corporate take-no-prisoners look need something that’s neutral and discreet but also incredibly expensive-looking and powerful-seeming. Gucci’s new take on the classic Jackie design combines those two looks nicely.

Revenge
M2MALLETIER Fabricca Clutch
$1,320 via Moda Operandi

Ritzy party-going is a big part of this drama, which is set in the ultra-wealthy Hamptons. If you’d like to embody that look, pick an expensive clutch, but make sure it’s big enough to house a weapon of some sort.

Vanderpump Rules
Saint Laurent Monogramme Satchel
$2,650 via Bergdorf Goodman

A super-fancy pink handbag is practically required even to speak to Lisa Vanderpump, so if you know someone who’s obsessed with her, this is as good a place as any to start. We’ve spotted Lisa carrying Saint Laurent recently, too.

Broad City
FINDS x En Shalla Beaded Fringe Shoulder Bag
$241 via Net-a-Porter

The funny friends of Broad City aren’t exactly long on cash, but they do have the post-college Brooklyn boho look down pat. Ilana would definitely ask Lincoln for this bag for Christmas, if he made her pick something.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Givenchy Antigona Bag
$2,225 via Net-a-Porter

All of the Kardashians and Jenners have worn or carried Givenchy at some point (usually at lots of points), and Riccardo Tisci even custom-made Kim’s wedding dress. If you’re buying for someone Kardashian-obsessed, Givenchy is the only way to go.

House of Cards
Salvatore Ferragamo Fiamma Bag
$2,250 via Zappos Couture

This super-dark political thriller merits a super-dark bag to go with it. It is set in DC, though, so keep it discreet and keep the logos to a minimum.

The New Girl
Kate Spade Evening Belles Feather Mimi Clutch
$398 via Nordstrom

Superfans of Zoey Deschanel’s “adorkable” New Girl character would find a way to wear this sweet little feathered clutch in the daytime, trust me.

Downton Abbey
Alexander McQueen Tulip Embroidery Tassel Clutch
$1,619 via Alexander McQueen

Not only is this bag sparkly, retro and too tiny to be practical for anyone without a manservant, but it’s also British. In short: it’s Downton Abbey in a bag.

Real Housewives of Atlanta
Louis Vuitton Majestueux Tote MM
$9,250 via Louis Vuitton

The Atlanta Housewives don’t place any value in restraint (which is why they’re so much fun), and with leather, monogram and two kinds of exotics, this Louis Vuitton bag is basically a RHOA starter kit.

Nashville
Coach Tatum Tall Tote
$995 via Coach

The tropes of country music style are well known and often over-done, but this Coach tote takes them and in a modern, stylish direction. Rayna James would approve.

American Horror Story: Coven
Ines Figaredo Leather Eye Clutch
$1,782 via LUISAVIAROMA

I’ve never seen AHS, truth be told, but this clutch seems well and truly creepy enough to satisfy anyone who likes to be scared in their spare time.