If practicality and functionality were never an issue in my life (read: if I were an entirely different person with an entirely different life), all of my bags would be semi-structured carryalls with small top handles.
There is just something so elegant about a top handle bag. Maybe its elegance lies in its lack of practicality?
After all, someone whose life is constantly in disarray, schlepping to and from with a computer and another miscellany in hand or rushing with their children in tow (two or four-legged, I might add) simply cannot be bothered to deal with a top handle bag.
Channel Your Inner Lady
It’s quite possible that I’m talking about myself here (the four-legged reference was a dead giveaway), but I digress. No matter how you slice it, a top handle bag, similar to the effortless appeal of the pouch, really makes it look like you’ve got it all together (even if you don’t).
While I’m not that girl (at least not all the time), I want to be, and when I want to dig deep and channel my inner lady, a top handle bag is where I turn. The true embodiment of a lady bag, a top handle bag offers an effortlessly chic appeal; it screams look at me.
While shoulder bags can easily get lost tucked under your arm and a crossbody can be worn on the side or back of your hip, a top handle bag is like the teacher’s pet sitting front row in class—you simply cannot ignore it!
While yes some straps are comfortable enough to slide into the crook of your arm forearm, top handles are designed to be delicately toted by hand, allowing your bag to be the star of your outfit.
Rooted in History
Historically, top handle bags have been associated with fortune and fame, worn by top names that oozed impeccable charm.
Think Grace Kelly and the classic Hermès Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and her Louis Vuitton Speedy, and Princess Diana and her iconic Lady Dior, some of fashion’s most elegant icons were known to carry top handle bags.
While carrying a top-handle bag all the time is simply not practical for most of us, there’s a time and a place, and if you want to add an elegant pep to your step, the top handle should be your top choice.
With one of fall’s biggest trends being a return to the sophisticated top handle carry, there’s no time like the present to be a lady, or at least act like one from time to time (again, I’m speaking to myself here).
I agree. Top handle bags are always a chic choice.
Top handles are my most used bags. I carry them with any and everything-church dress to bike shorts and a t-shirt. I feel ladylike and fancy even when casual.
i think top handle bag with option for long strap is better. you can have the option to wear it cross body for hands free.
Most of my favorite bags are top handle with a strap for optional shoulder or crossbody carry. (YSL Sac du jour; Mulberry Bayswater; LV Speedy; etc.) I think it’s the most versatile silhouette — carrying by the top handle makes it seem dressier, carrying by the strap gives it a carefree cool girl vibe, so it works just as well with a structured dress for work or jeans for a casual outing.
I love the idea and aesthetic but I just need my hands free. Cross body wins every time.
I have a Launer Traviata which comes with a cross body strap. The choice of hand carry or cross body is perfect.
That’s the bag the late Queen Elizabeth always carried. Anyway, I think it looks old fashioned, but in a good way. Have you had it awhile? Does it hold up well? Idk anything about it, but I’ve always coveted it, especially in the turquoise color. Thx.
One of the reasons I bought mine!
Had mine for about 5 years, corners are a bit bashed because I do not baby my bags. She still looks amazing though.
Launer have brilliant customer service and I would highly recommend the bag.
Maybe its elegance lies in its lack of practicality?
i feel this same for most of the good-looking only bags
I love top handle bags, especially those made on a frame. Love the 1950’s Grace Kelly frame style bags, so chic and classy!
Ah, but the Hermes Kelly (a top handle) has a STRAP, whereas the Birkin (a tote) does not. That has never made sense to me.
100% agree. Top handle bags are the most elegant.
For everyday, I can’t get away from a crossbody. It’s just too easy and practical. My Evelyne has been a work horse for over a decade! I do love my top handle purses, but save for non-errand type days, lunches, dinners, etc. However, personally I don’t like the look of a long strap on a top handle when the handles still show. Too much going on and detracts from the elegance. Just my opinion.
Enter my LV Montaigne MM – the handles are set inside so you can fold them in when using as a crossbody. Ideal!!
“However, personally I don’t like the look of a long strap on a top handle when the handles still show. Too much going on and detracts from the elegance.”
I concur.
What brand is the black bag in the first pic from?
Carolina Herrera
Ferragamo
This is a very cute Carolina Herrera Doma Insignia https://chcarolinaherrera.com/se/en/item/doma-insignia-satchel-medium-shoulder-bag-black-a10cf44978-1
I love that bag but that “dimpled” leather is no longer available in black. The black version (medium size) currently available is just regular grained leather. I will be at the CH boutique in Paris later this year and am hoping they still have the dimpled black version in store even if it’s not shown on their web site. Fingers crossed!