Most of us own at least five handbags, but only one ever feels like the bag. The one you grab without thinking; the one that works with jeans and a dress without looking out of style.
In the early 20th century, handbags were used as the “status symbols”. Women have chosen handbags only to mark their social status. But now, they have become a necessity – something far more personal. Yet, somewhere between chasing trends we have lost sight of what truly matters.
The luxury handbag market is stuck. Brands keep releasing nearly identical designs, hiking prices (the Chanel Classic Flap now costs 60% more than in 2019), and flooding feeds with “must-have” bags that feel disposable by next season. Meanwhile, shoppers are rebelling.
According to The RealReal, sales of used designer bags in “fair” condition, scuffed corners, and faded linings doubled in 2022. Because people are tired of chasing trends that cost thousands but last six months.
We forget that the best bags aren’t the flashiest or most expensive. A good bag is incorporated into our daily lives subtly. By focusing on simple design, quality materials, and honest functionality, you can find a bag that lasts longer than the latest TikTok trend.
In this guide, I’ll break down how to spot timeless craftsmanship, avoid common pitfalls, and choose an IT bag that adapts to your life, not the other way around.
The Psychology of Attachment
The way women love their handbags more than any accessory isn’t random. Psychologists call it the endowment effect. We value things more once they’re ours.
Research found that people price their belongings a lot higher than identical items they don’t own. It explains why a scuffed, decade-old tote bag is more dear to you than finding something new. Over time, we associate events and memories with the products we have. The handbag you’ve hauled through job interviews and vacations feels irreplaceable, while a brand-new trendy bag might lose its charm in months.
This attachment deepens when objects reflect who we are. A minimalistic bag can become a part of your identity when people start associating it with you. It signals efficiency. The more your personality aligns with the products you have, the more they become irreplaceable. For instance, a bold satchel hints at creativity. If you are an artist, people start noticing how your bag is inseparable from you.
Brands know this. They exploit it with limited editions and personalized monogramming. By creating the idea of artificial scarcity people develop FOMO (fear of missing out). But these tactics prioritize short-term hype over lasting value.
A report found that trendy bags lose more than half of their resale value in 5 years, while timeless designs from heritage brands like Hermès drop just 10-15%. It is because timeless bags age with you. A structured tote that fits your laptop today will hold your planner for a decade. It will adapt through the years.
Instead of wasting a fortune on high-end brands, finding good quality at affordable prices without running behind trends, is a task. I am here to help you find your IT bag this season, at a price you can handle.
4 Elements To Look For In an IT Bag
Your IT bag doesn’t have to be a high-end luxury. With some non-negotiable elements, you can buy an affordable high-quality bag too. Here are some elements to look for before getting your hands on a new bag:
- The Leather Test
Press your thumb into the leather. If it’s thick, slightly pebbled, and springs back without leaving a dent, you’re holding full-grain leather (the same material used in luxury bags but without the markup). Avoid anything labeled “genuine leather”. It is a deceptive term for scraps glued together and coated with plastic.
For vegan options, check Matt & Nat’s water-resistant, scratch-proof, and recycled bags.
Shop here: IONA Grain Tote Bag
- The Stitch Check
Turn the bag inside out. If you see 6-8 tight, even stitches per inch, the bag will survive long term. Seams with loose threads or uneven spacing will split under pressure. Cuyana’s classic tote uses double-stitching at stress points (straps, corners), a trick borrowed from parachute manufacturing. For under $400, it offers old-money elegance. If you spot gaps or fraying threads (common even in high-end brands) just walk away.
Shop here: Cuyana Zipper Tote
- The Hardware Hack
Test every zipper, clasp, and buckle. Smooth-gliding, heavy hardware is non-negotiable. Cheap materials feel plasticky, squeaks, or snags. Unfortunately, found in many luxury brands. To check properly, tug gently on strap attachments. If the rings feel flimsy, the straps will detach within months.
Brands like Opelle use welded solid brass hardware which makes it an outstanding investment.
Shop here: Baby Ballet Bag Opelle
- The Weight Rule
A bag over 2 lbs becomes a shoulder-numbing burden. The Fossil Bucket Bag (1.7 lbs) fits a mobile phone, a water bottle, a notebook, and accessories without weighing you down. Compare that to faux-leather satchels from Michael Kors (2+ lbs), which end up abandoned in closets after giving you shoulder cramps.
For context: A 1.5 lb bag is lighter than a standard hardcover book. It is easy to carry, and if it is spacious, then a perfect choice.
Shop here: Fossil Bucket Bag
The Diagnostic Tool For Finding Your IT Bag
Now is the time to shop for the perfect IT bag that matches your closet and goes well with every outfit. Follow the steps below to choose the one.
1. The 3-Day Test
Carry a contender bag for three days straight. If by day three you’re:
Annoyed by the weight — It’s too heavy (over 1.5 lbs).
Fishing for your keys — The compartments don’t work for you.
Wishing it matched your outfit — The color or shape clashes with your wardrobe.
…it’s not your IT bag. The right one will tick all the marks and subtly inculcate in your routine.
2. The Closet Audit
Pull out every bag you own. The ones collecting dust. They collectively failed for one of the three reasons:
Too trendy (neon accents and micro-size)
Impractical (without zipper/closure)
Wrong color (bold shades that clash with neutrals)
Now, choose one opposite from the bags you already have.
Pro Tip: If you own 5+ black bags, your IT bag isn’t black. Try oxblood or taupe. These shades are neutral but fresh and work well with every outfit color.
3. The 5-Year Question
Ask: “Would I still want this bag if Instagram disappeared tomorrow?” Trendy bags fail here. Timeless designs pass. Look for:
- Not visible logos.
- Proper compartmentalization.
- Navy, tan, charcoal, or olive tones.
- Brushed gold or silver hardware, not rose gold 2.0. It will rust with time.
4. The Repair Test
Before buying, search on Google: “[Brand Name] repair policy”. If they offer repairs, it’s a sign they expect the bag to last. No repairs? The brand plans for you to trash it.
For example, Fossil offers a one-year warranty and repairs of products. Similarly, Cuyana provides a two-year warranty and repair policy for its customers in the US.
That’s all folks. Hopefully, now you can invest in a bag that will stay in your family as an heirloom.
What’s the one must-have feature of your dream bag?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
