Today, bag brands recognise the increasingly fast-paced lifestyles of their consumers and continue to address their bag needs. In late 2014, under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, a boxy, origami-like structured bag called the Puzzle debuted from Loewe. The bag can be stored flat without deforming its structure, and can be carried at least five different ways. The Puzzle bag was revolutionary because it redefined style versatility. These days, a bag without a detachable shoulder strap has a lesser chance of getting sold, no matter how striking it may be. Detachable and adjustable shoulder straps, once optional, have since become the standard.

To underscore the strap’s importance, Fendi ignited an accessories revolution in 2016 with the launch of its Strap You collection. Shoulder straps of different colours, textures, and styles adorned bags and became a way to “personalise” a bag, setting it apart from another. Other brands followed suit and launched their own versions of the detachable shoulder/ cross-body strap, sold separately from bags. The bag, already an accessory, was accessorised. Versatility has become of paramount importance, which is why bag designs and styles constantly evolve.

Bag selections have burgeoned in recent years, and if you’re looking for a bag without yet deciding on any one in particular, the choices could overwhelm and at times confuse. A quick search on bags from some of the leading fashion e-commerce sites will yield at least 1,000 results – each! And because prices have been on the up, your bag purchase should be a calculated and thoughtfully studied one. After all, bags are considered one of the biggest fashion “investments” a person can make. Factors like price, size and weight, colour, material quality and craftsmanship, brand, and bag style should all be taken into account when deciding on a bag.

To help you with your selection process, here are my five essential bag styles worth owning.

Shopping Tote/Shopper Bag

Perhaps one of the most useful bag shapes worth investing in is the tote. While the tote has plenty of room to store your belongings and then some, a bag organiser is a good addition, to keep all your things in place. Totes are usually larger in size to accommodate more contents, so choose one that is sturdy and can handle daily rough and tumble but is still lightweight.

SPLURGE: Fendi California Sky Shopper Tote

Street artist Joshua Vides collaborated with Fendi to produce a collection which features black and white, cartoon-like trompe l’oeil scribbles on classic bag shapes of the house, which include this lightweight tote.

SAVE: Rue de Verneuil Canvas Tote

Made with sturdy linen and twill canvas, this no-fuss, basic-chic tote also comes with a detachable shoulder strap for hands-free carry.

Top Handle Bag

The top handle bag is a personal favourite. This style has more structure and is typified by a short handle located on the top of the bag, hence its name. Top handle bags traditionally have trapezoidal or boxy proportions though shapes continue to evolve. Make sure to pick a size that you can be comfortable with because you don’t want the bag to overwhelm you. Somewhere between 30cm to 32cm is most favourable because this size can easily transition from a day to night bag.

SPLURGE: Roger Vivier Beau Vivier

This top handle bag has a more rounded form and features the brand’s signature pilgrim buckle from the 60s in a vertical orientation, giving it a cool, “mod” vibe.

SAVE: Botkier Cobble Hill

This leather bag gives you great value for money. The Cobble Hill has an asymmetrical flap enclosure, three interior compartments, and comes with two detachable straps—one in canvas, and one in leather. Excellent value for your money!

Day-to-Night Clutch

The clutch was a style once reserved for evening affairs but this has all changed. These days, the clutch comes in larger sizes, is chic to carry during the day, and can also transition easily as an evening bag. Most clutch bags also feature a detachable strap, adding to their versatility. A style tip though: for formal occasions, it is still better to carry a smaller clutch or a minaudière.

SPLURGE: Givenchy Antigona Clutch with Side Handles

A versatile piece from Givenchy’s AW20 collection, this large zipped bag can be carried as a clutch or lengthwise as a top handle bag.

SAVE: Alkeme Atelier Watermoon Satchel

This inverted fan-shaped bag is impressively made with 100% sustainable materials – vegan fiber and recycled plastic bottles. The bag is secured with a zipper and can also be carried hands-free.