My black leather work tote is lovely. It fits my laptop, workout clothes, wallet, water bottle, and maybe even a pair of sneakers. But, sometimes, I don’t want to lug a tote; I want something cute and small. To paraphrase the great ’90s classic 10 Things I Hate About You: There’s a difference between like and love because I like my tote, but I love my bucket bag.
Yes, my white bucket bag with silver ring handle can hold my wallet and a small umbrella, nothing more, yet I love it dearly because the design is smart and polished. I even keep one under my desk, so I can make a quick bag swap and not walk into a party with my overflowing tote knocking into guests. If you’re ready to move from like to love, peruse this season’s best bucket bags, ahead. You’ll find options suitable for weddings, holiday parties, and beyond. Your new number-one awaits.
1. The Daily Edited mini bucket bag, $189.95
Add up to 10 characters of monogramming on this pint-size forest green option for a truly customized piece—which also comes with a short and long crossbody strap for two different ways to wear it. Buy one for yourself, then gift one to your mom and sister for the holidays.
2. Topshop faux fur bucket bag, $45
Fashion’s current obsession is furry everything, so no surprise Topshop’s designed its own faux fur bucket bag. The hue reminds me slightly of Cookie Monster, but nothing says, « come at me, summer, » like icy blue. (It also comes in yellow and black, FYI.) If you’re looking for a statement piece to wear with every day separates, add this accessory to your checkout cart now.
3. Zara beaded bag, $98
No leather or canvas here—gray spheres come together to form the perfect bucket shape. This bag is the most fashun it gets while still being wearable. Style with blue jeans or with your New Year’s Eve party look. It’s versatile.
4. Kate Spade New York Pippa shoulder bag, $420
Presenting the bag you’ll carry to work and on weekend girls’ trips: a minimalist black bucket bag free of embellishments, with a structured body, and two different ways of wearing it, depending on how you use the straps.
5. Baggu bucket bag, $77.95
Give your favourite tote bag a break in favour of this slouchy canvas option that’s less structured for a more casual look. It’s the perfect size for easily holding your everyday items (wallet, keys, and a book) or for carrying around at the farmers market to stash your fruits and jams—say no to those plastic bags!
6. Simon Miller confetti handle bag, $1271.50
This whimsical Simon Miller bucket bag is deceptively big—it can fit a laptop and more! I love the white calfskin leather and confetti-printed handles, but be extra careful when wearing this with jeans (blue dye on your new bucket back? for shame).
7. Simone Rocha tartan bag, $1226.50
It’s not your classic leather structured silhouette—the bucket shape is almost buried under all the tinsel and bows—which is great if you’re looking for something unexpected. I’d rock this accessory with a leather jacket and jeans for that punk-rock London lewk. (The designer, Simone Rocha, is British and Irish.)
8. Zac Posen Belay Bucket Bag, $559.75
What makes this bucket bag different is in the details: like the chic silver carabiners that attach the straps at the top. The navy color is as easy to style as black and looks sophisticated, so I guess you’ve just found your I-have-a-big-meeting-with-the-boss-today bag.
9. Alexander Wang genesis bucket bag, $1268.30
This bucket bag is equal parts polished and edgy thanks to the panel of dyed haircalf coupled with panels of patent leather. Wang’s use of mixed materials created an accessory that resembles a piece of modern art. But unlike most art, this is 100-percent wearable. It looks roomy enough to hold your essentials and goes with more than one outfit since there are four different colour blocks.
10. Ulla Johnson sophie mini bucket bag, $701.50
The dusty rose color, the bow-shaped handle, instead of a single leather strap: this cowhide bucket bag is perfect for the girl whose style is « feminine flair. » This purse is the one you bring on vacations just so you can snap that perfect Instagram photo.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire US.
