There are plenty of oft-cited rules that promise to make getting dressed easier, but none are held in higher regard than the idea of a capsule wardrobe.
Intended to streamline shopping and dressing, the capsule wardrobe is designed to feature a handful of key pieces prioritised for their quality and versatility, as opposed to a wardrobe full of items that are fun and frivolous, but that you probably wear once a blue moon.
When it comes to capsule wardrobe accessories, no piece is more crucial than a designer handbag. A worthy investment, designer handbags are built to last and signal the good taste of their wearer. Essentially, their value is both sartorial and practical.
While there might not be one single handbag that ticks every box for every capsule wardrobe, there is one brand that gets very close. Coach has been crafting handbags for every occasion since 1941, and over the last 85 years, has learnt a thing or two about what goes into making a handbag women return to season after season.
From the effortless cool of the Brooklyn to the city girl-chic of the Tabby, Coach’s collection of versatile bags are investments that go the distance.
Read: The Tabby Effect: The Bag That Broke TikTok
The Editors’ Choice
Everyone looks for something different in their investment handbag, but one thing the marie claire editors all have in common is our quest for a handbag that can seamlessly transition from day to night.
Running between meetings about the new issue to photoshoots and after work events, we’re constantly on the lookout for bags that can move through the day with us, and look as pulled-together on a flight worn with baggy jeans and a sweatshirt as it does at a cocktail party when it’s paired with a suit and stilettos. It’s that versatility that has us swooning over Coach’s relaxed Brooklyn, classic Lana, modern Empire and iconic Tabby styles.
Built To Last
Accessories tie an outfit together, and perhaps none more so than the perfect handbag. But not just any bag will reach capsule wardrobe status. There are two crucial factors to consider when determining whether a bag is worthy of such a title: quality and versatility.
The whole rationale behind a capsule wardrobe is investing in better quality pieces that will take you well beyond one season and remain a pillar of your wardrobe for years to come. That means the handbag you choose to add to your collection ought to be crafted from high-quality materials, constructed carefully and be durable enough to accompany you wherever you go, whether it’s to work or weekends away.
Coach’s Brooklyn, Tabby and Lana bags all come in natural grain or pebbled leather—a material that evolves with wear, growing softer and more relaxed the more use it gets, and robust enough to withstand whatever might get thrown at it. Meanwhile the Empire features a smooth glazed leather, tumbled for a soft-touch, luxurious feel.
Classics For A Reason
While you can’t predict what style will be “in” in a decade’s time, leaning into versatility and timelessness over trends will ensure you’re investing in a bag that will stand the test of time.
For that, start with the silhouette. More hobo in style, Coach’s Brooklyn bag is designed to be worn everyday. The three sizes (28, 34 and 29) are big enough to carry the essentials (including a laptop), making it ideal for a woman in need of a bag that can take her from morning to night.
The East-West style of the Empire bag might be on-trend at the moment, but it’s a silhouette with staying power thanks to its generous strap and roomy interior, making it as practical for day-to-day as it is for evening events.
The Lana adopts a classic shoulder bag shape: A-line in its silhouette with a wide base and comfortable shoulder drop, making it the kind of bag you can throw your whole life in and still look put together.
As for the Tabby bag? It’s iconic for a reason: a perfect shoulder bag that can easily be made crossbody thanks to a long strap and a slew of colourways to choose from.
Though black leather will always be safe when it comes to an investment handbag, don’t be afraid to add a versatile colour to your capsule collection. The Tabby comes in a collection of neutral shades like Maple, a dark brown hue, and Biscuit, a buttery tan, which are as easy to wear as black or white, while the Maple shade available in the Lana bag is a sophisticated take on a rich brown.
Buying Tip
Any addition to a capsule wardrobe is designed to be worn and loved almost daily, which is why investing in quality is essential. A Coach bag isn’t an investment for the season; it’s an investment for life, intended to take you from busy days to big nights and weekends spent doing what you love. What could be more worthy of your hard-earned money than that?
Read: The Trending Coach Bags That Double As Perfect Capsule Wardrobe Foundations
COACH
Empire Carryall Bag 34
COACH
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
COACH
Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
COACH
Lana Shoulder Bag 23
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