I'm a Stylist—Here Are the Only Bags You Require for a Flawless Capsule Collection.

      Caitlin Burke is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, a stylist, and a creative director who has collaborated with brands like Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell, Rosie Assoulin, and Kallmeyer. She is also the author of The Style Out, a forthcoming Substack newsletter where she shares insights from nearly two decades in the fashion and style industry. Recently, during a conversation with a friend about our fall wish lists, she inquired about the handbags I'm considering. Normally, I would have a couple of answers right away, but nothing came to mind. In that moment, I had a realization: for perhaps the first time, I feel entirely satisfied with my handbag collection. Any recent bags that have drawn my attention seem unable to compete with the ones I already own, or don’t fulfill any new needs that my current favorites cover impeccably (in my opinion). I jokingly stated that I possess all the best bags available. At least for my requirements, my handbag collection, which I've carefully curated over the years, meets every criterion. I understand that this is a bold statement, so to substantiate it, I'm sharing the eight handbags I absolutely rely on. Consider them a handbag capsule collection featuring all the styles you could possibly need for social outings, work, beach days, and city adventures. Scroll down to see and shop the selection.

      The Carryall

      Bottega Veneta Large Hop

      Most bags that qualify as true carryalls usually come with high price tags. While Bottega Veneta's Large Hop is no exception, I believe it's the best option I've encountered at this size because I don’t need to handle it with kid gloves. With every other large bag I've owned, I've been too anxious to take it on a plane or fill it to the brim, but this bag only gets better with wear. I selected the olive (or Mud) color for added versatility—it pairs well with everything and suits every season—but any color option is a good choice here.

      Bottega Veneta

      Large Hop in Mud

      The Laptop Bag With Silver Hardware

      Balenciaga Medium Bel Air Carry All Bag

      I often describe the Balenciaga Bel Air Carry All as resembling a Birkin designed by Picasso. It offers multiple fastening options and adds immediate sophistication to any outfit while being less recognized. Even fashion enthusiasts often stop me, unable to identify the brand. It's not as well-known as the brand's sister Bel Air style, which is also a great choice. I prefer the silver hardware with this one, but the gold option is classic, and I spent a lot of time weighing the two.

      Balenciaga

      Bel Air Carry All Bag Medium

      The Laptop Bag With Gold Hardware

      Phoebe Philo Small Kit Cabas

      I actually own Phoebe Philo's Small Kit Cabas in a brown calf-hair version that is unfortunately no longer available (check resale sites for a chance to find it), but the smooth leather option is also excellent. Its size is ideal for a laptop, and once again, it’s the kind of bag that will earn you nods of approval from those in the know, all while remaining timelessly elegant.

      Phoebe Philo

      Small Kit Cabas

      The Going-Out Bag With Silver Hardware

      Alaïa Le Teckel Small Bag

      The dimensions and shoulder strap of Alaïa's Le Teckel shoulder bag make it perfect for evenings out. I've noticed more of the medium size in public, but I believe the small size is more flattering and serves better as an evening bag while still being suitable for daywear.

      ALAÏA

      Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag

      The Going-Out Bag With Gold Hardware

      Saint Laurent Manhattan Small Shoulder Bag

      I purchased Saint Laurent's Manhattan shoulder bag in camel because my best friend already had it in black, but both colors are fantastic. It provides the same luxurious feel as high-end bags without the extreme price tag (not in the $10,000+ range). It's the ideal size for transitioning from day to night and is relatively under-the-radar in the market.

      Saint Laurent

      Manhattan Small Shoulder Bag in Smooth Leather

      The Going-Out Bag With No Hardware

      Bottega Veneta Pouch

      The Bottega Veneta Pouch might be my most frequently used bag. I've been using mine for nearly six years, and it still looks like new. I appreciate that it has no hardware, allowing it to complement a variety of styles, and its size is perfectly balanced for evening use while still being adequate for daytime looks. It also surprisingly holds more than it appears.

      Bottega Veneta

      Pouch in Black

      The Going-Out Bag in Color

      The Row 90's Bag

      I tend to wear a lot of neutral tones, so I love a bag that adds a pop of color, and the size and color options of The Row's 90's bag fit the bill perfectly. The leather has a buttery