Calling all fashion enthusiasts: top-handle bags have been declared a handbag trend this summer. Celebrities and street style stars are incorporating the polished accessories into their warm-weather ‘fits, from posh ensembles like polo shirts, pleated skirts, and Mary Janes to summer dresses and the latest sneakers.
Fortunately, no two top handles are the same. The style ranges from sophisticated pillowy satchels to leather bucket bags to bejeweled mini purses. The best part is that some top-handle bags come with a detachable chain or leather strap that you can also fashion into a functional crossbody.
If you haven’t dipped your toes into the world of top-handle bags, we’ve got you covered. Our trendy list includes standouts from brands like Freja (seen on the arms of Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes) and JW Pei (Gigi Hadid), as well as investment-worthy classics from the likes of Bottega Veneta. Browse the best top-handle bags ahead, and walk through summer on a trendy beat.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Everyday Top-Handle Bags
Elevate your carousel of go-to handbags with a new everyday top handle. The styles we’ve picked are classy enough to wear everywhere — from to work events to dinner with friends — and roomy enough to hold all your essentials.
Shop Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel Mini Soft Lady Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
Quince Italian Leather Quilted Top Handle Satchel, $, available at Quince
Kate Spade Katy Medium Top-handle Bag, $, available at Kate Spade
Matt & Nat Adel Micro Vegan Satchel, $, available at Matt & Nat
olga berg Nadia Faux Leather Embossed Top Handle Bag, $, available at Revolve
Freja New York Caroline Bag Black, $, available at Freja New York
Veronica Beard Crest Lock Basket Bag, $, available at Veronica Beard
Zara Macramé Bucket Bag, $, available at Zara
Strathberry Mosaic Bag, $, available at Strathberry
Statement Top-Handle Bags
Spice up your attire with a jazzy statement bag that’ll catch everyone’s eyes. We’ve found everything from furry shearling styles to shimmering rhinestone-embellished ones.
Shop Coach
Coach Rogue Top Handle Bag With Tea Rose, $, available at Coach
FP Collection Best Bet Beaded Tote Bag, $, available at Free People
JW PEI Abacus Faux Fur Mini Top Handle Bag, $, available at JW PEI
Edie Parker Mini Grass Bag, $, available at Edie Parker
Lizzie Fortunato Dark Peacock Sequin Gala Bag, $, available at Tuckernuck
SERPUI Victoria Bag, $, available at Revolve
Ganni Light Khaki Small Bou Bag, $, available at Ganni
Staud Custom Mini Shirley Leather Bag, $, available at Staud
Longchamp Épure S Bucket Bag, $, available at Longchamp
Evening Top-Handle Bags
Shop top-handle bags with luxe gold hardware in sleek silhouettes from brands like Tory Burch, Phillip Lim, and Ganni. The silhouettes have subtle, eye-catching details, such as bow handles and soft, rounded edges — making them perfect to pair with wedding guest dresses.
Shop Cuyana
Cuyana Mini Bow Bag, $, available at Cuyana
Mango Sequin handbag, $, available at Mango
Tory Burch Small Robinson Spazzolato Top Handle Bag, $, available at Tory Burch
Polène Numéro Neuf Mini, $, available at Polène
Anthropologie Asymmetrical Hardware Satchel, $, available at Anthropologie
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Long Croc-Embossed Top-Handle Bag, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Anine Bing Nico Bag, $, available at Anine Bing
Demellier The Paris, $, available at DeMellier
Bottega Veneta Small Wallace Leather Top-Handle Bag, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk, $, available at Brandon Blackwood
Anine Bing Mini Grace Bag, $, available at Anine Bing
Statement Top Handle Bags
Spice up your attire with a jazzy statement bag that’ll catch everyone’s gaze. We’ve found everything from furry shearling styles to shimmering sequins and ones glossed in the season’s hottest silver and red.
Shop By Anthropologie At Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Rhinestone Satchel Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
Designer Top-Handle Bags
Sorry, but we’ll have to add these top handles to your want list. Along with Bottega Veneta’s Wallace, we have Polène’s delicate Numéro Neuf Mini and a new vibrant Kelly green Longchamp bucket bag. All are worthy investment pieces, and it’s understandable given how stunning they are.
Shop Polène
Polène Numéro Neuf Mini, $, available at Polène
Coach Sammy Top Handle 21, $, available at Coach
Caterina Bertini Medium Bamboo Handle Tote, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Moyen Top-Handle Bag, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
By Anthropologie Woven Faux Leather Tote, $, available at Anthropologie
Mansur Gavriel Movimento Mini Bucket Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
Coperni Red Mini Swipe Bag, $, available at SSENSE
JW PEI Abacus Top Handle Bag, $, available at JW PEI
Rebecca Minkoff Large Edie Top Handle Satchel, $, available at Nordstrom
8 Other Reasons Top Handle Bag, $, available at Revolve
Charles & Keith Arlys Furry Tote Bag – Noir, $, available at Charles & Keith
Staud Moon Split Tote Bag, $, available at Staud
J.Crew Gracie Top-Handle Bag In Leather, $, available at J.Crew
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Top 8 Handbag Trends For 2024
