What Type Of Handbag Should I Buy? A Guide To Our Most Popular Handbag Styles

How & when do you buy your handbags? When your trusty faithful bites the dust? In a panic because you are going to an event tomorrow in a pink frock & only have a black backpack? On holiday because it looked great in the sun?

And when you do buy a new bag, how do you decide which one will work for you or the occasion you are purchasing it for?

Do you think about size?

How often you will be able to wear it?

Will it be a one season wonder? Does that matter?

How much will you realistically have to spend?

Should you be buying plastic or leather?

Should it be Designer or are all the rumours about them being incredibly over priced true?

Crossbody bags, hobo bags, bucket bags, tote bags, crescent bags… which will work for you?

These are all questions that we don’t ask ourselves often enough & if we do become very overwhelmed.

The truth is that finding the right handbag shape is often more important than choosing the right colour.

A well-chosen handbag quickly becomes part of your daily routine. It carries your essentials, works with your wardrobe and feels comfortable to wear. Get the shape right and you’ll reach for it day after day for years to come.

To help, we’ve put together this guide to our most popular handbag styles and who they suit best.

Crossbody Bags

One of the most practical handbag styles, a crossbody bag is designed to be worn across the body, leaving both hands free.

This makes them particularly popular with women who travel frequently, enjoy shopping trips, walk the dog or simply prefer not to carry a bag on their shoulder all day.

Crossbody bags tend to be lighter and more secure than larger handbags, making them ideal for everyday use.

At Artichoke, our Isabelle bags have all become favourites amongst customers looking for a handbag that doesn’t get in the way of a busy day.

Crossbody bags are ideal if:

• You like to keep your hands free
• You travel regularly
• You prefer a lighter handbag
• You want a practical everyday option

Hobo Bags

The hobo bag is one of the most timeless handbag styles.

Recognisable by its relaxed shape and soft silhouette, a hobo bag sits comfortably on the shoulder and offers plenty of room without feeling bulky.

Many women find that a hobo bag strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style. Large enough for everyday essentials, yet elegant enough to complement a smart outfit.

Our Michaela Hobo Bag has become one of our most popular handbag styles for exactly this reason. Customers often tell us it becomes the bag they reach for most often.

The Pippa offers a slightly more structured interpretation of the classic hobo shape whilst retaining the same easy-to-wear appeal.

Hobo bags are ideal if:

• You want one handbag that works for almost everything
• You carry a little more than the essentials
• You prefer a softer silhouette
• You favour timeless over trend-led fashion

Crescent Bags

The crescent bag has become one of the most talked-about handbag shapes in recent years.

Named after its distinctive curved shape, a crescent bag sits neatly under the arm whilst maintaining a modern, streamlined appearance.

Although contemporary in feel, the crescent shape is surprisingly practical and works particularly well for women who prefer a smaller handbag without sacrificing style.

Our Donna Crescent Bag has quickly become a customer favourite thanks to its elegant proportions and comfortable shape.

Crescent bags are ideal if:

• You like a modern look
• You prefer a compact handbag
• You want something stylish yet practical
• You are looking for an alternative to a traditional shoulder bag

Bucket Bags

The bucket bag is one of the most versatile handbag styles available.

With a roomy interior and structured base, bucket bags offer generous storage whilst retaining a stylish silhouette.

Many women find bucket bags easier to organise than larger tote bags whilst still having enough room for everyday essentials.

At Artichoke, the Alison and Beryl bucket bags offer two slightly different approaches. Alison provides more capacity for those who like to carry a little extra, whilst Beryl offers a more compact interpretation of this classic style.

Bucket bags are ideal if:

• You need plenty of space
• You like a structured shape
• You want an everyday handbag
• You prefer practicality without compromising on style

Tote Bags

If there is one handbag style that earns its place in a hardworking wardrobe, it is the tote bag.

Tote bags are designed to carry more than the average handbag, making them perfect for work, travel, shopping trips and busy days out.

Their generous proportions mean there is room for everything from a water bottle and notebook to a cardigan and umbrella.

Our Libby Tote has developed a loyal following amongst customers looking for a reliable everyday companion, whilst the Sophie Tote offers a sophisticated option for work and travel.

Tote bags are ideal if:

• You carry a lot with you
• You travel frequently
• You need a work bag
• You want one bag that can do almost everything

Backpack Bags

Backpack bags have evolved considerably over the years.

Gone are the bulky, purely practical designs of the past. Today’s leather backpack bags combine functionality with style, making them a popular choice for women who want complete freedom of movement.

A backpack distributes weight evenly across both shoulders, making it particularly comfortable for travel, sightseeing and long days on your feet.

Our Karis Backpack has become especially popular with customers looking for a stylish hands-free alternative to a traditional handbag.

Backpack bags are ideal if:

• Comfort is your priority
• You travel regularly
• You spend long periods on your feet
• You like having both hands completely free

Occasion Bags

Whilst every woman needs a practical everyday handbag, most wardrobes also benefit from a smaller bag reserved for special occasions.

One of the advantages of a smaller bag is that it encourages us to carry only the essentials. Phone, purse, keys, lipstick and perhaps a pair of sunglasses are often all that’s needed.

At Artichoke, the Alex, Ana and Olivia have all become popular choices for women looking for a handbag that feels elegant without being overly formal.

Compact enough to complement an outfit rather than dominate it, they work beautifully for weddings, holidays, evenings out and those occasions when a larger everyday bag simply isn’t required.

Occasion bags are ideal if:

• You attend weddings or special events
• You enjoy travelling light
• You want a handbag that works from day into evening
• You are looking for something elegant and timeless
• You prefer to carry only the essentials

Which Handbag Style Is Right For You?

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Of course, shape is only part of the equation.

Material, quality and construction all play a role too. Whilst fashion trends come and go, a well-made leather handbag in a shape that suits your lifestyle will often prove a better investment than a cheaper bag that only works for one season.

In our experience, the handbags that earn their place in a wardrobe are rarely the most fashionable. They are the ones that are comfortable to carry, work with most of your clothes and are practical enough to use every day.

If you’re still unsure which style to choose, this simple guide may help.

Choose a tote bag if:

You like to carry everything you might need during the day.

Choose a crossbody bag if:

You want practicality and hands-free convenience.

Choose a hobo bag if:

You are looking for one timeless everyday handbag.

Choose a bucket bag if:

You need plenty of space but prefer a more structured shape.

Choose a crescent bag if:

You love contemporary styling and lighter-weight handbags.

Choose a backpack bag if:

Comfort and practicality are your top priorities.

Choose an occasion bag if:

You want something elegant for weddings, holidays, cruises, lunches and evenings out.

Building a handbag wardrobe

Just as most women own more than one pair of shoes, many find they need more than one handbag.

Rather than owning lots of similar bags, we often suggest building a small handbag wardrobe:

• One everyday bag
• One larger tote for travel and busy days
• One occasion bag
• One hands-free option for holidays and weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hobo bag?

A hobo bag is a soft, curved handbag that sits comfortably on the shoulder. It is known for its relaxed shape and generous capacity.

What is a bucket bag?

A bucket bag features a structured base and roomy interior combining practicality with style.

What is the difference between a crossbody bag and a shoulder bag?

A crossbody bag is worn across the body, whilst a shoulder bag sits on one shoulder. Crossbody bags are generally more hands-free and secure.

Which handbag style is best for travel?

Many women prefer crossbody bags or backpack bags for travel as they offer comfort, security and hands-free practicality.

What handbag style suits a petite woman?

Smaller crossbody bags, crescent bags and compact bucket bags often work particularly well for petite women as they maintain balanced proportions.

Which handbag style never goes out of fashion?

Classic hobo bags, tote bags and well-made leather crossbody bags remain wardrobe staples year after year.

The best handbag is ultimately the one that fits your lifestyle.

Do I Need An Occasion Bag?

Many women find that alongside their everyday handbag, a smaller occasion bag becomes one of the most useful pieces in their collection. It allows you to carry just the essentials whilst adding the finishing touch to any outfit.