How To Choose The Perfect First Luxury Bag

Your first luxury bag should help you express who you are, functioning as an extension of your own personal style every day.
Before choosing your first luxury bag, you should think about what you'll be using it for, your own wardrobe and the colors you gravitate towards.
While it might seem like a daunting task, this guide walks you through the top questions you should ask yourself to help you choose your perfect plus-one.

Crafted to last for years and years to come, your first luxury handbag should be able to adapt to your ever-evolving style, meeting you wherever you are and wherever you're heading next. Look for a bag that fits your intended use, serves as an extension of who you are and matches your capsule wardrobe—not an easy task, is it? While finding the perfect plus-one to last a lifetime might seem a bit daunting, there are a few key questions you can ask yourself to ensure you never settle. You want a bag that's going to age with you, after all.

What Does Your Day-to-Day Look Like?

In other words, what sorts of occasions will you use your bag for? The perfect first luxury bag will seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, carrying everything you need for nights out, walks across the quad or busy commutes to your first job or internship—all while tying your favorite looks together.

Late Nights Out: Dinner dates, happy hours and after-work events—if this sounds like your schedule, a structured shoulder bag or compact mini bag will take care of all the essentials while you embrace your inner social butterfly.

Try: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Plaza Bag

Campus Walks & City Commutes: If your first luxury bag will be accompanying you across campus or to your first job, you'll want to make sure it's large enough to fit all the essentials. Try a relaxed silhouette (like an expandable carryall) for effortless style every day.

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

Always Traveling: Constantly on the go? You'll want a bag that can keep up with your busy travel schedule. For hands-free convenience, consider a crossbody bag that will never leave your side.

Try: Bleecker Bucket Bag, Tabby Chain Crossbody Bag 19 with Quilting

What’s Your Personal Style?

Are you someone who loves to dress up regardless of the occasion? Or do you find yourself sticking to a more casual vibe on a day-to-day basis? Your first luxury bag should be an extension of your wardrobe and personal style—complementing all your favorite outfits.

Fashion Forward: If you're not afraid to experiment with the latest trends, lean into unique bag materials or styles with eye-catching embellishments, beaded fringe or quilting.

Try: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Regenerative Cotton Denim, Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Crystal Beaded Fringe

Laid-back: Pair your relaxed wardrobe with an effortless yet stylish bag that goes with everything. Think slouchy silhouettes crafted of soft leathers made for living.

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

Always Bold: If no colors or patterns are off limits in your wardrobe, go all in with an equally bold bag. Or if you're looking to balance out your brightest outfits, consider a versatile neutral bag that's always in style—you'll never have to think twice about whether or not it matches your look.

Try: Ergo Bag in Coachtopia Leather with Cherry Print, Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag

What Colors Are You Drawn To?

Take a look inside your closet and evaluate your wardrobe's color palette before choosing your first luxury bag. You'll want something that fits into your capsule wardrobe, versatile enough to be worn with everything from your favorite little black dress to your old worn-in blue jeans. Think about the colors you typically wear, and what bag colors would match or contrast those shades.

Warm Neutrals: Maple, warm brown, olive and other earth tones

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Warm Brown

Darker Shades: Merlot, navy, black

Try: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40 in Merlot

Bright & Colorful: Candy apple red, peony and styles with patterns

Try: Brook Flap Chain Bag in Candy Apple

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

$475

Plaza Bag

$135

Sold Out

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

$395

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

$495

Sold Out

Bleecker Bucket Bag

$180 $450 (60%)

Tabby Chain Crossbody Bag 19 With Quilting

$325

Sold Out

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 In Regenerative Cotton Denim

$180 $450 (40%)

Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 With Pillow Quilting

$395

Sold Out

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Crystal Beaded Fringe

$486.50 $695 (30%)

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

$295

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

$395

Sold Out

Ergo Bag With Cherry Print

$110 $275 (60%)

Sold Out

Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag

$425

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

$495

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

$475

Plaza Bag

$135

Sold Out

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

$395

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

$495

Sold Out

Bleecker Bucket Bag

$180 $450 (60%)

Tabby Chain Crossbody Bag 19 With Quilting

$325

Sold Out

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 In Regenerative Cotton Denim

$180 $450 (40%)

Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 With Pillow Quilting

$395

Sold Out

Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Crystal Beaded Fringe

$486.50 $695 (30%)

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

$295

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

$395

Sold Out

Ergo Bag With Cherry Print

$110 $275 (60%)

Sold Out

Soft Tabby Shoulder Bag

$425

Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

$495

FAQ’s: You asked. We’ve answered.

What qualities should I look for in a timeless bag I can wear year-round?
Regardless of your style, a timeless bag shouldn't just move with you throughout the year—it should evolve with you from campus to career and beyond. Before choosing an investment-worthy bag, there are a few qualities you should consider.

Versatility: Assess your own personal style and opt for a bag that can be dressed up or down to match any occasion.
Functionality: Whether you tend to travel light or consider yourself an overpacker, a bag worth investing in should easily fit everything you need for its intended use.
Durability: A timeless bag should be crafted from ultra-durable materials with the highest quality craftsmanship—capable of taking on everything the day throws your way.

How do I know which type of bag material is right for my lifestyle?

Before making an investment, it's crucial to explore the different types of bag materials that align with both your personal style and overall lifestyle.

Leather: Looking for a bag that only gets better with time? Choose one of our luxurious Coach leathers—crafted to evolve with you from campus to career. For more information on different kinds of leathers, check out our guide.
Fabric & Woven Materials: For a low maintenance, laid-back choice that can be cleaned with just a damp or dry soft cloth, opt for a fabric or woven bag made from materials like canvas, nylon or denim. Visit our guide to non-leather fabrics and materials for more information on all the options.
Specialty Leathers: Go for a specialty leather—like suede, haircalf or shearling—for a standout bag that still feels timeless thanks to our expert craftsmanship.

What are the different ways I can accessorize my bag?

Straps, charms and keychains are the on-trend way to transform any bag without making permanent changes. For a dressier look, try our chain-link designs or stands of pearls. For a personality-filled choice, explore our variety of charms. Check out our guide to accessorizing for more unique ways to personalize your bag.

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3 Ways to Choose the Perfect First Luxury Bag

What Does Your Day-to-Day Look Like?

What’s Your Personal Style?

What Colors Are You Drawn To?

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FAQ’s: You asked. We’ve answered.