The overall mood for the fall/winter 2023 handbag season is that they’re the main character of one’s ensemble! When they’re in the spotlight, handbags, whether extravagant and OTT or minimalist classic, are all sleek but not serious, frumpy but fun, and fluffy and puffy styles. Moreover, huge sizes are coming back in style, and we’re all for it. When we went looking for the best fall and winter handbags, we saved the top spot for functionality, which is always a key factor for us. That said, we also looked for subtle details that went about adding an extra dash of flair to our outfits.
Whether we were headed out for a night on the town or going to run errands, we rounded up an assortment of options for you to choose from, ranging from totes to clutches. Check out these gorgeous fall/winter bags that are sure to complement and add panache to your minimalist winter boots and winter coat ensemble.
Table of contents
- Cofteve Large Quilted Puffer Tote
- Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch
- ALDO Women’s Jerilini Top Handle Bag
- Sivim Small Crossbody Bag
- CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse
- KALIDI Corduroy Tote Bag
- JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag
- Dasein Two-Piece Handbag/Tote and Wallet Set
- Befen Wristlet
- JW PEI Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
- The Drop Diana Top Handle Crossbody Bag
- Niueimee Zhou Hobo Handbag
- JW PEI Eva Shoulder Handbag
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Fall and Winter Handbags?
- Are puffer bags in style 2023?
- What color of handbags are in for fall & winter 2023?
- Are crossbody bags still in style?
Cofteve Large Quilted Puffer Tote
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Yes, the name might sound like something straight out of a Trump tweet, but the Cofteve Large Quilted Puffer Tote is simply irresistible. When puffer jackets are a winter staple, then why not puffer handbags? Exuding a warm, cold weather style, this tote bag certainly stepped up our accessory game. It’s designed from high-quality, durable, and tear-resistant polyester and padded with down cotton. Hence, it felt comfortable inside out and just as soft as a pillow! Aside from the quilting design and technology, we loved the zipper and magnetic closure, which securely sealed all the bag’s contents. Not only could we carry this like a handbag, but we could also sling it like an underarm bag or on our shoulders like a satchel.
What we also loved about the bag was that it was roomy, complete with a large inner pocket and an inner zipper pocket for smaller items like lipsticks and keys. The best bit, though? This bag comes in a whopping 20 colors, including the lovely
Pros
- It comes in a whopping 20 colors!
- Most of the colors cost less than 50 USD, and some even cost less than 40 USD!
- It had a lining, so our belongings were safe.
Cons
- The white might get dirty a little easily. But you have 19 other colors to choose from!
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Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch
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Our winter parties got a whole lot more stylish with the Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch. We loved the Lamé fabric on this bag, which was designed with the designer’s signature pleats. That’s what gave the clutch a fabulous eveningwear twist, allowing us to pair it with any ensemble. In fact, the champagne gold color of the Lamé fabric, which also had a little shimmer, elevated the look and feel of the bag. The magnetic snap closure was effective, especially since we wanted to secure the contents of the clutch. In the end, we ended up carrying this bag to every winter holiday party and wedding on our roster and got tons of compliments!
Do you want to check out more details of the clutch? Check out the original product page.
Pros
- The color and shape of the clutch is fantastic.
- It’s lightweight and not too small or too big.
- It’s a versatile piece of accessory.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
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ALDO Women’s Jerilini Top Handle Bag
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Best winter black bag. Just like clothing staples, everyone should have a black bag in their wardrobe, right? So, we thought, what better season to invest in a black handbag than the winter? When we went looking for them, we ended up loving the ALDO Women’s Jerilini Top Handle Bag. This handbag is a must-have in everyone’s wardrobes. It is both stylish and has excellent ratings on Amazon. I mean, a 4.5 rating from close to 3,500 ratings is pretty amazing, right?
Since it’s very well made from high-quality synthetic materials, it’s very durable for us to use daily. It didn’t see any rips or tears, even with very rough and continual use. What’s more, there was a ton of space on the inside to stash just about anything we needed. Aside from the main pocket, there was even an exterior back zip pocket and an exterior front slip pocket under the flap to keep quick-access items. Thanks to the flat bottom, we could keep the bag even on uneven surfaces without worrying about it tipping over. But the best bit about the bag was the multiple ways in which we could carry it. Besides the top-carrying handle, there was even an adjustable and detachable crossbody strap.
“Even then, the bag was medium-sized, so it didn’t feel like we were lugging around a huge tote-like bag.”
WOW Travel
Pros
- It’s very affordable and costs less than 40 USD.
- The bag is available in a total of six colors.
- It’s perfect-sized inside and out.
Cons
- The size might be slightly smaller for those who require a tote.
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Sivim Small Crossbody Bag
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Best winter crossbody bag. We were looking for a versatile crossbody bag to carry in winter that would go with all ensembles in the cold weather. That’s why we loved the stylish Sivim Small Crossbody Bag, which is as cute as it’s functional. For one, we could carry it in different ways on the shoulder and across the body, thanks to the adjustable long shoulder strap. Since it’s lightweight, it didn’t feel heavy on a single shoulder. The bag had three compartments on the inside, including one main pocket, one side pocket, and one zipper pocket. Since it’s made from the best quality PU leather with fine stitching, the quality of the bag is of a different level. It’s no wonder that the bag has around 7,000 5-star Amazon reviews. That’s why it’s one of the best small crossbody bags for women.
Pros
- It costs less than 20 USD.
- The bag comes in 14 different colors, including the navy one below.
- It comes in two sizes.
- It has free returns on some colors and sizes.
Cons
- Some said that the durability is so-so.
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CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse
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Best winter backpack purse. One of the best ways to go hands-free in the fall and winter seasons is by investing in a backpack. That’s why we went ahead and bought this CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse. The backpack is made from high-quality and water-resistant soft PU leather and faux suede. Not only did it make the bag durable and fashionable, but it also made it warm. What’s more, the bag’s long and adjustable shoulder straps were made from canvas, which made carrying the bag very easy.
However, we were most impressed by the bag’s practical structure, organization, and anti-theft design. For instance, it has not only a main zipper compartment but also a front zipper pocket, two side pockets, an interior slot pocket, and an inner zipper pocket. So, we could fit in our daily items such as our smartphone, our notebook, an iPad, and even multiple books. All in all, this backpack purse is as comfortable and lightweight as it’s stylish and functional. That’s why it’s one of the best travel backpack purses.
Pros
- This bag can be carried in multiple ways.
- It has as many as 31 options when it comes to color.
- The backpack was water-resistant and kept our items from getting wet.
Cons
- Some people faced issues with the zipper.
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KALIDI Corduroy Tote Bag
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Did you know that Corduroy, which is a coarse wool fabric, is an 18th-century England invention? Yes! It was designed to help people survive the harsh winters. So, it’s only natural that we add a corduroy bag to this collection of fall and winter bags, right? That’s how the KALIDI Corduroy Tote Bag features on this list. This spacious and large capacity tote bag could even hold our 15.6-inch-huge laptop, besides other necessities! Made from premium corduroy, this bag is not only durable but also waterproof and wear-resistant. Thanks to the reinforced bottom and the thicker and wider straps, the bag has a lot of structure and didn’t flop about when we placed it down.
Moreover, the thick straps also made it easy and comfy to carry the bag around. Wrapping up the features were the ani-theft zipper closure, the zippered external pocket, and the two inner, open slip pockets for our quick-access and easy-to-lose stuff.
Pros
- The bag comes in a whopping 32 colors.
- It has an excellent capacity, doesn’t flop around, and has structure.
- It can be carried in different ways.
Cons
- More zippered compartments would be great.
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JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag
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We love it when handbags cleverly combine two resounding trends into a single item that’s not just a standout but a knockout too! Case in point: this drop-dead gorgeous JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag. This fuzzy shearling bag was made from 100% polyester and boasted a synthetic suede lining on the inside that kept our belongings safe and did not scratch each other. What’s more, the entire design and build were dipped in a brilliant, runway-approved shade of red, which came in 22 other options, including lime green, magenta, and even stell blue. However, the faux-fur version only has one other option, which is caramel. We loved the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, which allowed us to carry this bag over the shoulder as well as sling it across our bodies. Of course, the well-designed and placed gold hardware is a 10/10.
Pros
- The bag comes in 23 color options.
- It has a detachable and adjustable strap.
- The design is chic and sleek.
Cons
- There are only two color options in the faux fur design.
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Dasein Two-Piece Handbag/Tote and Wallet Set
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Best value for money. When it comes to value for money, we see nothing else. That’s just one of the reasons why we loved the Dasein Two-Piece Handbag/Tote and Wallet Set. Costing less than 50 USD, this bag set features a satchel/handbag and a wristlet, both of which are made from high-quality vegan leather or PU. We loved that the material is highly tear-resistant and anti-scratch and doesn’t go out of shape easily. What’s more, they boast a stylish design with high-quality gold-toned hardware and detailing, including bottom studs and zippers. Moreover, the rolled leather top handles were very comfortable for carrying the satchel. Finally, the bag comes with a lot of functional pockets, including a center compartment, an exterior zipper pocket, and two side pockets with a magnetic snap closure. That’s why it’s one of the best ladies’ travel handbags.
Pros
- The bag comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap.
- It comes in 24 color options.
- It comes as a set of two.
Cons
- The lining could be better.
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Befen Wristlet
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Anything tweed is always cold weather-y and winter-y, isn’t it? This tweed Befen Wristlet, which is oh-so-sophisticated, exudes the same charm. A wristlet-cum-clutch, this portable style is made from texture grain leather in a black and white tweed design. What’s more, the tweed design also comes in multiple colors, including green, mocha, and burgundy. The supple and soft tweed fabric and Italian pebble leather blended with gold silk are complemented with gold-toned zippers and hardware. On the inside, there was enough space for us to stash our big-screen smartphone and even shut the top zipper closure. Apart from the main pocket, there is also an inner zipper pocket, a cash pocket, and six credit card slots. Hence, it was roomy enough to fit our passport, smartphone, coins, cash, and cards. Rounding things up is a detachable wrist strap to free our hands.
Pros
- The zippered back pocket offered us quick access to such stuff.
- It has more than 6,000 5-star Amazon reviews.
- It costs less than 25 USD.
Cons
- The zipper tab isn’t as sturdy as the zipper itself.
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JW PEI Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
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We have another JW PEI product on this list – and we can’t quite stop gushing! Behold the JW PEI Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag, which has become quite the rage of the season, as you can see from the pictures below. In fact, stylish celebs like Megan Fox and Gigi Hadid have been spotted showing off their Gabbis! So, what’s so special about this handbag? For one, it’s made from vegan leather, which certainly appeals to us and will appeal to other eco-conscious peeps too. What’s more, it’s available in a mind-boggling array of 32 colors, including the classic blue on the right and the equally classic ivory on the left. Thanks to the inner patch pocket, we were able to stash quick-access items like our phone and keys within. Moreover, the magnetic closure ensured that the contents stayed safely within the bag.
Yahoo! Life has a lot of good things to say about this bag – check out the detailed review.
Pros
- This bag comes in so, so many colors.
- It’s stylish and celeb-endorsed.
- There are many pockets.
Cons
- It’s on the expensive side.
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The Drop Diana Top Handle Crossbody Bag
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There are many reasons why we love The Drop Diana Top Handle Crossbody Bag. It doesn’t get more adorable than this bag, which comes in more than 18 colors. We chose the hot pink one below, which certainly adds a dash of flair to our winter style. What’s more, we could carry it as a crossbody bag, wear it as a shoulder bag, and even carry it by the top handle. Moreover, this staple from The Drop is sturdy, stylish, and sophisticated and comes with a magnetic snap closure that’s as well-designed as it’s functional. Made from high-quality faux leather, the bag also boasted gold-toned hardware, which added a touch of luxury to the bag, elevating its overall aesthetic.
Pros
- The bag comes in 18 color options.
- It costs less than 50 USD, which makes it quite affordable for a designer collection.
- It’s stylish and functional.
Cons
- It comes in a single size.
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Niueimee Zhou Hobo Handbag
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Hobo handbags are always in style, and even more so in winter, when we could just stash all our essentials in just one bag. That’s just one of the reasons we chose the Niueimee Zhou Hobo Handbag, which is made from premium vegan leather and comes with a polyester lining, which keeps our things safe and secure. What’s more, the custom gold hardware only made this shoulder purse all the more elegant-looking and luxurious. Thanks to the large capacity of the bag, the main compartment held all our things. Plus, there was even an inner zipper pocket where we could stash quick-access items like lipsticks, glasses, wallets, phones, keys, and the like. We especially love the clean and simple look of the bag, which was brought out well by the seven colors that this bag comes in.
Pros
- The bag is fashionable and lightweight.
- We loved the color options, including the ice-blue below.
Cons
- It might be less spacious than a traditional crossbody bag.
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JW PEI Eva Shoulder Handbag
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Celebrities and influencers can’t get enough of the sustainable brand JW Pei, and neither can we – clearly. The third and last JW Pei product on this list is the JW PEI Eva Shoulder Handbag boasts the perfect baguette size in a shoulder-style design. Of the 16 colorways, it was quite difficult to zero in on one color, but this dark green stole our hearts. The bag’s made from croc-embossed vegan leather, complete with a 100% recycled plastic lining. Whether you start with this shoulder style or its iconic Gabbi, compliments are bound to follow. Plus, with 16 colorways, you can get one for every outfit. Even though the shoulder handle size and length are fixed, we had no issues with it. Rounding up the features were the silver-toned hardware and the zip closure, which ensured that compliments always followed us when we brought out this bag.
Pros
- The bag is made from vegan leather.
- It comes in 16 light and dark colorways.
- The zipper is well-designed and of high quality.
Cons
- None.
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Our Verdict!
While we love all the handbags mentioned here, here’s a specialized and whittled-down list to help you choose.
- Best winter black bag: ALDO Women’s Jerilini Top Handle Bag
- Best winter crossbody bag: Sivim Small Crossbody Bag
- Best winter backpack purse: CLUCI Women’s Backpack Purse
- Best value for money: Dasein Two-Piece Handbag/Tote and Wallet Set
How To Choose The Best Fall and Winter Handbags?
Material
For us, the right material for the winter bag is very important, especially choosing waterproof or at least water-resistant materials. Whenever we’ve gotten caught in snow and rain showers, the material has protected the contents of our handbag and even prevented the moisture from penetrating inside. Traditionally materials such as suede, tweed, and velvet are associated more with cold periods. You could even try faux fur bags, which look good only in the fall and winter.
Color
Fortunately, fashion has left behind the era of colors being “incompatible” with seasons and entered the “everything is permitted” era in the last few years, with only one rule – have fun! Usually, deeper tones will allow you to put together chic looks, while lighter tones are great for when you’re wearing absolute neutrals.
Size
Just like colors, there aren’t any real rules when it comes to the size of the winter handbag. Today, the trend of huge tote bags is gone, though, and people prefer smaller bags – even when it comes to large bags! Plus, winter handbags include not only totes but also crossbody bags, sling bags, clutches, and wristlets, right?
Other details
Finally, we look for certain features, textures, and designs that especially evoke the cozy winter atmosphere and warmth, like tweed or quilted design. As for the straps and handles, we prefer multiway bags that can be worn on the arm, the shoulder, and across the body.
Are puffer bags in style 2023?
Yes! Not only are they workable and super practical, but they’re equally cool and chic.
What color of handbags are in for fall & winter 2023?
Fiery red bags made a comeback to the fashion stage this year, which is why we’ve included the red-colored JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag.
Are crossbody bags still in style?
Yes, one thing is crystal clear – not only are crossbody bags timeless in function and design but also they’re never going to go out of style.