10 IYKYK Bags That Make My Outfits Look Better
Starting at just $250, these are my hack for days when I'm over it.
By mid-April I was in the throes of an outfit rut, mentally exhausted at the thought of pulling out my chunky turtlenecks one more time. Everything feels so dingy and sad! When I’m not finding joy in my clothes, I like to lean into simplicity and let a bag do the heavy lifting. Like dousing a pedestrian scoop of vanilla ice cream with an Amarena cherry or a little drizzle of melted chocolate, a great bag can make up for all sorts of uninspired outfits (sorry for this insane metaphor but I just ate one of those perfect little cherries, and I can’t help myself).
Since I’m sure that some of you are also dealing with a bit of outfit blahs for whatever reason, I figured it’s worth diving a bit into a few of my favorite popular-ish non-designer purse options. There are dressy bags for nights out, perfectly medium-sized carryalls for running around to work events, and the cross-body that got me through the weeks when everything else slipped off the shoulder of my heavy coats. Behold a roundup of options I personally co-sign for days when I’m excited to get dressed and ones when I just want to look presentable but don’t have the effort in me.
Tory Burch: The Small Romy ($398)
Since I started carrying this bag around last month, it’s become my go-to for when I’m running into the city for after-work drinks or a meet-up with a friend. It’s small enough to sit under my shoulder, but big enough to hold my kindle (I’m trying to read more when I’m on the subway).
Fane Bra Bag (€610)
Back in February I brought this slim little bag on my trip to Paris mostly because its size makes it easy to pack in a carry-on. But, I wasn’t ready for the number of people who asked me about it — some by name (“It’s a Fane bag right?” a friend asked at dinner), others hadn’t heard of it but wanted to know more. It’s the perfect little pseudo-baguette for fancy outings.
Wandler Kate Bag ($985)
This cross-body has become my holy grail bag for 2025. I like that it’s a practical over-coat option (no shoulder slipping), and when I’m in a rush, I often throw it on, because it looks good with black or brown shoes, and can vibe shift between more minimalist, low-key, or night-out outfits. The sculptural, jewelry-like touches also make it much more luxe looking than other simple black styles.
Lie Studio Norma Tote ($765)
I was always more of a tote and small bag girl over lugging around a Speedy or some other large leather bag, but I love that Lie Studio’s Norma Tote is sneaky big. It has a comfy wide strap that doesn’t slip and I can comfortably fit my laptop and a pair of flats inside (which is why it came in handy when I was running around from show to show during fashion week).
Liffner Pillow Pouch ($575)
Sometimes it’s not until the moment you need it that you realize you don’t have the right bag for the occasion. I was packing for a wedding last year and noticed the night before departure that I didn’t have a little bag or clutch that worked with my outfit. Once I was home, I found this tiny bag and it’s turned out to be a great evening addition. It’s big enough for the essentials, but the right size and shape to feel fancy with a long dress and heels.
Savette Wallet ($690)
When I went to Japan last summer, I had to pack for two weeks with just a carryon. That means getting strategic with my purse choices. I like this teeny practical crossbody because it’s easy to pack, can be worn all day without weighing me down or requiring my hands, and it looks luxe without being flashy. I love the clasp detail and structured shape of Savette bags in general, but this style is more budget-friendly than bigger styles.
Lindquist Ama ($680)
I was introduced to Lindquist through my friend Erin who handles their PR. Each bag is made by artisans in Rhode Island and though her designs are simple, the leather quality is great, and the bags are designed to take on a lived-in patina over time.
Janessa Leone Tanner Bag ($467)
On the very first toasty day of spring a few weeks ago, this was the bag I filled with snacks and carted over to Prospect Park. It’s oversized, so ideal for lugging around my little summer hang necessities like a Turkish towel, book, sunscreen etcetera. Smartly enough, it’s even designed to hold a stiff-brim hat on the outside, so you can have a little straw number in tow without having to squish it in.
Cuyana Mini Celestia ($328)
I’m writing the last bit of this post from my hotel in Bologna where I’m currently on a work trip (more on that later) and one of the other women arrived to dinner with this bag in tow — I instantly recognized it from the cute shoulder buckle detail. It’s made of a softer, unstructured leather without skewing too boho. For under $500, I think it’s a nice everyday staple to have in the rotation.
Staud Tommy Bag ($250)
I’ve owned the Tommy Bag since before the pandemic, and while it’s not new, I still find myself reaching for it on occasions when I want to punch up my outfit a little bit. The colors and prints are playful, and it’s nice to have an option in the closet that’s not just leather or suede, but is still fairly durable.
I'm somehow just discovering the Tommy bag! Your post has convinced me (consider the trigger pulled!), especially since the price is so great – I have had my eye on the multi-color beaded version.