Everyday handbags under £50 that are practical and stylish

In a world where functionality meets fashion, we understand the importance of finding the perfect accessory to complement your daily outfits without breaking the bank.

The best everyday handbag should be secure, have plenty of sections and/or pockets for organisation (and to avoid rummaging through when needed) and should come in a colour that goes with everything. Black is often the most versatile of colours when it comes to an everyday accessory, but you may also like tan, cream, navy and even green to match your style and personality.

From sleek crossbody bags to spacious totes, we’ve handpicked some of the bags our own Mumsnet users are using or lusting after right now over on our style and beauty Talk board. So, keep scrolling to dive into our selection and find the right grab-and-go bag for you that offers the perfect blend of affordability, practicality and chic design.

We’re starting our roundup with this versatile faux leather top handle tote bag from none other than trusty M&S.

M&S Collection Faux Leather Top Handle Tote Bag, £39.50 | Buy now from M&S

Mumsnet seal of approval: “M&S have some lovely looking bags at the moment.” turkeyboots

Keep your bag tidy and organised with this Mango shopper bag that has dual compartments, a zipped pocket as well as a metallic stud fastening for extra security.

Mango Shopper Bag with Dual Compartments, £49.99 | Buy now from Mango

This brown Matt & Nat tote bag is super spacious and will easily carry all your everyday essentials for you, securely.

Matt & Nat Brown Tote Bag, £39.99 | Buy now from TK Maxx

Renowned for versatile pieces, Uniqlo’s two-way utility bag doesn’t disappoint. It can be both a tote bag and a backpack, has lots of storage capacity and has a water-repellant finish.

Uniqlo Two-Way Utility Bag, £29.90 | Buy now from Uniqlo

Mumsnet seal of approval: “Thought this looked useful and cheap.” ExcitingRicotta

Head to George at ASDA to pick up your own tan leather look handbag that’s an absolute steal at just £22. We particularly like the bright orange lining.

George at ASDA Tan Leather Look Handbag, £22 | Buy now from George at ASDA

We’re particularly fond of this Kitise slouch tote handbag that’s extra roomy, available in 13 different colours (the blue is lovely, in fact) AND it comes with a small messenger bag, too.

Kitisev Large 2in1 Hobo Slouch Tote PU Leather Handbag With Roomy Purse

Kitise Large 2in1 Hobo Slouch Tote PU Leather Handbag With Roomy Purse, £42.99 | Buy now from Debenhams

Why you should consider it: not only do you get a large, spacious handbag that’s great for everyday use with this offering from Kitise, but you also get a second, smaller messenger bag - which, in our opinion, is an absolute bargain at less than fifty quid.

When it comes to everyday essentials, John Lewis never fails - which is why the John Lewis ANYDAY Sia east/west minimal tote bag is in our list. Plus, it’s available in three colours!

John Lewis ANYDAY Sia East/West Minimal Tote Bag, £49 | Buy now from John Lewis

This black shoulder bag by Dune is a timeless everyday bag and comes with an extra shoulder strap, secure fastenings and Dune’s signature branding for a chic look.

Dune Black Shoulder Bag, £49.99 | Buy now from TK Maxx

Prefer to avoid black? This shoulder bag with a tassel by Fontanella Fashion is soft, stylish and comes in eight different colours. We particularly like the emerald version.

Fontanella Fashion Okii Tassel PU Shoulder Bag, £39.99 | Buy now from Debenhams

For a bag that gets the job done, this Milky Way women’s multi-pocket casual crossbody bag is available in eight colours and is a bargain over on Amazon.

Milky Way Women’s Multi-Pocket Casual Crossbody Bag, £15.99 | Buy now from Amazon

Mumsnet seal of approval: “I just got one of these and for the price it's brilliant. There's plenty of colours to choose from. Size wise, there's two small bottle holders and pockets galore. Mine has to deal with brolly, sunglasses, uniform, lunch , medication, as well as the usual handbag junk.” suki1964

Our second Mango entry is the brand’s shopper bag with buckle. Inside you’ll find dual compartments, an inner zipped pocket as well as an adjustable handle and strap.

Mango Shopper Bag with Buckle, £35.99 | Buy now from Mango

And finally, we can’t avoid mentioning the coveted Uniqlo mini shoulder bag that is the new Mary Poppins fits-everything-in-it bag.

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag, £14.90 | Buy now from Uniqlo

Mumsnet seal of approval: “I'm obsessed with mine. It really is the perfect bag.” tattygrl

“The bag is great because it is small and lightweight, and the shape and softness means that it folds around your body and doesn’t jut out or dig in.” TheLongRider

Still not convinced? Read our full review of the Uniqlo mini shoulder bag.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself when you become a mother. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty and fashion products that are both practical and affordable, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.