What do you consider to be a classy handbag?

[WingsOnMyBoots]

Photos would be good.

Bottega Veneta

I'm not sure I fit the 'classy bag' theme here.
However, I love my Elvis and Kresse tote, made from recycled fire hose. It's utterly rainproof, bombproof, roomy and guaranteed for life (they fix 'em if they go wrong). They also donate half the profits to the London Firebrigade Charity.
I also love my Kate Spade Shore Thing Crab cross body.
(Shuffles off)

They sound interesting! You clearly have a mind of your own.

@PostNotInHaste - like the bag very much...it's something you made?

Thank you @fuckadoodledandy, yes I made it .

Fools
Your mum gives great advice!

For me - plain, simple styling, discreet branding with good quality leather. Coach sale appeals

Unfortunately practicality wins the day atm so I have no classy bags (well maybe one that ticks both boxes)

Love Elvisse and Kresse - absolutely fulfills my latter criteria

Lots of different viewpoints!

Definitely good leather, no/minimal metal, practical. Something you can forget you’re carrying.
I’m never sure about textured leather. The Coach bag upthread looks less expensive than it is IMO (even in the sale).

Summer is a bit more complicated. Leather can look out of place, and so not “classy”, more like you only have one bag . Maybe the same rules but good quality natural fibres?

What an interesting thread. It's amazing how tastes differ. Also pleasing that a few bags I own are here (Pippa, Birkin and a 2.55.)

I think that for me good leather, well constructed and heavy are the minimum things. I have a range of bags (I'm fat and bags are the one thing that you don't need to size!) they all have this in common. My fave bag, which I bought from a charity shop about ten years ago is a brown leather no name thing, but it's so exceptionally well made it gets compliments everywhere I go.

I have the Radley Greyfriars that a couple of people linked to. Mine is black.

www.radley.co.uk/greyfriars-gardens-large-zip-top-tote-bag-ss18-2e12ba/

I’m not usually a radley fan but walked past this in a shop and loved it - it’s much nicer in real life.

That White Stuff Bailey bag is classy. My sister gave me a Mulberry handbag, the boho one, which is lovely but the metal logo badge is huge and a bit blingy for me. I got a plain tan one from John Lewis, own range, smart and classy.

Oh how I love that Dolce and Gabbana Agata bag!! They do it in velvet, too! Be still my beating heart.
Pippa Middleton got those Modulu bags for free - good publicity!

The nicest handbag I have ever owned is green leather, very simple, a couple of buckles. I've had it for years and it always generates compliments. Bought on holiday in Italy. Otherwise maroon Mulberry one!

According to DH I have a 'bag' for every occasion! My favourites are Mulberry Alexa, Mulberry Bayswater and my lovely Alexander McQueen Novak.

@PostNotInHaste It's lovely, you've got some good skills there!

Was scrolling through the thread and everyone seemed to have ignored it totally, which was surprising as it's a very classic style of bag, but the thread seems to be very focused on brands...

I think this is probably my classiest bag, but I do think a nice lambskin 2.55 can work for any occasion too.

@FlorenceLyons where did you get your lining repaired if you don't mind me asking? I cannot find anywhere that would offer that service.

I use a black leather Tory Burch drawstring bucket bag for everyday use. I have a few of her bags, they are good quality. Much as I like Mulberry, they are far too heavy for me.

personally, i love seeing people with minimal/low key branding leather bags, nothing too busy or ornate, clean shapes, no charms/dangling metal bits etc.

so for me loewe puzzle bag, st laurent totes, mulberry amberley or bayswater.

it doesnt have to be a £600 plus bag, i have beautiful bags that cost £50 and in fact i dont even own a designer bag

that said, i do love seeing people's louis vuitton monograms!

I went in to look at the zipped Bayswater with the long handle, it is marginally lighter than the classic and much more practical. Think I will get it in oak. And I'm certain that after a few days of admiring it in my bedroom, I'll use it a lot.

I’m properly lusting over a Mulberry Leighton at the moment. I have sold a big chunk of my wardrobe on eBay as part of a decluttering exercise and the money is burning a hole in my paypal account!

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/leighton/leighton-tan-silky-calf

My day to day work bag is a dark brown DKNY bag which still looks fab 18 morning months later and survives the tube, being put underneath airline seats, being overloaded with too much stuff from time to time etc. I really like DKNY bags - they last well and are classy if you choose carefully.

www.amazon.co.uk/DKNY-Leather-Satchel-Handbag-Removable/dp/B01JJ0PATW?tag=mumsnetforum-21

I also have the classic tan modalu pippa. I don't use it that much these days due to having a rucksack full of kids snacks permanently welded onto my back, but I have been complimented/asked where it is from many times and I'm never complimented about anything else I wear!

I was concerned at one point that it was considered a bit naff, but it's a well made bag, leather, tan and the label is quite understated so it makes sense that it should be considered classic.

I have a beautiful mulberry Bayswater in Oak that I bought 2 years ago .
I’ve used it twice , maybe three times it’s to bloody heavy and awkward to carry . It’s in perfect condition and just stuck in my wardrobe .

I like longchamps because I put a lot of crap in my bags and it all fits. I have loads in all different styles and sizes .

On the other hand the mulberry purse that I bought to go with the handbag cost about £350 but I have used it every single day without fail so was definitely a good buy

I've got a mulberry dorset tote and a Bayswater tote. Both beautiful leather bags but since buying a Ralph Lauren tote, nylon with leather handles, I haven't touched them. I really like Ralph Lauren bags. They are stylish and way more affordable than mulberry. I do love my mulberry mini Lily's for evenings out. No denying mulberry are classics and beautiful but so expensive these days.

i don't actually see that many mulberry in real life so they still have an allure to me but i dont live in a big city! actually in john lewis in the city closest to me i did spot about 4 ladies in the 45 minutes i was there.

one day i will own a bayswater mini or a small lily.

I have this Ted Baker bag. It's reasonably classy, I think!