These Are the 10 Best Statement Bags Fashion People in Chicago Are Carrying Right Now

Photo Credit:@clarkepeoples

If you live in Chicago, you already know: we don’t do tiny bags.

We need room for survival gloves, snacks, backup flats, maybe even a blanket scarf for when the wind decides to humble us. Between long CTA rides, delayed buses, and random train moments that test your patience and your faith, a big bag isn’t a want it’s a lifeline.

Still, practicality doesn’t mean boring. The women here have mastered the art of staying warm, staying ready, and still looking like they stepped out of a street-style photo. Because in this city, accessories are the ultimate flex.

Lately, I’ve been deep in my “bag era” suede carryalls that feel luxurious, leather totes with oversized charms, and those statement bags that fit my Stanley, my planner, and my peace of mind. And apparently, I’m not alone. This season, fashion people in Chicago are choosing pieces that are big, bold, and beautifully functional — the kind of trending handbags 2025 that make you feel like you’ve got your life together, even when the Blue Line doesn’t.

These are the 10 best handbags for fall 2025 spotted all over the city from morning commutes to late-night hangs. They’re sturdy, stylish, and unapologetically practical.

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1. The Large Suede Tote Bag

Amazon

Large Suede Tote Bag

$35.99

Let’s start with the one that truly gets it.

I found this large suede tote bag on Amazon for $35.99, and honestly, it’s been holding my life together ever since. Between my laptop, iPad, and notebooks, it fits everything I need for the day — and somehow still looks chic doing it.

Now, full transparency: it’s a little flimsy, so if you like your totes structured, add a base shaper or padded insert at the bottom. It instantly gives it that designer feel (without the designer price). I also dressed mine up with a silk scarf tied to the handle and a few bag charms for personality.

It’s giving “creative on the go”  polished enough for meetings, but roomy enough for when you need to throw your life in a bag and hope for the best.

2. The JW PEI Saige Faux Suede Tote

Amazon

JW PEI Women's Saige Faux Suede Tote Bag

$116

If you’ve been craving a luxurious-looking bag without the four-figure price tag, this one’s for you. The JW PEI Saige Faux Suede Tote is the kind of piece that makes you do a double take — the texture, the tone, the craftsmanship. The deep saige shade is chef’s kiss for fall, rich enough to elevate a neutral outfit but still understated enough to wear every day.

One reviewer summed it up perfectly:

“At first, I thought this was kind of a lot of money for a faux suede bag, but the quality here is so excellent that I really can’t complain… It’s absolutely beautiful in the deep burgundy color, and it’s got handles and a strap as options to carry it.”

And she’s right — this bag nails the “quiet luxury” look with its soft, realistic suede texture and clean, structured silhouette. It’s spacious without feeling bulky, and the combination of top handles and a shoulder strap makes it the ultimate commuter-to-cocktails piece.

3. The CHUNLI Taupe Satchel

Amazon

Top Handle Large Capacity Shoulder Bag

$45.99

Every woman needs one bag that looks like she has her life together—even when her inbox says otherwise. This CHUNLI Taupe Satchel does exactly that. At just $45, it’s surprisingly polished for the price and has the kind of structured silhouette that instantly sharpens any outfit, whether you’re in a blazer or your favorite sweatshirt.

The taupe shade is the star here—soft, elevated, and easy to pair with everything from winter whites to chocolate brown boots. Reviewers love that it holds “way more than expected” without losing its elegant shape. One even noted how the magnetic tuck-in sides slim the profile of the bag without sacrificing space (a small but genius detail).

While the strap runs slightly shorter than some oversized totes, it sits perfectly at the shoulder for that effortless “carry-it-all” moment. The faux leather texture feels smooth and durable, and the overall design gives quiet-luxury energy on a budget.

It’s the kind of bag that makes you feel put-together—even on days when you’re just trying to catch the CTA before your coffee gets cold.

4. The HESHE Vintage Doctor Bag

Amazon

Leather Satchel Tote Bag

$119

This bag? She’s giving Mary-Kate and Ashley in their New York era. Effortlessly cool, slightly mysterious, and somehow fits both a notebook and a latte without losing shape. The HESHE Genuine Leather Satchel Tote has that perfectly lived-in luxury feel — like something your stylish aunt handed down, not something that arrived in a Prime box.

The vintage doctor-bag silhouette brings real structure to your fall looks, while the top-handle design keeps it feeling intentional, not try-hard. It’s roomy enough for daily use but still sleek — no awkward bulk, no weird slouching. The leather patina only gets better with time, so this is one of those bags that looks even more expensive after a few seasons of wear.

If your dream fall afternoon involves a taupe trench coat, messy bun, oat milk latte, and a novel you’ll probably never finish, this is the bag that completes the picture. It’s practical, poetic, and quietly luxe — exactly the kind of energy we’re channeling this season.

5. The Coach Ergo Bag in Coachtopia Leather

Coach

Ergo Bag In Coachtopia Leather

$250

Not every bag needs to carry your entire life — some just need to make a statement. The Coach Ergo Bag in Coachtopia Leather is one of those pieces that feels like art. Priced at $250, it’s small but mighty — the kind of bag that instantly pulls a look together and makes you look like the girl who’s “just running errands,” but somehow does it in style.

One reviewer described it best:

“I love this bag! It reminds me of Figment from Epcot. I love that little guy. I love the colors of the bag — it’s fun for the imagination. It’s a sturdy, nice-sized bag for everyday use.”

It’s tiny, yes, but intentionally so. It fits exactly what you need — your lip gloss, cards, phone, and a few essentials — and that’s the beauty of it. The Coachtopia collection leans sustainable and nostalgic, with curved lines and soft leather that feel like a reimagined early-2000s classic.

If the larger totes are for your Monday through Friday life, this one’s for Saturday afternoons — the coffee run, the bookstore detour, the “let’s walk through the park even though it’s freezing” kind of day.

6. The Coach Alter/Ego Crescent Shoulder Bag

Coach

Alter/Ego Large Crescent Shoulder Bag In Checkerboard Upcrafted Leather

$450

If the Ergo Bag is your weekend statement piece, the Alter/Ego Crescent Bag is your main character energy for every other day. Priced at $250, it’s one of Coach’s newest releases — and easily one of their best.

The checkerboard upcrafted leather gives it a one-of-a-kind feel — equal parts modern and vintage — while the crescent silhouette molds beautifully against your body. One reviewer raved,

“It fits a lot more than it looks but doesn’t get bulky or fall off the shoulder. It’s perfect for everyday and the red is beautiful!”

Another added,

“The maple color and patchwork make it feel so luxe. It fits perfectly over my shoulder, even with a coat, and holds everything I need without feeling heavy.”

What makes this bag special is its effortless wearability. It’s slouchy in all the right ways, soft yet structured enough to hold its shape, and has that quiet-luxury aesthetic that feels timeless. It’s the bag version of “I didn’t try too hard”—the kind of piece that works for both morning coffee runs and dinner at Soho House.

If you’re the type who doesn’t switch bags often, this is the one. It adapts, it ages beautifully, and it’s destined to become your go-to.

7. The Coachtopia Loop Shoulder Bag with Floral Appliqué

Coachtopia Loop Shoulder Bag With Floral Appliqué

$175

If fashion had a sense of humor, it would look like this bag. The Coachtopia Loop Shoulder Bag with Floral Appliqué is proof that sustainability can still have personality — and that a good statement piece doesn’t need to scream to stand out.

Priced at $175, this flower-detailed shoulder bag is the cool-girl antidote to winter neutrals. It’s playful, tactile, and has that “art student meets downtown creative” vibe that instantly makes your outfit more interesting. One reviewer shared,

“I purchased this for my daughter for Christmas! She LOVED it! All her cousins loved it! The material is great! It’s so on trend and a total must-have!”

Another fan added,

“Love, love, love it! So different — black floral, beautiful, holds a lot, funky!”

It’s not a quiet bag — it’s a conversation starter. Think of it as the exclamation point to your outfit. Whether you’re wearing an all-black ensemble, a cozy knit set, or denim and boots, this bag brings back the joy of getting dressed.

8. The Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Large Le Pliage Tote

Longchamp

$165.00

Every city has a signature bag — and in Chicago, this is the one. The Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote is basically a love language among women who spend their mornings on the CTA and their afternoons running the world. It’s like there’s an unspoken agreement — this is the bag we carry.

Priced at $165, it’s the definition of functional luxury. The nylon body is durable but never bulky, and the leather straps sit comfortably on your shoulder without digging in (a small miracle if you’ve ever carried your life in a tote). One reviewer summed it up perfectly:

“We’re in the ‘after diaper bag but still need to carry essentials’ stage. The straps are thick and sturdy leather, the material is easy to clean, and it’s roomy without being heavy.”

It’s a work bag, a travel bag, a “just in case I need to bring my entire apartment with me” bag. Chic yet sensible — the kind of piece that looks equally at home next to a latte on the counter at Foxtrot or under the table at brunch on Randolph.

If you know, you know.

9. The Longchamp Le Pliage Small Crossbody Bag

The Longchamp Le Pliage Small Crossbody Bag

$265

If the Large Le Pliage Tote is the Chicago girl’s everyday essential, the Small Crossbody version is her off-duty counterpart — chic, compact, and just big enough for the things that actually matter.

Priced at $265, it’s perfect for tweens, teens, and minimalists who’ve mastered the “I only need my phone, gloss, and keys” lifestyle. It’s small but mighty — one reviewer said,

“It fits my iPhone Max, a cosmetic pouch, keys, tissues, and a few other items. Holds a surprising amount for its size. Love that it’s nylon. Highly recommend!”

The best part? It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and looks just as good over a wool coat as it does with an oversized hoodie and sneakers. It’s giving cool downtown commuter energy — without the extra weight.

This is the kind of bag you hand to your daughter or niece, and before you know it, she’s styling it better than you ever could.

10. The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Leather Tote

Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote

Tory Burch

$395.00

If you’re deep in your girl boss era — juggling deadlines, meetings, and maybe a few emotional support lattes — this is the bag that gets it. The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote is polished, powerful, and professional without trying too hard.

Priced at $395, it’s the definition of quiet confidence. The structured leather keeps its shape no matter how chaotic your week gets, and the three compartments make organization feel chic again. One reviewer said it best:

“It’s incredibly work-friendly and fits everything I need, including my laptop and charger, without feeling bulky. I love that I can remove the middle compartment to go straight from work to dinner with my husband.”

It’s sleek, timeless, and doesn’t scream “corporate” — it whispers “I’ve got this.” Whether you’re heading into the office or your favorite coffee shop that feels like your office, this tote is the finishing touch to your power outfit.