If you appreciate a good handbag as much as I do, you probably agree that the right bag has the power to completely change your outfit. And with winter here, I spent the last few weeks on the lookout for the newest it bag that will dominate the fashion scene. But after hours of browsing my favourite brands and the feeds of my favourite fashion influencers, it turns out that the trending silhouette is not actually new by any means, but rather a classic style that elegant dressers have been championing for years. Enter the top-handle bag.
What is a Top-Handle Bag?
A top handle bag is a silhouette that has one or two short handles on the top. The design was first made popular in the 1920s as a functional accessory, but soon had a resurgence in the 60s due to fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, often in small boxy iterations.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Hulton Archive)
Nowadays, top-handle bags come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, fabrications and colours for you to choose from, but true to my minimalist sense of dressing, I have my eye on more classic styles that will stand the test of time in my wardrobe.
Because of the short handles, these bags are designed to be carried by hand, and although this classy style cannot fit over the shoulder, don’t fear, as most modern iterations are sold with an attachable crossbody strap for ease. And the best part? The refined handbag shape will look expensive at any and every price point.
Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best top-handle handbags for winter 2026, and beyond.
Shop the Best Top-Handle Bags
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Leather-Trimmed Suede Clutch
I’d wear this on evenings out with an LBD.
Balenciaga
Hourglass Small Croc-Effect Leather Crossbody Bag
Such a cool shape.
DeMellier
The Hudson Tote
My dream work bag.
Loewe
Amazona 23 cropped bag
A unique hue that will brighten up your darker winter palette.
COS
Gallery Clutch Bag
’90s chic.
YSL
Sac De Jour in Grained Leather
Simple, yet so very effective.
M&S
Mini Bowler Bag
Proof that a top-handle bag looks expensive at any price point.
Miu Miu
Arcadie Matelassé Velvet Bag
How sweet is this?
NILI LOTAN
Jaclyn Suede Tote
I adore the suede finish.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Jodie Bag
The woven leather is instantly recognisable.
Toteme
T-Lock Top Handle Bag
This is very popular amongst the editors at Who What Wear UK.
MÉTIER
Private Eye Leather Tote
You can never go wrong with a classic black tote.
ZARA
Topstitch Mini Tote Bag
This looks way more expensive than it’s £28 price tag.
The Row
India 10.00 Bag in Leather
The rich navy hue and intentional details makes this a stand-out investment.
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION
Andy Small Croc-Effect Suede Clutch
This croc-suede iteration is tempting me.
Polène
Mokki Mini Bag
An elegant day-to-night bag that will bring instant polish to your looks
MAGDA BUTRYM
Varsovia Embellished Textured-Leather Tote Bag
This plum hue is calling to me.
Savette
Slim Symmetry Leather Tote Bag
This will go with just about every party outfit you can think of.
MANGO
Shiny Handbag With Handles
The glossy finish takes this top-handle bag from basic to elevated.
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer handbags—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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