The ‘Perfect’ Handbag, According to Women in Their 20s, 30s, 40s and 70s

WHAT DO millennials, Gen Xers and boomers have in common? An appreciation for pocket-laden handbags. Interviews with style-savvy New Yorkers of different ages and luxury retailers proved that most everyone craves purse pockets. Except, perhaps, for fashion entrepreneur Linda Rodin, 75. She’d prefer to skip a bag altogether. Not because she doesn’t like purses (“I used to buy bags all the time!” she said) but because she abhors lugging extra weight. “I do need a bag for certain things,” such as her lipstick, mirror and pout-shaped cosmetics pouch, she conceded. For her, incredible lightness trumps plentiful pockets. 

Heft is no concern for Madeline Bach, 27, founder of Frosted Hag Custom Cakes. She rarely steps outside without a bag full of markers, aspirin, lipstick and other miscellany. “I carry so much all the time. I’m afraid of forgetting something,” she said, noting pockets help organize her purse chaos. New York stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, 31, describes herself as an “overloader.” She usually totes three pairs of sunglasses and “14 phone chargers.” 

“As you get older, the bag gets lighter,” said Ikram Goldman, founder of her eponymous Chicago boutique. Arielle Siboni, women’s fashion director at Bloomingdale’s, agrees. After a certain point, you “only carry the essentials,” she said. Goldman has observed Gen Xers and boomers hunting for structured bags that are “pre-organized” (i.e., have pockets). 

Here, fashionable New Yorkers of different generations divulge their dream bags and what they regularly carry.

Linda Rodin | 75, fashion entrepreneur 

My dream bag is: this Stella McCartney shoulder bag in vegan leather. It’s light and I can wear it cross-body so I can carry packages and stuff like that. And I think we’re all trying not to kill animals.

$950, StellaMcCartney.com

I usually carry: as little as possible. I bring red lipstick with me so if I go to a restaurant I can reapply. These sunglasses, which I carry occasionally, were my late sister’s. She probably got them in the ’70s. I don’t really wear them. I just could never part with them. They’re a memento I like to have.

Maria McManus | 45, founder and creative director

My dream bag is: the Row’s geometric Mae Bag in white. I buy two types of bags: practical ones with pockets and space for a laptop, and fun, gorgeous ones that are like jewelry for your outfit but cannot fit anything. This bag is such an unusual shape and it will fit my phone.

$3,140, Fwrd.com

I usually carry: La Bouche Rouge lipstick, Lesse sunscreen because I’m so fair and tiger’s-eye beads that my friend got me when I started my business. She said it’s a powerful stone that brings courage and protection.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson | 31, fashion editor and stylist

My dream bag is: Chanel’s shaded patent-leather Flap Bag. I tend to carry classic bags in wacky colors. My chic mother always told me to invest in timeless things you’ll have forever. But you can still get the most exciting, fun and young version of it.

$5,600, Chanel, 1-800-550-0005

I usually carry: two to three sunglasses at all times—standard and fun options—and these floral cards my mom bought me. She wrote these affirmations on them. This one says, “Remember to breathe.”

Madeline Bach | 27, founder of Frosted Hag Custom Cakes

My dream bag is: Balenciaga’s Neo Cagole City Bag. I love its Y2K look. I’d need it in black because I struggle with matching. It’s big enough that I can cram in as much as I want, and it has little compartments, zippers, pockets and studded details that make it exciting.  

$3,100, Balenciaga.com

I usually carry: markers so I can sketch out cake ideas and Bayer Back & Body because my back always hurts. I strain it when I’m baking. I just threw in a new bottle, but there’s always some aspirin loose in the bottom of my purse.

Attainable Alternatives

The Wall Street Journal is not compensated by retailers listed in its articles as outlets for products. Listed retailers frequently are not the sole retail outlets.