Kate Middleton’s Top-Handle Bag Is Fancier Than a Crossbody and More Functional Than a Clutch —Get the Look from $24

Kate Middleton can’t stop and (hopefully) won’t stop wearing this chic handbag style.

The Princess of Wales, 41, stepped out for the annual Christmas carol concert at the end of last week, and we spotted the timeless top-handle bag again. In theme with her Chris Kerr coat and Holland Cooper pants, she accessorized her winter white outfit with a $555 Strathberry bag, by the brand, that followed suit.

The royal family sticks to styles that suit them, and that includes top handle bags. She paired them with her outfits for everything from a royal tour to a rugby match to greeting fans. She once even let the baby play with her purse, allegedly saying, “I’ll be back for it!”

Getty Images

Top-handle bags look more elevated than cross-body bags and are more functional than clutches. You can fit a handful of essentials in them, and when you get tired of holding them, you can carry them on your hands instead. They also bring the whole ensemble together, often connecting different elements of the outfit. TL; DR: They’re probably what’s missing from your outfit.

Top handle bags inspired by Kate Middleton

• JW Pei Lucy Croc Embossed Top Handle Bag, $34.97 (orig. $79); nordstromrack.com
• Kate Spade Katy Medium Top-Handle Bag, $167.40 in cart (orig. $398); katespade.com
• Drop Diana Top Handle Shoulder Bag in Dark Green, $24.02 (orig. $42.90); amazon.com
• Mango Padlock Croc Embossed Top Handle Envelope, $49.99; nordstrom.com
• Kate Spade Puffy Mini Top-Handle Crossbody in Parchment, $134.25 in cart (orig. $399); katespadeoutlet.com
• Anthropologie Clear Buckle Top Handle Bag in Black, $78; antropologija.com
• Steve Madden Cub Top Handle Bag in Black, $32.97 (orig. $88); nordstromrack.com
• Awqvf Bamboo Handle Zip Tote in Brown, $27.54 with coupon (orig. $28.99); amazon.com
• Aldo Papioni Bag in Second Black, $25.98 (orig. $65); zappos.com
• Steve Madden X Marks The Spot Top-Handle Bag in Gold, $52.92 (orig. $98); zappos.com
• Aldo Porsha bag in light brown, $48.75 (orig. $65); zappos.com
• Staise Top Handle Shoulder Bag in Green, $30.15 with coupon (orig. $36.99); amazon.com

The Julia Roberts cape jacket is a stylish alternative to the puffer coat, and you can get the look starting at $32

JW Pei Lucy Croc Embossed Top Handle Bag, $35 (Save 55%)

Nordstrom rack

Buy at Nordstromrack.com $79 $35

Winter white clothes are stylish, but a little black purse, or LBP, is also a must-have. And this JW Pei bag, now more than half-discarded, is very similar to another version owned by the Princess of Wales: it has a crocodile-embossed finish, an envelope-like flap for opening and closing, and a sturdy carrying handle.

In general, the JW Pei brand has been worn by Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Megan Fox and more, plus it was included in Oprah’s Favorite Things list. And if you order it by Friday, December 15th at 5pm PT, you’ll get it in time for Christmas.

Kate Spade Katy Medium Top Handle Bag, $167 (Save $231)

Kate Spade

Buy at Katespade.com $398 $167

Kate Spade bags can cost a pretty penny, but at the time of this writing, this one is on sale for over $230. It looks big enough to fit your wallet, phone and book or Kindle, but is still easy to carry from the car to the store.

You’re also basically getting two bags for the price of one since you can carry it as a shoulder bag, another celebrity style trend, or carry it by the top handle. Just fasten the belt or take it off, depending on what you need for the day or the occasion.

Diana Top Handle Shoulder Bag, $24 (Save 44%)

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $43 $24

In 2019, the princess carried a green bag with a top handle, which will be festive for the upcoming celebrations. Drop’s Diana bag can similarly be worn one of two ways and has “such a classic look,” according to one Amazon customer. “There’s not a lot of room inside,” but there’s still enough to fit “a small wallet, phone, keys and lipstick,” they added.

If top-handle bags can stand the test of time for Kate Middleton, you need one in your closet too. Keep scrolling to shop more Princess of Wales inspired handbags now.

Mango Padlock Croc Embossed Top Handle Envelope

Nordstrom

Buy at Nordstrom $50

Kate Spade Puffy Top Handle Crossbody Mini, $134 (Save $265)

Kate Spade

Buy at Katespadeoutlet.com $399 $134

By Anthropologie Transparent bag with top handle and buckle

Anthropologie

Buy at Anthropologie $78

Steve Madden Cub Shoulder Handle Bag, $33 (Save 62%)

Nordstrom rack

Buy at Nordstromrack.com $88 $33

Aldo Papioni Bag, $26 (Save 60%)

Zappos

Buy at Zappos $65 $26

Steve Madden X Marks The Spot Top Handle Bag, $53 (Save 46%)

Zappos

Buy at Zappos $98 $53

Aldo Porsha Bag, $49 (Save 25%)

Zappos

Buy at Zappos $65 $49

Staise Top Handle Shoulder Bag, $30 (Save $7)

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $37 $30

Awqvf Bamboo Handle Zipper Tote, $28 with coupon

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $29 $28

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education