The 15 Best Bucket Bags for Every Occasion

It’s no wonder Mansur Gavriel is the brand that comes to mind when you hear the words “bucket bag.” Since the brand’s inception in 2012, it has been a coveted celebrity It bag, gracing the shoulders of Naomi Watts, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and more. Available in both a sizable and a “mini version,” the latter (pictured here) is arguably the most popular. 

What testers say: “I love the simplicity of this bag! It holds more than it would seem which is perfect for me as I always have my phone, keys, wallet, and sunglasses! Beautiful! I want it in another color!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $445

With subtle front logo branding and sleek grained leather, the Totême Leather Bucket Bag couldn’t be any more perfect for fashion minimalists. It only comes in neutral colors (black and tan), and its unique cube-shaped silhouette offers a more relaxed alternative for those not drawn to super-structured bucket styles. It offers two carrying options; you can grasp it from the top using its folded handle or wear it crossbody when you want to go hands-free.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,080

This Gucci Bucket Bag may be minimalist in terms of how much it can hold, but it’s undoubtedly maximalist in the design department. It’s a fusion of old and new, decorated with the Italian fashion house’s iconic “GG Supreme” print pays homage to its original launch that dates back to the ’30s. The adjustable shoulder strap makes for versatile styling, while a drawstring closure adorned with fringe gives the classic an added flair.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,400

When choosing the perfect everyday bag, it’s important to look for one that’s neither too big nor too small and versatile to transition from day to night. Few bags encapsulate these details better than the Coach Willow Bucket Bag. It comes with two handles — a detachable short strap and a detachable shoulder strap — so you can switch between them according to your needs or your outfit. It also boasts different pocket options to organize your essentials, including a zippered main compartment and two open snap-closure pockets.

What testers say: “I love the size, shape and structure of the Willow Bucket Bag in Silver/Faded Purple. It is a perfect medium everyday bag. Not too small and not too large.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $350

This is certainly not your average straw bag. The Loewe Drawstring Bucket Bag, made of palm leaf and adornments of calfskin, is at the forefront of the sensational trend — of which pulls sartorial inspiration from Jane Birkin’s enduring style. Whether you’ve got tropical vacation on the calendar or you’re looking for a great daytime purse, the drawstring top adds a practical touch, ensuring your bag’s contents stay secure. Plus, its inherently neutral colorway will play well with any colorful ensemble.

What testers say: “This is such a cute and right size bag, nice for Spring and Summer, goes with everything and fits all my necessities.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $650

Almost every shopper sings the same praise for the Tory Burch McGraw Small Leather Bucket Bag: it accommodates more than you might expect at first glance. You can trust that it effortlessly holds your essentials — wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys, lipstick, and more — without looking or feeling bulky. The pebbled leather adds a lightweight and soft touch, complemented by sophisticated details such as its stacked-T logo appliqué and a line of running stitches.

What testers say: “Great leather and fits what I need in a handbag. Looks can be deceiving because from outward appearances it is a small handbag but I can fit my phone, sunglasses, medium wallet, and lipstick. Receive compliments and this bag looks great with most outfits!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $348

This Marc Jacobs bucket bag comes highly recommended by De Sole. It stands out from the pack because it’s the perfect fusion of youthfulness and sophistication, thanks to its textured rope top-handle and gold hardware. It also comes in a slew of colorways to match your wardrobe, including chic camel, poppy pink, and crisp white.

What testers say: “I absolutely love this bag!!! So fun, so versatile so trendy! It’s definitely an eye candy and the cutest spring accessory I’ve had in years! Can we talk about the leather???! It’s so very rich! I have higher name brands in my collection of bags and purses, and this lil beauty is putting the rest to shame when it comes to durability and feel! Highly recommended.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $395

The Banana Republic Vida Bag gained TikTok mega-stardom in 2022, to the tune of 67 million views. Shoppers applaud its remarkably spacious interior that’s capable of accommodating a serious haul — one even TikToker demonstrated how she could fit not just one but two laptops in this bag — inside a chic design that makes it an ideal work bag. The best part is, no matter how many items you sling, the strap is really thick, so it helps reduce shoulder strain.

Price upon publish date of this article: $380

Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote has successfully maintained its status as one of the most popular of the French brand’s bags — worn by the likes of Kate Middleton — even well after its heyday in the 2010s. But there’s a new Longchamp it-bag on our radar. Enter the Épure Leather Bucket Bag, perhaps the most literal interpretation of a bucket on this list. The structured silhouette is crafted from grained leather, with contrast stitching and a stud fastening to press it shut. Sleek, chic, and spacious — what’s not to love?

Price upon publish date of this article: $330

Katie Holmes was recently spotted wearing this Madewell bestseller while out and about in New York. This tote bag is crafted in genuine leather and is undeniably spacious, with room for your work laptop, items you pick up while running errands, your gym clothes — you name it. One of our favorite things about this sleek style is its magnetic closure, a simpler alternative to snap-button fasteners and a quicker option than a zipper. It also has an adjustable buckle strap, so you can fit it over your shoulder whether you’re wearing a hefty leather jacket or a more streamlined wool coat.

What testers say: “I am absolutely thrilled with my new bucket bag! It’s everything I was hoping for and more. The design of this bag is really good, it effortlessly combines fashion and function. I also love the adjustable shoulder strap, I can wear it crossbody or shorten the strap for a shoulder bag, and it’s always comfortable. The weight distribution is well-balanced, so it never feels too heavy even when fully loaded.

Price upon publish date of this article: $178

When you’re on the go, it’s crucial to have a handbag with a zippered top to keep your essentials safe. They’re surprisingly hard to come by, but this one from Quince checks all the boxes. It has a zipped center compartment to keep your things extra secure and two side compartments with snap closures for items you want faster access to, such as a lip oil, headphones, or a setting powder for touch ups.

What testers say: “Purchased this to carry all my long haul flight essentials. It holds my tablet, full size headphones, tsa bag, power bank, power cords, eye mask, socks, and more… with room to spare. It could easily double as a purse/tote once you reach your destination.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $149.50

Slouchy bags are trending, as seen on the Spring 2024 runway courtesy of brands such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. Here’s a more wallet-friendly take on the trend from J.Crew, featuring a mixed-material design framed by suede and leather. It encapsulates a true bucket silhouette with its lack of interior pockets, and its handles feature oar-shaped details inspired by the brand’s labels from the ’80s and ’90s.

What testers say: “If you have been lusting after the Khaite or a the Row bucket bags but can’t bring yourself to spend the $2K+ this is the absolute best alternative. It’s such great quality and literally looks just like its luxury peers.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $198

This updated take on Chloé’s signature Marcie Bucket Bag couldn’t be any more perfect for cozy winter dressing. Wrapped entirely in soft shearling texture, this plush bag features a leather drawstring closure, stiff top handle, and an adjustable crossbody strap for hands-free hauling. Not only does it look adorable, it’ll hold all the essentials, and could even double as a make-shift pillow if you’re in a pinch.

Price upon publish date of this article: $2,590

A bucket bag might not be the first silhouette you think of when dreaming of evening bags, but this Jimmy Choo option makes it clear that it should be. It’s practically an extension of your jewelry, thanks to its gold metal bracelet handle and tassel detailing. It comes in several materials, the most opulent of which, in our opinion, is this velvet style.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,095