Beat the handbag hang-ups with fall’s finest

Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

For all you women out there who wear your heart on your sleeve, I’ve found some arm candy that you’re bound to fall in love with! Whether you’re classic or colorful, feeling tough or craving texture, there’s something for everyone this season — and at every price point!

So after sifting through look books galore, scouring stores big and small and surfing every inch of the Web, I’ve created a roundup of the handbag trends you’ll want to take note of, and the carryalls that caught my eye in each category (including, of course, where to find each of these favorites). Happy handbag hunting!

Classic
From Fendi’s Peek-A-Boo bag to Prada’s smart satchels, designers went back to basics this season. Think rich and refined, as ladylike and structured styles steal the show this fall. Details like top handles and croc or python embossing are sure to add elegance. Vintage browns, burgundy, black, navy and hunter green are chic colors that are the perfect complement to a crisp carryall. While these bags should hold true to their classic roots, look for modern updates, such as an oversize version of a simple silhouette, to make your favorite feel fresh.

Fendi peek-a-boo tote, $2,420, Neimanmarcus.com; *East fifth computer tote, $39.99, Jcpenney.com (allDAY blog pick); Liz Claiborne signature handbags, $85-$95, Macys.com; Calvin Klein faux python satchel, $128 Zappos.com (avail 9/30)

Colorful
A rainbow of styles popped on the runway for fall, from Marc Jacobs to Michael Kors. Bright bags and candy-colored clutches are exciting ways to add a splash of fun to any outfit. Neons, electric blue, royal purple, emerald green and cherry red breathe life into otherwise overly simplistic styles.

This is a great time to be bold, but if you’re looking for a little inspiration when it comes to your colorful carryall, look no further than Carrie Bradshaw. The second “Sex and the City” movie is currently under way, and Sarah Jessica Parker is already carrying a supersized hot-pink Christian Louboutin hobo.

Mulberry orange Daria hobo, $995, 212-453-4722;*Aztec Gold Suede hobo, $99.50, Landsend.com (allDAY blog pick); Purple Chain hobo, $19, belladawn.com; London Fog Ashley teal hobo, $75, Stagestores.com; Hot pink case clutches, $26.95, Purple Blake shopper, $39.95, DSW.com; Sabina purple convertible hobo, $79 at DSW stores; Melie Bianco blue bag, $115, Thefashionplate.com; Classic tweed flap bag, $2,295, Chanel.com; Gianni Bini Maya hobo, $99, Dillards.com

Tough
Along with chains and zippers, studs are here to stay this season. Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo and Bally are leading the way with “bad girl bags” that are too good to resist! It’s all about the hardware when it comes to getting this look, so stick with a black or gray base to really make the metal pop. Think rebel chic and use these statement bags to build a whole outfit. You’ll be downtown-chic the second you put these edgy accessories on your arm.

*Rachel by Rachel Roy Kat chain clutch, $79, Macys.com (allDAY blog pick); Large studded hobo bag, $49.50, Express.com; Metallic stud bag, $49, Spiegel.com; Mushroom studded bag, black clutch with silver detail, $69.90-$79.90, Zara.com; Studded chain shoulder bag, $80, Topshop.com; B.bags sequin box clutches, $50, at Bakers stores; Hype Cary minaudiere clutch, $150, Getthatstyle.com; Savanna gold woven clutch, $35, Ebags.com

Textured
We talk so much about the look of a bag — but this is all about the feel. From Valentino’s intricate floral designs to Bottega Veneta’s iconic weaving, textured bags add interest that smooth styles just can’t match. Look for twisting, tucking, pleating and folding for a 3-D effect that is sure to catch your eye.

Even sequins have sneaked onto the scene, adding an injection of glam to small bags and clutches. But with so much going on, you’ll want to stick to soft shapes and neutral tones such as pale gray, plum, rose or blush to keep these handbags looking luxe rather than loud.

Lilac San Marco karung bag, $3,600, Bottegaveneta.com; *Gabby clutch, $79, Ninewest.com (allDAY blog pick); Big Buddha rose tote, $90, Thefashionplate.com; Rampage Krista double shoulder tote, $108, Endless.com; Deux Lux twist bag in seafoam, $68, Urbanoutfitters.com; Magid Pewter rose bag, $29.99 Loehmanns.com; Calvin Klein clutches, $68-$148, Amazon.com

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