After years of carrying around bags as though they are an extension to my body, I’ve realized that not all of them are made equal. Some could only survive my hectic lifestyle for about a month, and others we’re quickly abandoned as they offered nothing in terms of organisation, only frustration.

And then, there were the winning bags that managed to stick around for years. The bags that are my go-to accessories while I go to work or run errands around town. These bags somehow managed to perfectly complement both my outfits and my lifestyle. Here are the lessons I’ve learned about what makes the ideal bag for everyday use.

Look for Signs of Quality

No matter how stylish a bag looks, if it won’t last, it’s not worth your money. So, if you want to own a reliable bag which you can always turn to when you need it, it’s important to check whether it has a quality design. Usually, this means looking for some kind of leather bag. Genuine leather is known for its durability and is one of those things that actually can look better with time. It’s soft and buttery, opposed to artificial materials which are plastic-like, stiff and squeaky. If you look for a non-leather bag for the warmer months, opt for canvas or thick fabric. Also, you’d want to make sure that the bag doesn’t have pencil-thin straps that not only are a sign of bad quality but can also cut into your shoulders and cause pain.

Select a Versatile Design

If you’re going to invest in a quality leather bag, it should be able to go with most of your outfits. And if you want to be able to match the bag with most of your wardrobe, make sure that it’s in a neutral colour. With that being said, consider a bag in a shade like charcoal grey, beige, navy or the timeless black. If you want to get a colourful bag to serve as a statement piece, look for one that has a dominant colour that matches most of your clothes. In addition, keep the hardware minimal and make sure that it matches your jewellery collection.

Pay Attention to the Compartments

Besides being spacious enough to store all your daily must-haves, a good handbag should also allow you to organise them perfectly and retrieve what you need easily. This means searching for a nice number of compartments. A combination of open and zippered compartments in various sizes can efficiently meet your organisation needs. If you want to take a laptop along with you, some handbags also feature a convenient laptop compartment.