Handbags Aren't Dead. Four You'll Love for Fall.

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

As we re-enter society, bags are relevant again. But germs and extreme commutes have complicated life—and teeny totes and hard-to-clean suede no longer make sense. Here, fall carryalls for our new normal.

BRAND NEW BAG Designers have launched fall bags that suit the needs of our complicated new lives. This Louis Vuitton option is for the woman who refuses to skimp on style—even while social distancing.

AS WE cautiously venture into the world again, handbags have regained relevance. But a new wariness of germs has changed our shopping criteria. So, too, have extreme commutes, especially for new suburbanites returning to city offices. The small, hard-to-clean styles we've been storing in the closet since March no longer make sense. We require purses that can withstand antiseptic wipes; carry our essentials—from laptops to yoga mats—on those long train rides to work; or add comfort and convenience to our WFH experience.

Although designers dreamt up their fall collections long before our world went haywire, many of this season's bags, luckily, suit our current needs. Take, for instance, Staud's leather, croc-embossed Moon Bag, which can endure compulsive Clorox -wiping, or Louis Vuitton 's latest monogrammed Speedy, which promises to satiate anyone who's been missing her daily dose of glamour. Here, four fall handbags that will help you navigate (or, at least, tolerate) our new normal. Which one is right for you?

For the Sanitation Zealot

Do you rely on Clorox wipes? This sturdy bag's glossy, croc-embossed leather can sustain frequent sterilizing swipes. We consider its stylish crescent-moon shape a beautiful bonus. Bag, $325, staud.clothing

For the Courageous Commuter

With room for a laptop, a yoga mat and a change of clothes, this 22-inch-long tote amply accommodates a new suburbanite's need to toil during commutes and soothingly contort after work. Bag, about $1,086, luniform.com

For the Happy Homebody

WFH warriors will appreciate this supple leather pouch, ideal for carrying your phone, lip balm, nail file and other daily essentials as you migrate between the kitchen, couch and your dining-room office. Bag, $295, mansurgavriel.com