Alternative to Purse

Alternatives to the Traditional Purse

Alternatives to the Traditional Purse

We’ve all carried our possessions in a purse. It’s versatile, easy to wear, and can liven up any outfit. Purses, on the other hand, can be out of date and unattractive. It can be boring if it is overly utilitarian.

So, if you want to keep up with high fashion or stay current while still needing a handbag to store your daily essentials, have a look at our selection of fashionable purse choices below.

Backpack

A person in worn pants and white sneakers leans against a brick wall, clutching a rucksack with one hand.

One of the most appealing aspects of a backpack is that they are available in such a wide range of sizes, colors, and even forms that it is impossible not to discover one that is ideal for you. Backpacks can be little or enormous, black or neon-colored, and have a dozen or more pockets that precisely accommodate your possessions.

Backpacks are ideal for school, work, or a shopping spree because they can hold as many of your personal belongings as you like, are secure thanks to their numerous zippers and compartments, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Many backpacks are even shaped like animals, making them ideal for youngsters and young adults to carry. Most backpacks are also relatively affordable, especially if you buy them at discount stores or during sales, making them both simple on the wallet and accommodating.

Phone Wallet

These are phone cases with a little more space for items like credit cards and driver’s licenses. They’re ideal for when you’re only going to be gone for a short time and only need to buy a few things, especially if you don’t need to carry around as many additional goods as you would in a purse.

They normally include Velcro or something similar that makes opening and shutting the pouch quick and easy, and they’re designed to hold a variety of stuff while not being too big to carry around. Some of these cases allow you to view the front of your phone through the case, while others completely conceal it.

Many of them may also be attached to your belt, allowing you to have a hands-free experience. The best part is that these phone cases are quite affordable, so you’ll never have to pay a lot of money for them unless you really want to.

Bucket Bag

A bucket bag is a hybrid of a backpack and a purse. It is often constructed of high-quality leather and includes a drawstring at the top for opening and closing the bag. Bucket bags come with straps that allow you to wear them around your shoulder or even across your body, and best of all, they go with anything you wear, no matter how casual or formal it is.

They offer spacious inside and, owing to the drawstring, keep everything inside secure. Furthermore, the straps are frequently adjustable, ensuring that your bucket bag is always comfy, no matter how far you’re traveling.

Bucket bags come in a number of plain colors and designs, and they’re popular among everyone from youngsters to senior citizens. Because they are available in a variety of sizes, you may select one that is very small or one that is quite huge, so whether you want it to hold just a wallet and a hairbrush or everything you would normally carry in your handbag, the bag can manage it. They are frequently embellished with tassels or fringes, making them more attractive.

Wallet

The nicest part about shopping for wallets is that there are so many options that you can nearly make your own. Wallets come in a variety of sizes and materials, including leather, neoprene, solid colors, and vivid patterns. Some have a checkbook compartment, while others include a pen. Some have multiple pockets, whereas others just have one.

Whatever you’re looking for, wallet makers are sure to have it, and the best part is that you won’t have to pay a lot of money to acquire it. Wallets for men and women are available in a variety of colors, including black, brown, pink, red, and any other color you like.

Wallets may also be available in thousands of stores around the country, ranging from inexpensive stores to huge department stores, ensuring that no matter what your personal budget is, you will not overspend merely to buy anything you want. Carrying a wallet on your next shopping trip is far more convenient than carrying a large purse, and it also makes it much easier to carry those shopping bags you’re about to acquire.

Cosmetic Bag

On wooden background, a cosmetic bag containing a phone, comb, and makeup brush are surrounded by autumn leaves.

Cosmetic bags are designed to be the appropriate size to carry around with you when you only need a few items to take with you on your next outing. They’re not as big as most purses and handbags, and they’re just big enough to carry your ID, some cash, and your phone.

True, some cosmetic bags are huge, boxed-shaped, and difficult to carry around, but the majority of them are made of soft, durable fabrics and are the correct form and size for your convenience. They are incredibly easy and quick to get in and out of because they usually feature a zipper enclosure.

Cosmetic bags are also available in a variety of colors and styles, so whether you want something classic and conservative or something bright and bold, you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for. You can carry the bag in your hand while shopping, and because it’s small, you won’t have to worry about it being too heavy, making it ideal for times you don’t want to carry a handbag.

Fanny Pack

Fanny packs may have been removed from the list of current fads, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten about. Fanny packs come in so many sizes and designs that they’re always tempting to buy when you see them in a store, even if they’re not what you were looking for.

They have adjustable waist straps that fit everyone who buys one of these bags, and they allow you to shop hands-free while keeping your belongings nearby in case you need them.

Fanny packs are suitable for both men and women, which is why they are available in a variety of hues, including black, navy blue, purple, and pink. Regardless of how many goods you want to carry with you while out and about, you can find a fanny pack that is the correct size for you, and they make any outing a lot simpler for you.

Tote Bag

When you don’t have a lot of things to carry but want something bigger than a wallet or a phone case, tote bags are ideal. Hairbrushes, wallets, cell phones, and even a small bag of makeup can be stored in tote bags, which are normally open at the top or have zippers. They fit over your shoulder and are therefore pleasant to wear while carrying them.

They also come in a variety of colors and designs, and brand names and logos are frequently seen on the sides of these bags. Because they are supposed to be robust, they are frequently constructed of canvas or even neoprene, making them the ideal thing to bring with you on a shopping trip or other outing.

Utility Belt

There are two types of utility belts. The first is a type designed for runners that conceals your ID and cash on the inside of the belt so no one notices, and the other is a type that has pockets and other gadgets that you may use to store your personal items.

They’re similar to fanny packs, except that instead of fitting around your waist, they’re attached to your belt, so you don’t have to carry anything additional. Their linked pockets are available in a variety of sizes, so whether you only need to carry an ID and some cash or a little more, you’ll be able to find something that works for you.

This isn’t to imply that utility belts are particularly large; they normally aren’t, but if you want an extra-secure pouch or pocket to carry your ID and phone about in, they could be ideal. They’re safe and secure, and you can count on them to keep your belongings hidden from prying eyes.

Wristlet Bag

This may or may not be its own type of handbag, depending on who you ask. Wristlets are clutches with a thin strap that is intended to be worn around the wrist. A smaller envelope clutch form or a zippered, accordion-style wristlet with extendable sides are common.

The bracelet bag is a recent addition to the world of fashion. This stylized wristlet deviates from the typical clutch form, despite having a strap that slides over the wrist. Bracelet bags come in a variety of vertical and horizontal shapes, and their shape is similar to that of little tote bags.

Backpack Purse

As the name implies, the backpack purse resembles a little rucksack. It is strictly a casual bag because it is one of our larger handbags. Even yet, only a few backpack purses are large enough to function as a traditional backpack.

However, a number of high-end designers appear to be disputing the idea that large, loose clothes are exclusively suitable for casual use. Despite this, the backpack purse is a popular choice for athletic wear due to its simplicity and size.

Photo of author

Kiara Shailene

Kiara has branched out into freelancing after years of managing hundreds of fashion brands for a major store. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, we're connected to a number of fashion retailers and media platforms. As an editorial strategist for a number of online magazines, Kiara uses her experience to help growing fashion firms develop high-quality content. Her work in JazzyFeed consists of articles on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle products.