3 Ways to Choose the Perfect First Luxury Bag

Choosing a luxury bag is a big deal—and even more so when it's your first. And not just for the financial investment—it's also a milestone moment when you're marking a significant occasion in your life. At Coach, we've been committed to crafting high-quality, beautiful things you can be yourself in since 1941, which is long enough to know that when chosen well, your bag is a choice that will prove its worth the investment for years—even lifetimes—to come.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before purchasing your first luxury bag.

• Your first luxury bag should help you express who you are, functioning as an extension of your own personal style every day.
• Before choosing your first luxury bag, you should think about what you'll be using it for, your own wardrobe and the colours you gravitate towards.
• While it might seem like a daunting task, this guide walks you through the top questions you should ask yourself to help you choose your perfect plus-one.

Crafted to last for years and years to come, your first luxury handbag should be able to adapt to your ever-evolving style, meeting you wherever you are and wherever you're heading next. Look for a bag that fits your intended use, serves as an extension of who you are and matches your capsule wardrobe—not an easy task, is it? While finding the perfect plus-one to last a lifetime might seem a bit daunting, there are a few key questions you can ask yourself to ensure you never settle. You want a bag that's going to age with you, after all.

In other words, what sorts of occasions will you use your bag for? The perfect first luxury bag will seamlessly fit into your lifestyle, carrying everything you need for nights out, walks across the quad or busy commutes to your first job or internship—all while tying your favourite looks together.

Late Nights Out: Dinner dates, happy hours and after-work events—if this sounds like your schedule, a structured shoulder bag or compact mini bag will take care of all the essentials while you embrace your inner social butterfly.

Try: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Plaza Bag

Campus Walks & City Commutes: If your first luxury bag will be accompanying you across campus or to your first job, you'll want to make sure it's large enough to fit all the essentials. Try a relaxed silhouette (like an expandable carryall) for effortless style every day.

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

Always Travelling: Constantly on the go? You'll want a bag that can keep up with your busy travel schedule. For hands-free convenience, consider a crossbody bag that will never leave your side.

Try: Bleecker Bucket Bag, Tabby Chain Crossbody Bag 19 with Quilting

Are you someone who loves to dress up regardless of the occasion? Or do you find yourself sticking to a more casual vibe on a day-to-day basis? Your first luxury bag should be an extension of your wardrobe and personal style—complementing all your favourite outfits.

Fashion Forward: If you're not afraid to experiment with the latest trends, lean into unique bag materials or styles with eye-catching embellishments, beaded fringe or quilting.

Try: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 in Regenerative Cotton Denim, Tabby Shoulder Bag 20 with Pillow Quilting, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 with Crystal Beaded Fringe

Laid-back: Pair your relaxed wardrobe with an effortless yet stylish bag that goes with everything. Think slouchy silhouettes crafted of soft leathers made for living.

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34

Always Bold: If no colours or patterns are off limits in your wardrobe, go all in with an equally bold bag. Or if you're looking to balance out your brightest outfits, consider a versatile neutral bag that's always in style—you'll never have to think twice about whether or not it matches your look.

Try: Ergo Bag In Checkerboard Upcrafted Leather, Chain Tabby Shoulder Bag

Take a look inside your closet and evaluate your wardrobe's colour palette before choosing your first luxury bag. You'll want something that fits into your capsule wardrobe, versatile enough to be worn with everything from your favourite little black dress to your old worn-in blue jeans. Think about the colours you typically wear, and what bag colours would match or contrast those shades.

Warm Neutrals: Maple, warm brown, olive and other earth tones

Try: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 in Warm Brown

Darker Shades: Merlot, navy, black

Try: Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40 in Merlot

Bright & Colourful: Candy apple red, peony and styles with patterns

Try: Tabby Top Handle Bag With Quilting in Candy Apple