With the start of the fall season, comes back-to-school and returning to the office after that summer vacation. Eventually, you’ll find yourself trading sandals for military boots and shorts for pants, even if it’s still 100 degrees outside. Besides the fact that it doesn’t start to feel like fall in Arizona until mid-November, one wardrobe transition you can make now without breaking a sweat is trading your summer tote for one of these fall handbags. Gone are oversized and simple, and in are the structured minis. This fall, smaller and embellished are better.

ASOS printed clutch with fringe
ASOS printed clutch with fringe

1. ASOS printed clutch with fringe

Clutches are quickly becoming the go-to not only for nighttime, but also daily errands, the office and everything in between. They can be half the size of your purse and fit all your basic essentials minus the endless searching. All you have to do is tuck one under your arm or slip one on your wrist and you’re ready to take on the day. This ASOS clutch combines two trends seen on the fall runways: graphic prints and fringe. Give your handbag a break on your next outing and opt for a clutch.
Price: $30.94

Steve Madden BMETAL shoulder bag
Steve Madden BMETAL shoulder bag

2. Steve Madden BMETAL shoulder bag

This Steve Madden BMETAL chain strap shoulder bag is perfect if you can’t decide between a clutch and a full-size shoulder bag. Weight won’t be an issue with this bag, and it even has a pocket inside. Snake and alligator skins are in high demand as women are becoming fiercer with their handbags. Let this be the one accessory that makes you stand out.
Price: $58

3.1 Phillip Lim Wednesday Flap Shoulder Bag
3.1 Phillip Lim Wednesday Flap Shoulder Bag

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Wednesday Flap Shoulder Bag

Lately, it seems all the celebrities are toting around mini handbags like the 3.1 Phillip Lim Wednesday flap shoulder bag. It’s hard not to see why. Minis are just as stylish, but half the effort of carrying a full-size handbag. You can carry it by the handle or on your shoulder. Plus, it fits under a desk or bike basket.
Price: $875

H&M bucket bag
H&M bucket bag

4. H&M bucket bag

Bucket bags are the next best thing to clutches. Once labeled as festival bags, the bucket bag has made it’s debut as the anytime bag. If you’re not the multi-pocket enthusiast, consider this bag your match. The H&M leather bag below is designed to through in the basics when you find yourself in a hurry. This bag is at your convenience when you just want to downsize.
Price: $79.95

Tory Burch Marion Quilted Small Backpack
Tory Burch Marion Quilted Small Backpack

5. Tory Burch Marion Quilted Backpack

Move aside handbags, and make room for the backpacks! They used to be strictly for school, sports or the over-prepared tourists, but not anymore. The trend of replacing purses with backpacks has officially swept the sidewalks. Of course, these backpacks are much different than your black, durable, endless pockets one you keep in your closet. Similar to the Tory Burch marion quilted small backpack below, designers are focusing more on appearance than durability. While you probably can’t fit everything you need for the next natural disaster, theses chic backpacks are more comfortable to carry than a handbag. If you feel the sudden urge to switch things up and channel that inner sporty side, rock the designer backpack.
Price: $450

Even if your not one to follow trends or splurge, at least one of these five bags could be the solution to your endless search for that perfect handbag. After all, fall is the season of change.