The everyday bag

The Everyday Bag
The first must-have style is the everyday bag, the purse you take with you to work, to lunch and to pick up the kids. It's your catch-all bag. Because you will use this bag the most, Joe says to choose a neutral color like black, navy or brown. "You can pick it up and leave, and it will match everything you're wearing," Joe says.

The key is to choose a bag with multiple compartments to organize everything you carry. "So that every night you're not looking for your keys," Oprah says.

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Beverly Large Bag; Zappos.com
The oversize clutch

The Oversize Clutch
The oversize clutch is a fun way to transition an outfit from day to night. "You can put this bag into your everyday bag to take to work if you want to switch to go out," Joe says.

Perlina Handbag Envelope Clutch; Zappos.com
The small clutch

The Small Clutch
When the occasion calls for a dressy look, Joe says a small clutch is the perfect bag for night out. It should be big enough to carry just your essentials, which Joe says you can remember with the acronym MILK: money, ID, lipstick and keys.

If you're only going to buy one evening bag, Joe says to go for something with shine, like metallics, sequins or metal details.

Sasha Clutch; Macy's
The weekend tote

The Weekend Tote
The canvas weekend tote is an easy, throw-everything-in bag for weekend trips. "And you can throw it in the wash," Joe says. Totes are sold at every price point, whether you want to splurge or spend less than $20.

Barneys New York Classic Canvas Weekend Tote; Barneys.com
The novelty bag

The Novelty Bag
The last must-have style is the novelty bag, an easy way to update your wardrobe with the latest trends. "This is the one way you can tiptoe into a trend if you don't want to go full-fledged," Joe says. Rather than dressing head-to-toe in studs, one of this season's biggest trends, look for a studded handbag in your price point.

Be & D Garbo Satchel; Zappos.com

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Published 11/02/2009