I’ve never considered myself a major purse person. But since becoming a mom, I’ve learned the right bag makes all the difference. I never once thought about carrying a diaper... The post The Best Mom Purse (for the mom who wants style AND function) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.
I’ve never considered myself a major purse person. But since becoming a mom, I’ve learned the right bag makes all the difference. I never once thought about carrying a diaper before I had kids. Now it’s the first thing I think about. Funny how that happens.
A mom bag becomes a catch-all fast. Snacks, diapers, tiny toys, tissues, a rogue crayon…it all ends up in there. And while I will always love a cute bag (I’m only human), function has definitely become the priority for me as a mom to two boys. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style to get a bag that works. I’ve tried everything over the years from diaper bags, crossbodies, backpacks, oversized totes, and I’ve landed on some real favorites. I’m sharing all of them today.
The Best Mom Purses for the Functional Mom
The very best mom purse I own is a simple tote bag. While most people say backpacks are a must for moms, I’m not really a backpack person and rarely carry one. I love the look and feel of a good tote, so that’s usually my top pick. But to be fair, there are definitely days when a backpack makes the most sense. When I know I need to be hands-free, like at the zoo, I have a couple of backpacks I trust to get the job done (so I shared those below). A good crossbody is also one of my most-used bags since that also allows me go hands-free. Alright, let’s get into my picks!
A Classic Tote
What I love most about a tote bag is they look good with nearly any outfit. Plus, they’re roomy without being too mom-ish…just throw over your shoulder and go.
My personal favorite is the Classic Easy Tote from Cuyana. I’ve shown up to school as the “mystery reader” with this bag. I’ve run every errands with it, and it goes to and from work with me. It hits that sweet spot of being big enough to fit everything you need for yourself and the kids…laptop, snacks, a small makeup bag, wallet, and keys. But I love it because it still looks polished enough for work, and makes me feel like a classy adult. Basically, it holds all the things, but doesn’t feel heavier than both my children.
If the Cuyana is out of your budget, the Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote (pictured above) is a great alternative. It’s more affordable and a little more casual. I used mine nonstop for two years before switching to the Cuyana, so I can vouch for it. It has a soft but structured shape and is a bit smaller than the Cuyana, but has held up beautifully for as often as I use it to tote things to and from the office.
Quince also makes a similar bag at a slightly cheaper price (called the Italian Leather Handwoven Tote), if you want to save a few dollars. I have a full Quince review if you want to dig into their quality before buying. I also own the classic Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote and love that it folds up so you can travel with it…it also doubles as a great option for a cute gym bag.
A Cute Crossbody
When I only need the basics for a quick errand run or an outing with the boys, a crossbody or sling bag is my go-to. The Abbey Alley Sling Bag is my favorite right now. I love the soft leather and the quality is really nice. (You can use code TeriLyn15 for 15% off)
It fits surprisingly a lot, keeps my hands free, and is a lot cuter than a Lululemon belt bag if you ask me. If you want a similar vibe at a lower price point, the Quince Woven Shoulder Bag is a great alternative.
A Small Backpack
If you want something bigger than a crossbody to hold a few more things, a small backpack is a great option. It gives you a little more room without being too bulky or heavy, and a leather bag still looks really polished. There are so many small leather backpack options out there now, but the Cuyana Leather Backpack is at the top of my list! It’s sleek with great leather quality and just looks beautiful. Frankly, Cuyana just knows how to make a beautiful leather bag.
If you want a similar look at a lower price point, the Quince Italian Leather Small Backpack is worth a look.
A Functional Backpack
If you’re chasing toddlers or need both hands free, a backpack is a lifesaver (even coming from a non-backpack gal). My top pick in this category is the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack. It has durable fabric that can be cleaned, (yes, please), exterior water bottle pockets, a main compartment with great organization, and a hidden zip pocket for valuables. It comes in a few sizes so you can choose which one will work best for you.
The straps are padded, which I didn’t think I cared about until I didn’t have it. An it’s a sleek enough design to wear with jeans and a blazer or leggings and your favorite sneakers. I’ve used it as a diaper bag, a mini travel bag, and even a purse/laptop bag hybrid when I need to squeeze in some work at the coffee shop.
If you want a similar everyday feel at a more budget-friendly price, the Quince All Day Neoprene Backpack is a great choice. I always keep mine stocked with the basics: wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues, a snack bar, and an extra hair tie.
The Oversized Backpack
When you need to carry all the things–think an all-day outing or a flight with kids, an oversized backpack is a must. What I love about this kind of bag is you can stay hands-free while still carrying a ton. I prefer a bag with a wide opening so you’re not digging through layers of stuff just to find a pacifier, and a full zipper closure to keep everything contained.
This Meia Convertible Everyday Backpack is perfect for this type of situation. If I’d had this during my corporate travel days, it would have been clutch. I use it for field trips too since it looks polished (so many diaper backpacks don’t), but it fits a ton. The removable clutch is such a smart detail and I can’t wait to use it on my next trip to Utah with the boys.
Final Thoughts
A crossbody is perfect for short errands or quick outings. If you’re juggling multiple kids and need to bring all the things, a structured tote or oversized backpack will work better. I’ve used every style on this list at some point and they all have their place.
I also rounded up my favorite straw bags for summer if you want something a little more seasonal to add to the rotation.
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The post The Best Mom Purse (for the mom who wants style AND function) appeared first on TeriLyn Adams.
