Best suede and leather handbags

Start with the Coach Juliet Shoulder Bag 25. Smooth leather, a compact shoulder shape that works day to night, and the strongest owner feedback of anything here — 4.8 out of 5 from 374 ratings. It's the safest "buy once" leather bag.

Who the others suit:

• Yuzefi Flared Suede Calfskin — suede-and-leather mix with a detachable strap and top handle; for someone who wants a designer look and can carry a smaller bag.
• Vivienne Westwood Hazel Treasure — beige suede with the house's signature hardware; a statement piece rather than an everyday workhorse.
• Self-Portrait Suede Leather Bag — grey suede with pendants; evening and occasion wear.
• AIDRANI leather bucket bag — the budget-friendly genuine-leather pick if you want a roomy, slouchy shape.
• Drimzate suede tote — real suede at a very low price, but only middling ratings; fine for a trend piece, not a long-term buy.

One caution: several cheap "suede" totes in this range list plastic or unspecified uppers, so check the material line before buying.