Jennifer Lopez carries Coach’s Pillow Tabby bag.
While team Who What Wear is forever highlighting designer drops and investment It-bags, “quiet luxury” is much more our speed than glossy logo-adorned accessories. Few label nail this understated aesthetic as masterfully as Coach, a name you’ve likely heard of but may have overlooked in the sea of statement handbags that make a splash each season. In truth, simplicity and timelessness are what this American-born brand does best, known for crafting unfussy bags that stand out in a subtler fashion. Those with an eye for clever design and tasteful colour palettes will most likely be drawn to Coach’s collections.
Crucially, these handbags are also significantly more affordable than many designer items. Where you might spend your whole life dreaming of owning a Gucci Marmont (at the time of writing this, the small size comes in at a whopping £1800), the TikTok-famous Coach Pillow Tabby is within reach at just £495. Still not cheap, but considering the quality and longevity, we’re grateful it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Swedish model Elsa Hosk styles her red Bandit shoulder bag with a knitted mini dress.
Coach feels like the kind of label that’s always been around, the New York fashion house stitched together its first handbag and released it to the public in 1941. Initially a team of six artisans, by the ’60s Coach had evolved to include its first lead designer, Bonnie Cashin, who applied her affinity for colour and shape to the creative process.
Six decades on, the original spirit of this authentic American company is still intact, but its understanding of modern tastes has helped it grow into a global name-to-know. Under the guidance of award-winning creative director Stuart Vevers, Coach takes its longstanding designs and lifts them with a 21st-century understanding of form and function, blending classic structures and palettes with nods to contemporary trends. For example, the current offering includes hints of wicker and crochet, two popular fabrications in 2023.
Most of the bags feature the signature ‘C’ logo—small on some, a key component on others—and touches of metal hardware. You can take your pick from dozens of models, but if you’re in the market for a high-quality creation that will stand the test of time, there are five in particular we think you should consider. Scroll on to learn more about the handbags in question, and if you happen to fall in love, we’ve linked the different variations below. Without further ado…
Perhaps the brand’s most recognisable bag, the Tabby has reached icon status in recent seasons. This is particularly impressive considering it was only released in 2019, an updated take on an archival 1970s design. The general consensus seems to be that it’s the ultimate everyday accessory, loved for its compact shape and versatility (you can wear the latest iterations over the shoulder or cross-body with the longer strap). 2021’s plush Pillow Tabby has been endorsed by Jennifer Lopez and the hashtag #coachpillowtabby has amassed over half a million views on TikTok. If that’s not iconic, I don’t know what is.
Season after season, this remains a bestseller.
The playful Pillow Tabby makes every outfit feel more fun.
This crochet-trimmed iteration is very 2023.
Even Coach’s logo styles are quieter than most.
Fans of crossbody bags, look this way. The Cassie 19 is smaller than the original version, but still the perfect size to fit your day-to-day essentials—wallet, phone, keys and a lippy—and will slot neatly into every outfit. It’s fitted with multiple compartments and features the signature turn-lock closure for easy access. Pick from pebble leather, smooth calfskin and canvas finishes, each complete with a top-handle and longer strap so you can swiftly tailor the accessory to your needs.
You’ll never tire of carrying this.
There’s something so nostagic about this colour palette.
Fresh and easy to style.
Pull this one out on sunny days.
If you’re guilty of treating your bag like a Mary Poppins-esque carry-all, Coach’s Willow is the roomy style you’ve been searching for. It doubles as a weekend essential and a smart work tote, designed to fit a 13-inch laptop. There’s also a zipped inner compartment for bits and bobs you want to keep safe, as well as two open pockets. But the detail I’m most obsessed with is that the strap has been measured to fit comfortably over coats. That’s the kind of thoughtful design I appreciate.
Not too big, not too small.
This would really pop against an all-black or navy outfit.
…Speaking of navy, how classy is this colourway?
The Willow also comes in bucket bag-form.
Another design you can use as either a crossbody or a shoulder bag, the Bandit is as wearable as they come. This sleek style looks just as sophisticated slung over a tee as it does worn with an LBD come evening. It’s available in a variety of colours and finishes, so whether you prefer neutrals or eye-catching brights, silver or gold hardware, you’ll no doubt be glad you added a Bandit to your bag arsenal.
Now this is a forever bag.
I’d take this belt version with me when I travel.
Silver hardware is definitely having a moment.
The combination of navy and gold is incredibly luxe.
Classic in shape, the Rogue has been adapted to current trends time and time again. This season alone, the top-handle design has been reimagined in wicker and tweed, and some iterations now feature a removable chain-link strap. Its name refers to the fact that it’s “inspired by free spirits, rebels and dreamers”—at its core, though, the Rogue is as multifunctional as Coach’s other longstanding styles, boasting the same attention to practical details that sets these accessories apart.
Note the subtle logo print.
I’m already imagining bringing this to a park picnic.
So cute! Perfect if you’re just carrying the essentials.
This one will work hard in your wardrobe.
Next Up: These Are the 6 Quiet-Luxury Bags That Say “I’m in the Know”
