March 11, 2025 | Posted in Blog
For fashion lovers, the humble handbag is now so much more than a practical way to carry around your most-needed bits and bobs – it’s an accessory and extension of your style – but that doesn’t mean you should forget why you need a bag in the first place.
With bag trends coming and going, plus so many gorgeous bag designs coming out each year, you may have a handbag collection tucked away in your wardrobe – or maybe you have one ride-or-die bag that you use for everything. Either way, your bag will need to hold all your essentials for the day (and night).
But what are the essentials you should keep in your handbag? In this blog, we’re taking a look at what you need to store in your bag to make your day as easy as possible.
Right, let’s start with the basics shall we? Wherever you’re going, you’ll need to include these core items:
Phone – If it isn’t in your hands, make sure this is in the zip pocket of your bag so it’s safe.
Purse/wallet – ID, cash, cards…even with Apply Pay, you’ll most likely still need to bring this with you.
Headphones – Nothing worse than being caught out without these on your commute.
Medication – If you do have any medication to take during the day, make sure they’re stored safely away.
Keys – Easily misplaced but oh so important, having these in your bag permanently could be a lifesaver.
Hand sanitiser – Sometimes the world is kind of gross, so it’s good to have this to hand.
Tissues – An oldie but a goldie here, and one that many of us will forget, tissues are always useful to have.
Sanitary products – If you use these, having some in your bag just incase is a great idea. You’ll thank yourself later!
Sunglasses/gloves/umbrella – Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to pack accordingly and make sure you don’t forget your seasonal essentials.
A pen – You just never know when you might need one.
Got a lot on and won’t be able to pop home? Well then, your bag can be your best tool when it comes to feeling prepared for the day. You may want to pack:
Deodorant/perfume – When you feel fresh, you feel good so, taking these with you might be handy.
Portable charger – These will stop that awful ‘dead screen’ at the worst time moment plus, they’re super convenient.
Makeup – Whether you just want to just bring your go-to lip balm or a small cosmetic bag full of your travel faves, having makeup in your bag is a great idea for a midday or after-work refresh.
Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important, so if your bag can fit it, it’s worth packing one (there are also collapsible bottles if you have limited space in your bag).
Hair bands/claw clips – If you have longer hair, you may just want to get it out of your face or off your neck after a longer day.
Sunscreen/SPF – Especially on sunny days, you should be topping on your sun protection, so it might be a smart idea to have a little travel bottle with you.
Gum/mints – Not had a chance to brush your teeth after a garlicy lunch? Got an important meeting or date coming up? You’ll be glad you packed this into your handbag then.
A snack – Something small like a granola bar could be just what you need to tide you over until you can have a proper meal.
If you’re heading out-out or even just for a quiet girl’s night, you’re probably working with a smaller bag than usual, so here’s what should be taking up that precious space:
Card holder – A true space-saver. You don’t need all your club cards for a night out, so this should be all you need.
Compact mirror – Just to check you’re still looking your best after dancing the night away.
Travel hairbrush & lipstick/gloss – All you’ll really need to quickly fix your look. Top tip: Pack cheaper makeup products that won’t be a huge upset if you end up losing them.
Plasters – You don’t even have to be accident-prone to need these, and they’re great for relief when your shoes have rubbed.
Emergency cash – Yes, we’re living in a contactless world, but you never know.
Bag light – These are a game changer. They attach to the inside of your bag so you can see everything in your bag when it’s dark. No more scrambling in hopes of possibly finding what you need and panicking that you may have lost it.
Whether it’s a staycation or vacation, there are travel handbag essentials you’ll definitely want to take with you:
Passport – Because if you’re going abroad, you’ll be pretty upset if you forget this.
Tickets – Train, plane, bus or event tickets- as long as they’re not e-tickets, you’ll need the physical copies of these kept somewhere safe.
Entertainment – This can be a tablet with your favourite TV show downloaded and ready to watch or maybe even a cheeky Sudoku.
Toiletry bag – Can’t go wrong with a few essential minis, wet wipes and a spare pair of underwear just in case.
Power bank – We mentioned a portable charger above, but for long journeys and charging multiple devices, you might want to upgrade to a power bank.
Bluetooth tracker – Pop one of these in your bag so it’s harder to lose, especially if you have to temporarily store it away.
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe with a quality designer bag to pop all your essentials in, Your Dream Bag may be just what you’re looking for.
With our handpicked selection of designer handbags and accessories and easy-to-enter competitions, getting your hands on your next fashion fave is just a few clicks away.
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