3 min readThere are moments that call for fun, statement-making bags that feel like the cherry on top of an already-very-good outfit. And then there are the moments that call for the more practical styles that can truly get a woman through damn-near anything. I personally love the former end of the spectrum a little more than the latter, but, for obvious reasons, it’s the everyday workhorses that get the most wear in my wardrobe. When it comes to investing in the best designer bags, I, for one, need to know if one will give me the cost-per-wear that comes with daily use. With that in mind, it wasn’t long before I came across the Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag.
Coach’s Empire silhouette is nothing new to the leather goods brand’s offerings, and I’ve had my eye on it for a while. I first saw it on the desk of ELLE fashion editor Carson Stannard, and, knowing his taste for classic silhouettes, I knew it was one to consider as a contender for the best work bag. Soon enough, the Empire silhouettes became a viral hit among fashion girls everywhere, so naturally, it was time to try one out for myself.
Ever one to love a big bag, I opted for the largest size—the Empire Carryall 48—and quickly learned that, at least for me and my 5’4” frame, it was much better suited as the personal item for my travels than my commuter tote.
As I said, I love a big carryall—and that’s precisely what I love about this bag. It’s big enough to fit my 15-inch laptop and charger, notebooks, a novel, over-ear headphones, and anything else I could need for a long flight. And, while it might not work on my shoulder as a commuter tote with its top handles alone, it comes with a detachable crossbody strap for when I’m running through the airport terminal. The one downside is that, for all the reasons I love the size, it could be too big for some. Personally, I love the look of carrying it like an oversized, gargantuan clutch, but—while it’s still considered small enough to be your in-flight personal item—I can’t say I didn’t struggle a touch to smush it into the underseat compartment. And given the heftier weight of the leather it’s made of, it’s on the heavier side, but if that’s the cost of a bag that can withstand the trials I put it through, then so be it.
Before I started using this bag for my flights, I was using a sleek backpack. No shade to that little number, seeing as it’s gotten me through many, many miles—but I’ve found the Coach Empire to be the elevated addition to my travel essentials. It carries quite a bit more without feeling overstuffed, and I feel like a polished woman who knows what she’s doing as she waits to board her flight when I’ve got this in my hand. If you’re searching for a stylish and durable bag that’ll last through your longest flights (and then some), you can count on the Coach Empire—and if you want similar options that feel more appropriate for your everyday affairs, there are plenty of smaller styles to consider, too. Shop them all below.
Shop the Coach Empire Collection
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 21
Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 21
Coach Empire Carryall Bag 34
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