Gone are the days of the huge hobo bag, though those bags often work for many women. But these days, women are seeking handbags that are classic (think the satchel and tote) and practical (remember the clutch purses from the 80s?).

Although there will always be that contingent of women who have to have huge bags to carry who knows what, the reality is that the trend these days is toward a smaller bag, though not necessarily small bag. Note we said smaller. A girl’s got to have room for all her essentials, right?

First, there’s the satchel. This bag can carry a good deal of items, but also looks tailored when on the arm. It can be leather, but also a variety of fabrics (including the patchwork that is so popular these days).

The satchel is popular because it is easy to carry, use, and looks nice on the arm.

Another popular trend right now is the convertible handbag. This bag can go over your shoulder, on your arm or sometimes even cross body. It’s versatile and can therefore be comfortable at the football game and in a high-level business meeting. You can sometimes even detach all handles and turn it into a clutch bag for an evening out. That’s the very definition of versatile.

Now let’s not forget the clutch bag. This is a great holdover from the 80s, yet the styles, fabrications and designs have been updated. You can choose a very small clutch bag that’s nearly as small as a wallet, or you can choose a larger clutch that truly fits under your arm comfortably. It’s a sleek and sophisticated look that is perfect for work, dinner or the after party.

Finally, aside from style, let’s pay attention to color. The trend these days is toward bags that feature bright colors. Forget plain brown and black, and add a pop of color like orange or yellow to your handbag collection. You can get colored leather in every style bag from a large hobo style to a small clutch, and the colors are ideal for any season, not just spring and summer.