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I Own Over 8 Staud Bags, But These 4 Are the Ones I Actually Tell People to Buy

November 7, 2024

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I Own Over 8 Staud Bags, But These 4 Are the Ones I Actually Tell People to Buy

Don’t judge me for what I’m about to confess. I’m a hard-core Staud stan, not in the typical fangirl way, but in a way that might seem a bit out-there. As much as I’d like to pretend I’m being dramatic, I’m self-aware enough to know that’s not the case. For context, I’ll disclose the following: I’m signed up for the brand’s text messages, consider its sample sale a national holiday, and have accumulated over eight bags from the brand. Usually, I wouldn’t openly admit to all of this on the internet, but I understand that my knowledge could come in handy, especially if you’re on the fence about buying from Staud. It can be hard to discern what designer bags are worth your hard-earned dimes, especially if you don’t have experience purchasing from this particular brand.

Even if you’re a hard-core Staud person (like me), it can seem impossible to limit yourself to buying one purse. After all, how are you supposed to choose between a classic handbag or something trend-forward? Staud has far too many good options! Luckily, I’ve tried my fair share of bags, boots, and basically everything else from the brand, so you won’t be going into this experience alone. In an effort to help determine which bag is the right investment for you, I’ve spent hours combing social media, the new-arrivals section, and my own closet to determine the best Staud bags. After weighing each purse’s popularity, quality, versatility, and editor testimonials, I can safely say these four bags are the crème de la crème.

Are you curious about what styles made the cut? Keep scrolling for a comprehensive deep dive into the brand’s history, examples of how the style set is wearing the brand, and a list of the best Staud bags. Fair warning: These bags may make you become a massive Staud fan, proceed with caution.

A Quick Skim of the Best Staud Bags

Tommy Bag, debuted in 2019, price ranges from $250 to $350
Moon Bag, debuted in 2019, price ranges from $225 to $350
Valerie Bag, debuted in 2022, price ranges from $350 to $395
Alec Bag, debuted in 2023, price ranges from $350 to $450

About Staud

Unless you’re already a Staud superfan (guilty as charged), you might not know its entire brand history. It’s understandable, considering the contemporary label was started in 2015 by Sarah Staudinger in Los Angeles. Despite being “new” compared to other legacy brands, Staud has cultivated a cult status that has cemented it as a must-shop in the minds of the style crowd. Although it’s easy to assume that social media mainly drives the hype behind the brand, that’s not the whole story. In truth, what sets the label apart in an otherwise saturated market is Staudinger’s approach to apparel and accessories. Unlike other brands that focus solely on proving high-end aesthetics or accessible price points, Staud has always aimed to achieve both—an aim most adeptly achieved through the brand’s handbags. While other luxury houses have raised the prices of their leather goods, Staud has remained one of the few brands within that contemporary price range. For many (myself included), Staud is where we can still find an affordable designer bag that won’t require us to spend an entire paycheck.

But it’s not just the price point that’s made this brand popular; it’s produced some of the buzziest handbags in recent history. A prime example of this would be one of Staud’s first styles to go viral overnight: The Shirley Bag. Released in 2018, the style single-handedly made clear bags a trend—thanks partly to the posh rectangular shape made from PVC. Since then, we’ve seen the brand “break” the internet with other buzzy bags (e.g., the Moreau, Tommy, and Moon bags) because of how prevalent they became in the streets of major cities around the world. While there’s no denying that some of the buzz around Staud’s first handbags was driven by how quickly they were spotted in street style, paparazzi shots, or social media posts, the brand’s continued relevance can be chalked up to Staudinger’s compelling approach to handbag design. Staud’s bags encapsulate what this brand is all about: reimagining what’s classic through a contemporary and attainable lens. Unsurprisingly, the brand has become beloved for that very reason, but if you are wondering which styles are worth buying, you’ll want to keep reading. Ahead, I’m spotlighting some of the best Staud bags, so without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Staud Tommy Bag

One Size: 6″ H x 10.5″ W x 2.25″ D

Material: Glass beads and vegan leather piping

Colorways: Zebra, millefiore, toile, staudines, swimmers, tomato, gilded, avocado, pinot, starry night, NYC skyline, and many more

Style Notes: No other Staud bag is as ubiquitous as the Tommy Shoulder Bag. Since its debut in 2019, the style has remained one of the brand’s most popular purses because of its easily recognizable’ 90s-inspired baguette shape made entirely from glass beads. Although some of its initial popularity came from particular stars carrying the purse (e.g., Kendall Jenner and Whitney Port), its long-lasting allure can be attributed to the style’s unique hand-beaded patterns that include animal prints, city skylines, veggies, and so much more. With different variations released every season, it’s not only given the style a new spin over time but simultaneously allowed the fashion crowd to find a version of the bag that speaks to them.

Editor Review: Let the record state that I love all my Staud bags, but my Tommy Bag has a special place in my heart. What I love about my Tommy Bag is that it was a limited-edition sunset version that was only shoppable at Moda Operandi—making it an incredible collector’s item. While I’ll admit that I was initially worried that I’d regret purchasing the bag, it’s become one of the most beloved pieces in my wardrobe because it’s functional and fun. The shape has all the essential elements you’d want from an everyday bag: a folder-over flap with a magnetic close, a long shoulder strap, and a spacious interior. However, it’s still stylish enough to make your everyday staples stand out. Over the last four years, my Tommy Bag has managed to hold up (and surpass) my expectations, as it’s retained the same quality since I bought it and still manages to secure me compliments.

Staud

Tommy Beaded Bag in Zebra

Staud

Green Tommy Beaded Bag

Staud

Beige Tommy Beaded Bag

Staud

Red Tommy Beaded Bag

Staud

Tommy Beaded Bag in NYC Skyline

2. Staud Moon Bag

Sizes: Micro (8.1″H x 7.1″ W x 2.8″D), Mini (5″ H x 9″ W x 3″ D), Medium ( 13″H x 11.4″ W x 3.15″D), Large

Material: Leather, Raffia, Suede

Colorways: Black, red, tan, gold, pink, beige, and many other colors

Style Notes: The second most recognizable style from Staud? The Moon Bag. Characterized by its crescent moon-inspired silhouette, the bag instantly caught the fashion crowd’s attention back in 2019. Nowadays, you can’t scroll through Instagram without spotting this bag, but initially, it was first championed by stars such as Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss. Over time, it’s become one of the brand’s most beloved bags because it’s been reimagined through four sizes (micro, mini, medium, and large), various shades, and even different textiles. It’s rare for contemporary labels to create a bag that maintains its cult status over the years—yet the Moon Bag has done just that. Its signature shape, spacious interior, and trendy shades have made it the style of choice among minimalists and maximalists alike.

Editor Review: Not to be overly nostalgic, but the Moon bag was one of the first styles I bought from the Staud (in case you’re wondering, I still have it in my closet). Of all the bags I’ve tried from the brand over the years, the Moon Bag is what sold me the quality of Staud’s accessories. Not only has my bag maintained mint quality since buying it in 2021, but the silhouette has become a mainstay in my wardrobe. It’s often the saving grace in those moments when I don’t want to put extra effort into styling my ensemble for the day, but my staples are missing that extra something. But it’s also super pragmatic, as the curved handle can fit cozily over a coat, the interior space can accommodate a book in addition to other essentials (if it’s the medium size), and the burgundy color pairs well with just about anything. Frankly, I’m still over the moon about this Staud bag, so I’m sure you will be too.

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Goodnight Moon Bag in Bronze

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Mini Moon Bag in Tan

3. Staud Alec Bag

One Size: 11.5″ H x 11″ W x 2.5″ D

Material: Leather and suede

Colorways: Black, white, pink, beige, tan, and other colors

Style Notes: If there’s one thing that Staud is superior at making, it’s a shoulder bag—case in point: the Alec Bag. Although seemingly “simple” compared to other bags from the brand, this style deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame (or at least a place in this “best” ranking). Hear me out: Staud’s Alec Bag is a compelling investment because it gives a classic silhouette a subtle contemporary spin. It’s one of the few styles that didn’t initially go viral at its initial debut (2023) but has slowly managed to secure the attention of massive celebrities and even our editorial staff. But what’s made so many people come around to this bag? Its allure can be boiled down to three things: shape, size, and innate styleability. The structured rectangular shape is reminiscent of other designer bags from the ’90s without being an exact dupe, while the size is more practical for carrying all the everyday essentials. Additionally, the Alec Bag is available in a luxe patent leather (and even embossments) that comes in various shades, making it a style that can be worn from season to season. In short, it’s got all the elements that make it a safe long-term investment.

Editor Review: Normally, it doesn’t take too much to influence me to buy anything from Staud, but I’ll admit it took me a moment to come around to the Alec Bag. It wasn’t until my colleague, Yusra Siddiqui, shared her rave review of the style with me that I was sold on testing it out. Frankly, my only regret is that I waited so long to buy this bag! First off, Staud was in their bag when it came to designing this shape—it not only fits comfortably in the cranny of your armpit, but it boasts a spacious interior with an interior pocket that has enough room for a book, cardholder, phone, sunglasses, and lipgloss. On top of that, I love that the style comes in a few more “classic” leaning colors, making it easier to carry year-round—although, for the record, I own a snakeskin-embossed version that could rival any neutral. I’m hoping that Staud releases more versions of this style in the future so that I can buy it in other shades—yes, it’s that good, friends.

Staud

Alec Bag in Cream Contrast

4. Staud Valerie Bag

One Size: 7″ H x 10″ W x 4″ D

Material: 100% Suede and leather or Cowhide Leather

Colorways: Mahogany, chili, ochre, black, tan, white, leopard

Style Notes: Long before every brand jumped on the suede bag trend, Staud released their stunning Valerie Bag in 2022. Although this particular purse may not be as popular on social media as some of the brand’s other styles, it’s a pristine example of what this brand brings to the luxury space. Unlike other designer steeply-priced suede bags, Staud’s Valerie Bag starts at an attainable price point ($350 – $395) without sacrificing some of those more luxe elements you’d want from a designer bag. It checks all the boxes. Timeless? Check. The minimal geometric shape can outlast the trend cycle. Versatile? Also, check. It boasts a hand-wrapped leather shoulder strap and a detachable crossbody strap, allowing you to wear it in multiple ways. Stylish? Checkmate. It comes in numerous trend-forward colors and even a few different textiles for those who might be suede-adverse. Basically, it’s one of the brand’s best bags all-around.

Editor Review: I’m not going to lie; I was in shambles the first time I saw this bag at Staud’s Valerie Bag in their F/W 22 preview. I fell in love with this shoulder bag so much that I ended up buying the style in not one but two different shades (specifically ochre and tan). Maybe that makes me sick, but I don’t care because the Valerie bag is so sickeningly good. First, the bag’s silhouette is much more sophisticated in person than no simple Instagram shot could ever do it justice. I’ve tried my fair share of affordable suede accessories, but none have lived up to the quality of the Valerie Bag—the suede is so soft, the leather handle is luxurious, and the interior can fit all the essentials. It’s become my go-to bag during the fall and spring, adding just the right amount of luxury to my everyday life.

Staud

Valerie Shoulder Bag in Mahogany Suede

Staud

Valerie Shoulder Bag in Black Leather

Staud

Valerie Shoulder Bag in Chili Suede

Staud

Valerie Shoulder Bag in Cream Leather

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Valerie Shoulder Bag in Lady Leopard Cacao Pony Hair

Shop More Noteworthy Staud Bags

By now, I’m hoping you’ve benefited a little bit from my unhinged obsession with Staud by being able to make a sound shopping decision. But should you still need some parting wisdom, here’s what to remember: the best stand bag isn’t necessarily the one spotted on every star, social media, or even myself…it’s the one that speaks to you. Ultimately, this brand has so many great bag options that whatever Staud bag you secure will be something you’ll surely cherish.