Fashion People in Paris Rely On This One Timeless Handbag to Look Chic

Question for you: How would you define what’s “chic”? While the visible definition of the term may vary based on sartorial choices, one can’t argue that, on the whole, this word has been largely diluted. In our digital-first era, the desire to keep up with trends can sometimes get in the way of being, well, actually chic. We’re all guilty of getting caught up in what’s going viral rather than investing in what will still look good weeks, months, and even years from now. In those moments, it’s wise to recount the words of the late French couturier Yves Saint Laurent: “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Of course, saying a mantra is nice, but living up to the ethos is another challenge—hence the need to start small. You don’t build personal style in one day; you start by investing in small anti-trend basics over time.

So what staples are the simplest to invest in first? Accessories. It’s the easiest way to elevate your look without buying an entire new wardrobe. More specifically, handbags are where the magic lies. Not only can a bag make or break your look, but the right one can stand the test of time and even accrue value. But with so many different types of purses, it can be hard to discern what’s worth your time, so I turned to the masters of chic, aka the French fashion set, on your behalf. After scouring many Paris runway shows and social media, I can safely say that the most prevalent style is the crocodile handbag. It does not matter if it comes in a specific color, shape, or price point; this style remains relevant with the Parisian set despite other bag trends. 

Part of its continued popularity has to do with so many variations of this bag you can buy—from bags made from true exotic materials to faux vegan leather to croc-embossed leather, and so on. But really, it’s because it’s the one type of bag that can embody the term “chic.”  If that seems like a grandiose statement, you’ll want to keep reading, as I’ve rounded up the 49 best crocodile bags at every price point. Plus, I included some visual references from the  French set to further the point. Prepare to see the embodiment of the term in purse form.