Understated elegance: 10 stylish bags without (obvious) logos

Many of you have mentioned that you prefer bags (and other accessories) without big flashy logos. I hear you, and share that preference! I’ve rounded up some stylish bags without logos in leather, faux leather, and fabrics.

For some people, bags are a purely utilitarian item. But I’ve always loved handbags, and believe a beautiful bag can really elevate and be the “cherry on top” of a stylish outfit. I did go through my “It Bag” phase in the aughts, but since then have moved toward more timeless, less of-the-moment bags. I own fewer bags, but tend to keep them for years.

Bags with timeless elegance

While it’s difficult to find widely available bags without any branding at all, an unobtrusive or small embossed name or trademark isn’t a deal-breaker for me. Here are some styles that I think have elegant and timeless appeal…

Leather bags

Susan B. wears a gold link necklace, beige cashmere cardigan, tortoiseshell link bracelet, carries a dark brown leather tote.
CARDIGAN (SIMILAR) | BRACELET (SIMILAR) | BAG | TROUSERS

I’m a big fan of DeMellier London bags. The quality is outstanding for the price, and the designs are both elegant and functional. This Midi New York style is one of my favorites, available in several colors and finishes. There’s also a detachable cross-body strap. Shipping and returns are free, and all import duties and taxes are included in the checkout price.

Cuyana is known for their simple but beautiful and functional styles. This bucket bag is a perfect size for everyday, and has an a removable cross-body strap. It’s available in several colors.

This crossbody bag really punches above its weight, appearance-wise, and is great for going out or when you just need to carry the essentials. Also available in black croc-effect, and black and brown smooth glossy leathers (smooth leathers on sale).

A classic flap style with a chain handle is a perennial. I’ve seen these bags up close, and they’re well-made and good-looking. There are inner compartments and a back patch pocket. For those of you with cool palettes (or who just prefer silver jewelry and metals), it’s nice to find one with silver hardware!

I have the “mini” version of this bag which I use occasionally, but have been eyeing the medium-sized one which is a good everyday size for me. There’s a removable strap which can be adjusted to shoulder or crossbody length. In my experience (having owned Loewe bags for years), the leather really holds up to a lot of wear. Also available in black, and a dark bottle green.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my all-time favorite bags, the “Pearl” from Lo & Sons. It’s a great travel bag and I’ve used it as an everyday bag too. There are several compartments to help keep you organized, it’s lightweight, and durable (especially the Saffiano leathers). It’s also available in a faux “cactus” leather now too.

Faux leather & fabric

Faux leather has come a long way in recent years, and I’ve seen some really good-looking faux leather bags lately.

This woven bag has a similar look to one from an expensive Italian designer, but it’s less than 1/20th of the designer price! The material has a very leather-like look and feel. It’s available in several colors.

If you prefer something more structured, this quilted look bag has lots of interior organization, an optional cross-body strap, and feet on the bottom to protect the finish. Three colors available.

This woven crossbody “camera” bag has two main zippered compartments with additional interior pockets. Good for travel or running errands, and is under $60!

And finally, for you MZ Wallace fans, here’s their lightweight Medium Sutton tote. Many of you have mentioned that you love this bag for travel. This one’s the “Magnet” color which I think is a versatile option, but several more colors are available HERE. Every time I see one of these bags “in the wild,” I’ve been impressed with how they look. (Yes, there’s a small logo on one side, but you can always flip the bag around so it doesn’t show.)

More stylish bags without (conspicuous) logos

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13 Comments

  1. Hi Susan

    I have never understood bags emblazoned with someone’s logo. The only logo I really want on a bag is my own initials. This was a great roundup.

  2. Thanks for these options. I too hate the logo centered bags. I bought the Pearl in navy and find myself using it at home as well. I often use the clutch handle for going out if it’s not a formal event.

  3. I recently discovered Hereu bags — I love the Cala S, which is not very S at all. Hereu is a Spanish brand, but sold here in the US at a few retailers, including Bloomingdale’s and Saks. A little pricey, but worth it. They also have beautiful shoes, which I avoid looking at — I have too many shoes!

  4. Such a great selection of handbags. And thank you, Susan for including some faux leather in this group. Sometimes they can be hard to find. But more are available all the time. I own several and they feel and hold up just like leather.

  5. Did you see the Loewe ad with Maggie Smith holding a puzzle bag? Fun!

    I am wondering if the faux leather bags have been improved in recent years? I have a few that I bought 8-10 years ago, hardly used, and they sort of disintegrated over time (looking very worn at the edges).

  6. Great roundup of handbags. It really is hard to find bags or other things without logos. I am not a billboard. They should be paying me to advertise! Thanks for sharing these.

  7. I enjoyed your selection of bags. I one of your readers who shy away from obvious logos on an article of clothing and accessories. I am eyeing the Loewe bag. I saw it in person at Neimans and it is beautiful . You have the puzzle bag and has become classic.

  8. Thank you for this great roundup. I enjoy the Longchamp Le Foulonne leather crossbody bags. I recently purchased a Gigi New York bag at Neiman Marcus which is very well made and you can add your initials if you wish. I’ve had several MZ Wallace bags over the years and it appears that their logo has gotten bigger – I can overlook that though because they are my favorite crossbody bags for travel!

  9. Your recommendation for the Lo&Son Pearl bag, a few years ago) was very convincing and I have been so happy with the one I use all the time, in beautiful Graphite. It has a subtle metallic look in saffiano leather. So today you had me checking out another Pearl in the napa leather…and it was 40% off for President’s Day sale. I bought the Pearl for a travel bag but it turns out to be versatile and very accommodating for everyday use, as well. Your lovely writing and good eye help me decide what is worth looking at further. Thank you!

  10. I love love love Cuyana. I own 3 bags and the quality is amazing especially when you look at the price. They are perfect for my anround town day to day life. And MZ Wallace is my go to backpack and I have a small phone bag that I love. As an aside, I often see MZ Wallace on the RealReal, so if you if you don’t want to spend full retail that’s an option
    And thank you for reminding me about Lo & Son, on on my radar as I have been looking for a lightweight, small bag with zippers for travel.