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9 Kate Spade Fall Purses We Can't Wait to Get Our Hands On (Plus 1 We're Already Obsessed With)

Autumn called, she's loving these

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If you're anything like us, come autumn, your wardrobe is basically begging for a refresh. Kate Spade is here to deliver: The luxury brand's new arrival section is stacked with stunning handbag styles that are totally ripe for PSL season.

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The new bags range from small angular crossbody picks, like the Gramercy ($428), to knotted shoulder bags with relaxed silhouettes, like the Knott ($398). We're especially excited about the classically chic Katy tweed top-handle bag ($428), which gives us major old money vibes.

The Best Kate Spade Fall Handbags At A Glance

1

Best Crossbody

Kate Spade Dakota Leather Crossbody

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2

Best Quilted Bag

Kate Spade Evelyn Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag

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3

Best Tweed Bag

Kate Spade Katy Leather Bag

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4

Best Phone Crossbody

Kate Spade Knott Leather North South Phone Crossbody

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5

Best Shoulder Bag

Kate Spade Hudson Leather Crossbody

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How We Chose the Best Kate Spade Fall Purses

We curated this list of the brand's top fall handbags by testing a few, sifting through customer reviews, considering varying price points for all budgets and keeping in mind styles and colors that are trending this fall season. "Brown was a surprising trend with which to kick off 2023, but it’s only become more popular as the year [has gone] on," says PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth. "And now it’s been joined by other rich hues like cream, dark green, gray, butter yellow and caramel."

Whether you're a fan of dark green autumn-ready hues, deep purples or basic earth tones, there are plenty of options to choose from below.

Best Crossbody

1. Kate Spade Dakota Leather Crossbody

What We Like

  • tons of pockets
  • versatile
  • two chain options

What We Don't Like

  • pockets feel a little stiff
  • cream gets dirty fast
  • back pocket is a tight fit for phone

Kate Spade

This brand new crossbody bag, which launched on Sept. 6, is sleek right down to the new, modernized logo. Commerce Director Nicole Briese also notes how adaptable it is. "While I'm typically a black bag girl, this cream Dakota bag has quickly become one of the most versatile pieces in my closet," she says. "It goes with a ton. This new style is a departure from the classic Kate Spade (no ultra-obvious logos here), but that just makes it all the more stylish. You can also swap the regular leather chain for the metal one inside for different looks."

Function wise, the pockets make it even more appealing. "There are four pockets inside, plus a back slip one; so you can stay nice and organized, too," Briese says. "My only complaints would be that it does get dirty fast (especially if you're a careless soul like myself) and the pockets can be a little stiff, though I know the leather will soften over time. Those who have regular-sized iPhones (I have the smaller SE) may also find that the back slip pocket is a tight fit." Note that you can also grab this style in the medium size in different shades.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Quilted Bag

2. Kate Spade Evelyn Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag

What We Like

  • quilted pattern
  • convertible chain

What We Don't Like

  • interior pockets are small

Kate Spade

You can't go wrong with a quilted bag (just ask Chanel) and the green hue of this one is just to die for. The lambskin leather is also incredibly soft, according to Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak, who has a similar bag from the brand with identical material. "[It] looks upscale, like I'm carrying a $3,000 bag," she says. 

There are two interior pockets, as well as an external slip one on the back of the bag, and the turnlock closure keeps it extra secure.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Tweed Bag

3. Kate Spade Katy Leather Bag

What We Like

  • magnetic button closure
  • detachable crossbody strap

What We Don't like

  • limited pocket space
  • button closure can be tough to line up

Kate Spade

The comeback of tweed is stronger then ever, and the proof is in this top-handle bag. It's made with hooks that fold in on the side to attach or remove the crossbody strap (we love a hands-free purse). More than that, however, it has a microsuede lining (another great material for fall), and reportedly holds up nicely over time. Its zippered and slip interior pockets complete it. "I love the simple and elegant design. It's the perfect size for every day, and I adore the back pocket for my phone," writes one customer.

Fast Facts

  • Material: tweed with leather trim

Best Phone Crossbody

4. Kate Spade Knott Leather North South Phone Crossbody

What We Like

  • three pockets
  • handy

What We Don't Like

  • limited color selection
  • may not fit larger phones

Kate Spade

After seeing Blake Lively sport a similar phone crossbody, we're in desperate need of one for ourselves. "This is the perfect little bag for my phone, ID, credit card and even fits a lip gloss and some mints," one reviewer raves, adding, "Perfect for being on-the-go with my little ones! I'm obsessed!" Handy-yet-minimal, it also has an extra pocket inside for quick grabbing.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Shoulder Bag

5. Kate Spade Hudson Leather Crossbody

What We Like

  • detachable, convertible strap
  • back-slip pocket
  • two-in-one style

What We Don't Like

  • narrow interior
  • strap can fall off shoulder

Kate Spade

Minimalists will love this little hobo, which has a detachable, removable strap (it's also adjustable in length) that makes for a good two-for-one pick, since it can go from a shoulder bag to a crossbody. One reviewer writes, "I love this bag. The size is perfect ... Highly recommend!"

While it does come in multiple colors, we're obsessed with the Cordovan (aka the pictured deep wine shade) for fall and into winter. Reds are really popping this year, and if bold hues aren't your speed, this darker option will be right up your alley.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Geometric Bag

6. Kate Spade Expo Leather Top Handle Bag

What We Like

  • adjustable, optional strap
  • cool circular shape

What We Don't Like

  • only one inside pocket
  • small interior

Kate Spade

Brand new for 2023, this circular, mod handbag is giving us major '60s feels. Available in the pictured Lion's Mane and a cream multi shade, this bag's round shape makes the top handle easy to carry. (There's also an optional and adjustable crossbody strap.) It has one pocket inside, and while the interior is quite small, shoppers say you'll have room to fit small essentials. "My girlfriend and I immediately fell in love with the purse. So unique! I got the white and black and my BFF got the yellow," raves one reviewer.

Fast Facts

  • Material: lamb leather

Best Minimalist Bag

7. Kate Spade Knott Leather Crossbody Tote

What We Like

  • knotted strap detail
  • detachable crossbody strap

What We Don't Like

  • side slits come down a little too far
  • small interior zip pocket

Kate Spade

This bag is a minimalist's dream for its simple and clean silhouette, while the brand's new twist in the form of its knotted strap adds a splash of personality. It's made of a soft, luxe pebbled leather with a microsuede lining (again with the cozy), and the interior has two pockets, as well as a center-zip compartment to keep things organized. "It's beautiful, classy and well-made. The magnetic closures make it perfect for me, someone who always forgets to zip their bag!" writes one happy customer.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Chain-Strap Bag

8. Kate Spade Gramercy Leather Shoulder Bag

What We Like

  • button closure
  • roomy interior

What We Don't Like

  • metal may tarnish overtime
  • very expensive

Kate Spade

Another new spin on an old classic, this one is made from Kate Spade's traditional pebbled leather material, albeit with a more geometric shape than we're used to seeing from the brand. The fold-over flap snaps closed and there are two pockets inside. The inside is lined with the soft microsuede to keep the luxury going on the interior, too. "This is ... not too big or bulky but more room than a crossbody," wrote one happy customer. "The chain and accents are a brushed brass color and looks beautiful against the [color]. The multiple pockets for organization are my favorite." 

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

Best Party Bag

9. Kate Spade Afterparty Shoulder Bag

What We Like

  • zip closure
  • wide strap

What We Don't Like

  • crystals could fall off
  • satin can snag

Kate Spade

Whether you're searching for the perfect bag for a night out or something a little more glitzy for the holiday season, this bag has plenty of personality. The bejeweled strap is lined with crystals for a glistening bit of embellishment while the soft satin material offers a quiet luxury look. It has a zip-top closure as well as one slip pocket inside.

Fast Facts

  • Material: satin and crystals

Best Work Tote

10. Kate Spade Essential Leather Work Tote

What We Like

  • laptop sleeve
  • turnlock tab closure
  • looks expensive

What We Don't Like

  • no optional crossbody strap
  • pricey for a work bag

Kate Spade

We love the efficiency of this work tote. From the laptop sleeve (large enough to hold up to 15-inch Macbook) to the metal feet that allow it to sit upright at your desk, it's bound to make your mornings easier this fall. Its got a turnlock tab closure and a couple of interior pockets to keep your other items well-sorted during your commute, too. The Bungalow Brown is also right on trend.

Fast Facts

  • Material: leather

What Color Purse Is Best for Fall?

If you're going by way of yearly trends, this year, our fashion editor notes the popularity of reds and rich neutral hues to wear for your fall 'fits. If you're searching for a staple fall bag that is sure to be in style year after year, opt for a deep neutral or jewel tone that surpasses the summer month favorites. These shades are great choices to match with outfits and wear on a daily basis instead of just on occasion.

What Is Kate Spade's Most Iconic Handbag?

According to Vogue, the iconic Sam Bag ($298) is the Kate Spade bag most notable among the general public and celebrities. The nylon material and classic square shape were very popular in the mid '90s, and don't worry: You can still snag it today. 

We Found the *Exact* Purse Taylor Swift Wore on Date Night With Travis Kelce, and It's Every Bit As Gorgeous As It Looks



olivia dubyak headshot

Commerce Editor

  • Covers commerce content, including personal and collaborative reviews and product roundups across beauty, home, fashion and family verticals
  • More than 5 years of professional experience in journalism
  • Studied journalism at Duquesne University

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