Handbags are hardly a one-and-done accessory. Collecting several lets you experiment with color and design, and serves a practical purpose—different shapes and sizes are clutch (no pun intended) in different situations.

To ensure you're choosing the best handbags, read on to learn more about the nine essential types, including tips on when and where to wear them.

1. The tote.

Though their sturdy shape and structured interiors make them ideal for running errands, totes are as much about fashion as they are about function. Whether in luxury textiles or more casual fabrics, they give the most pedestrian part of your day some panache.

2. The wristlet.

Tiny, sure, but incredibly versatile. They can also be used as wallets, to stash your lipstick during an afternoon wedding, or for those Sunday fundays when all you need is an I.D. and a credit card.

3. The messenger.

A modern classic. Originally developed for couriers, they've since become a great briefcase alternative for professionals in more casual working environments.

4. The backpack.

Shouldering a heavy bag can be awful for posture. Small backpacks give your body a break every once in awhile by distributing weight evenly, which is especially helpful during longer excursions, like clothes shopping or music festivals.

5. The duffel.

Ideal for a weekend trip—just throw in a few versatile pieces of clothing, a book, and some travel-size toiletries. (If you’re a fan of impromptu getaways, you should probably just keep one packed and ready to go.)

6. The satchel.

Mid-sized, loaded with compartments, gets plenty of mileage: satchels are like the Toyota Camrys of the handbag world. And we mean that in the best possible way.

7. The crossbody.

Is it just us, or do crossbodies get cuter as they get smaller? Tinier versions are basically a hands-free version of the wristlet, though a crossbody in any size is great for protecting currency and I.D. when traveling.

8. The hobo.

Some days, you just need to carry literally everything you own. Or you just want to perfect that bohemian Free People vibe. Either way, this oversized style will do the trick.

9. The clutch.

Thanks to structure, bling (as with the studs on the Valentino bag pictured above), or avant-garde design, clutches often feel more formal than wristlets. The best handbags for evening occasions.

Photos by Mark Mills, Groupon