How would you define what's "chic"? While the visible definition of the term may vary based on fashion 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 also 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—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 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 visual references from the French set to further the point. Prepare to see the embodiment of chic in purse form.
Demellier's trapezoid-shaped tote is the ideal investment for those looking to give their work bag an upgrade, as it's spacious enough to fit a laptop and downright chic.
Charles
Keith
Brown Croc-Embossed Crescent Hobo Bag
There are so many things about this Charles
Keith bag that make it a great investment. It's available in two other colors, comes with an adjustable handle that allows it to be styled as a shoulder or handbag, and is under $100.
Burberry
Mini Croc-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag
The forest-green hue of this Burberry bag whispers "money."
Brandon Blackwood
Kendrick Croc-Embossed Trunk Top-Handle Bag
Brandon Blackwood aces the assignment every single time.
One way you can make this classic handbag feel more trend-forward is by opting for a version in a unique hue, like the avocado-green one above.
Jil Sander
Goji Mini Croc-Embossed Top-Handle Bag
A crocodile bag is already sophisticated in and of itself, but this Jil Sander bag takes it to a whole new level. From the croc-embossed leather to the kiss-lock hardware to the contrasting black bamboo handle, everything about this bag is positively chic.
Vince Camuto
Barlo Small Shoulder Bag
Searching for an affordable purse that feels trend-forward? Look no further than this Vince Camuto bag that features some of the most stylish details of the moment—faux croc, buckle hardware, and even a crescent shape.
Versace
Medium Greca Goddess Croc Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag
One word: Versace.
Maje
Clover Embossed Leather Baguette Clutch
You may not be able to spend the evening wandering through the streets of Paris, but you can feel like you are by styling this croc-embossed clutch with a little black dress.
Brother Vellies
Lijadu Croc-Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag
The wood hardware on the strap of this crocodile shoulder bag is a tasteful touch.
I don't know about you, but I can definitely imagine a Parisian sauntering by the Seine with this bag in tow.
Steve Madden
Vilma Bag in Purple Croc
Just because crocodile bags err on the more polished side doesn't mean they can't be edgy. Case in point: the studded Steve Madden bag above.
Mansur Gavriel
Cloud Mini Croc-Embossed Clutch Bag
You can style this Mansur Gavriel bag as a crossbody during the day or a clutch for an evening out on the town.
Coach
Embossed Croc Studio Shoulder Bag Wine
Coach is always a good idea.
Topshop
Double Pocket Faux Croc Shoulder Bag
It's the pockets that did it for me.
Ferragamo
Geometric Shoulder Bag
There are numerous faux-croc options on the market, but if you find that you do want to invest in an animal-skin handbag, then there's no better option than this Ferragamo bag.
Recently released, Jimmy Choo's Avenue bag will surely become beloved among the French fashion set in no time.
Michael Kors
Chantal Extra-Small Crocodile Embossed Leather Messenger Bag
Clearly, I'm a fan of forest-green crocodile bags. Can you blame me?
Ted Baker
Aalicce Imitation Croc Bamboo Handle Bag
The pairing of crocodile leather and a bamboo handle always looks luxurious, no matter how much the bag actually costs.
Givenchy
Cut Out Shoulder Bag Crocodile Embossed Leather Small
Make your secondhand designer-bag purchase even more worthwhile by investing in a crocodile bag.
Aqua
Large Croc Embossed Tote
Another great commuter tote!
Celine
Calfskin Crocodile Embossed Medium Phantom Luggage Black
The number of crocodile bags you can buy—both brand-new and secondhand from affordable and luxury brands—is proof that this bag has staying power. So why not invest in it for the long haul by securing this Celine bag? You won't regret it.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.