Old Navy's Under-$50 Holiday Handbags Keep Going Viral. Our Editors Tried Them For Ourselves.

"The faux leather feels thick and didn't crease, though I did notice some minor scuffs. While the design looks exactly like it does online, the bag is slightly larger in person than I expected. That actually makes it more practical for everyday use rather than just for special occasions—it fits more than you’d think. I was able to pack my wallet, keys, earbuds, a power bank, pill pack, hand sanitizer, travel-size perfume, a few lip products, and even my Kindle Colorsoft. Just note that if you overfill it, the flap with button closure can be tricky to close, and since it’s not zippered, smaller items could fall out. Overall, the fabric feels impressively high-end for the price point."—Commerce Editor Anvita Reddy

"I was drawn to this bag because of its trendy chocolate brown shade, and it looks just as rich in person. I love the gold buckle accent, and how the faux leather strap contrasts with the faux suede. I used it to carry a bunch of items home from work (a hardcover book, a bulky sweater, some full-sized skincare bottles, and my small purse), and it held up nicely. It's a little less structured than it looks online, but I personally think the slouchy design makes it look lived-in. Plus, it has a hidden clip closure, which helped prevent my things from falling out. I just wish it had interior pockets!"—Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber

"Its size (and my Rich Red color) make it a perfect candidate for a holiday party handbag, and it fits everything I’d need for such an occasion: a small wallet, my iPhone, keys, and a lipstick. And I still had some room to spare.

It was generally easy to carry both like a bracelet and as a handheld, though I found the position of the “bracelet” slightly awkward—it’s not quite centered, so the weight of the bag and its contents felt uneven at times. The bag feels quite stiff (even the way the bracelet moves), but it gives it the clean, structured look I appreciate for a put-together outfit. While the shell is polyester and the lining is also made of synthetic materials, per the brand, it does read like suede and leather at first (quick!) glance—but I don't anticipate it to hold up as such long-term. It’s a fun, budget-friendly accessory for the holiday season (and beyond—because a pop of red never goes out of style)."

"When I immediately opened it, I noticed some issues like the hardware was scratched/slightly tarnished and the holes weren't punched through on the strap all the way, which made it difficult to adjust the straps. But the outer fabric felt very soft and pebbly, so that was a plus. The color looks just like the photos, and it's bigger than I expected. It's one big compartment so it fits a ton of small odds and ends and even some tech like a digital camera and my somewhat bulky over-ear headphones. For the price, you could totally justify the purchase as a holiday party bag that you pull out for festive occasions when you just need a pop of red."—Deputy Commerce Editor Heath Owens