Clare V. review: The colorful bags and travel pieces worth the splurge

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In this age of gray minimalist wardrobes and an insistence that luxury needs to be "quiet," there are few brands left that are unapologetically colorful. But Clare V. is a rainbow-hued reminder that the itch for personality and playfulness doesn't die out with trend cycles.

In my opinion, the hugely popular bag charm trend has always been about bringing personalization back into fashion. Clare V. takes this to the next level by encouraging you to make your whole handbag your own.

We've also spotted Clare V. all over NYC. The signature woven leather bags and quirky straps are favorites among young, stylish moms and the fashion industry crowd. And the brand has made lots of our best-of buying guides, including the best work bags and the best crossbody bags.

The Petit Moyen

Take, for example, the two Petit Moyens above. The yellow bag on the left belongs to me, while the black-and-white bag on the right belongs to my fellow style editor Gabrielle Chase. You could probably tell a lot about our personalities from our bags alone, which is the beauty of a brand with this kind of customization.

Clare V. has a huge selection of bag straps with lots of quirky designs like red lips, resin chains, fish beads, and more. I have the porcelain flower strap, but Gabi's is out of stock this season.

One of the best parts about the Petit Moyen is that it packs flat in a suitcase. I took it to Greece with me (pictured above) and had a fantastic time pairing it with all kinds of vacation looks.

It also comes with a crossbody strap, so I could use it hands-free during daytime walking tours, then switch to my fun flower strap for the evening.

The Summer Tote

For our guide to the best work bags for women, Senior Associate Style Editor Gabrielle Chase tested Clare V.'s crocheted Simple Summer Tote. "I chose this black and white checkered pattern with an adjustable crossbody strap, which is broad and long enough to wear comfortably," she says.

The tote has an easy, slouchy shape that reads more like a beach bag than a buttoned-up office carryall — but that relaxed structure is also what makes it practical. There's not much internal organization, though the roomy main compartment easily accommodates bulkier everyday items.

"This bag doesn't have many compartments besides one small drop pocket, so I keep my laptop in a sleeve. However, the wide open main compartment means I can toss in my lunch bag, and it won't get compressed," she continues.

The Sandy

The Sandy from Clare V. is a beach bag you'll want to keep using even after you've left the beach. It's made of cotton rope that stretches to fit a towel, lunch, and whatever else you need to bring to the shore, but its woven design is versatile enough for summer outings in the city, too. In person, it reads as more luxe macramé than farmer 's-market mesh. Plus, the leather handles elevate the bag and add a polished touch.

However, I wouldn't leave the house with this bag without a pouch for small essentials like keys. When the bag stretches, the holes expand as well. It would be incredibly easy for something like a lip balm to slip through, so you have to plan for that when packing.

I added one of Clare V's signature bag charms, which are a little pricey but worth it. When it's not on this tote, it's on my leather work bag or a summery handbag.

We also named this one of the best beach bags we've ever tested.

The Vacances

I brought Clare V.'s cosmetics case on a bachelorette trip to Florida, and it turned out to be one of the most useful things I packed.

One of its biggest advantages is the size. The Vacances case comfortably fits several claw clips, which was a huge plus for me. I love wearing claw clips in warm weather, but they're notoriously annoying to travel with because of their bulky shapes and how easy they are to snap. This case kept them protected the whole time.

I'm also a big fan of the lay-flat design. When you're getting ready in front of a mirror, there's nothing more frustrating than rummaging through a cramped pouch for one small product. Because this case opens fully, everything is visible at a glance and much easier to grab.

Between the slip pockets, the zippered center compartment, and the thoughtful layout, this case feels equal parts chic and functional.

The Vacances also

The Lune

Clare V's Lune is like a more delicate version of the Petit Moyen. The leather weave here is narrower, the strap is thinner, and the silhouette is a little more sleek.

If you're choosing between the two, the Petit Moyen is the best option for most people. Unlike the Lune, it comes with a sturdy crossbody strap and a matching top handle. The Lune only comes with the skinny strap pictured above, which is a little too thin to sit comfortably on your shoulder.

And though the version of the Lune I tested has the signature woven leather, the bag's look completely changes when you see it in edgy light-colored denim or contemporary silver chrome.

The bottom line

Clare V. stands out in a sea of subdued accessories by making bags and travel pieces that feel genuinely fun, personal, and easy to style. Across the board, the brand's signatures — woven textures, playful straps, and bold color combinations — give even practical designs a lot more personality.

Favorites like the Petit Moyen, Sandy, and Vacances prove that Clare V. isn't just about looks; many of its pieces are thoughtfully designed for travel, work, and everyday use. That said, some styles are more functional than others, and certain bags may need extras like pouches or alternate straps to make them truly convenient.

Still, for anyone who wants accessories with character, Clare V. makes some of the most distinctive and joy-sparking options worth buying.

FAQs

Is Clare V. worth it?

Clare V. is definitely a splurge — most of the signature leather purses are a little over $400. But it's worth it if you want accessories from a recognizable luxury brand that stand out and add more personality to your wardrobe. The brand's bags and accessories balance playful design with practical details, though some styles are more functional than others.

How do you care for Clare V.'s woven leather bags?

Clare V. says its woven leather is hand-woven and finished with a paper foil wash for shine. The brand recommends professional cleaning, careful handling, storing the bag in a dustbag, and being especially cautious with lighter colors because they're more prone to water damage, staining, and color transfer.

What is Clare V.'s return policy?

On current product pages, Clare V. says returns can be made by mail or in-store within 30 days from the order date.

Which Clare V. bag is best for travel?

The Petit Moyen is a great travel option because it packs flat in a suitcase and can be worn crossbody during the day. The Vacances case is also especially travel-friendly, with a roomy interior and a lay-flat design that makes it easy to see everything inside.