The last time I visited Old Navy, it was for the store’s $1 flip-flop sale over a decade ago.
I hadn’t even thought much about the mall brand until this weekend, when I was bombarded with TikTok videos of its fall bag collection. Suddenly, I felt an itch to return.
Not only are the purses cute, but they’re the first Old Navy has released since Zac Posen became Chief Creative Officer in February 2024.
So on Monday morning, I went to an Old Navy store in New Jersey to see if any of the coveted bags lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, I was quickly disappointed.
Shopping for bargain bags at the mall
Old Navy launched its new bags online and in stores on September 3. Each retails for $45 or less, with more than a dozen designs available across three categories: the Prep Collection, the Carrie Collection, and the Romantic Collection.
According to Old Navy, the Prep collection offers “sleek and sophisticated” faux-leather designs, while the Romantic Collection is meant for nights out and special occasions.
The Carrie Collection, on the other hand, honors fashion icon and Old Navy model Carrie Donovan with oversize totes crafted from a mix of materials.
I visited a local store almost a week after launch, so I worried there wouldn’t be many bags left. Luckily, there were plenty on shelves, though some designs had clearly been picked over.
At the location I visited, the new bags were arranged alongside fall clothes like jeans and pullover sweaters.
High-end designs and fast-fashion quality
Online, I thought each bag looked impressive. The designs were classic, simple, and comparable to high-end options.
As I reached the in-store display and picked up the first bag I saw, though, I uttered two simple words: “Oh no.”
The $24.99 small Preppy Bucket Crossbody bag from the Prep collection was extremely lightweight, and not in a good way. Its faux-leather material felt cheap and flimsy.
Its faux-suede lining seemed slightly better quality, and I did appreciate the Gap Green colorway. Still, the price seemed high for such a tiny, low-quality bag.
I was equally unimpressed by the $39.99 large Preppy Bucket bags. Despite their larger size, the imitation leather fell flat in my hands. The style also had magnetic clasps that came undone with the slightest movement.
The Prep collection’s $29.99 Preppy Shoulder bags felt sturdier and more structured, though I didn’t like its loose straps — an issue I also had with the small crossbody.
Special occasion bags were in another area of the store, closer to dresses and formal wear. I liked them better than the ones I tried above, but not by much.
The Bracelet bag from the Romantic Collection, for example, was cute, but pretty small for $29.99. The $26.99 mini Hobo bag felt like a better option, though its faux-leather had a high shine that cheapened its look, even from far away.
Representatives for Old Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
I’d only buy one bag from the line — under one condition
In my opinion, the highlight of Old Navy’s new bags is the medium-sized Carrie Tote, which retails for $34.99.
It stood out on shelves, where a few had clearly been purchased already, and its price felt fair for such a spacious piece.
It’s made from the same faux leather and suede as the other bags, though the slouchy fabrics actually suit this style. I could easily see myself carrying it to a café on a workday or for a day of shopping with friends.
Still, I worried that the bag would fall apart over time. I’d probably only buy one if I had a great coupon or if the bag went on sale.
I’ve used many inexpensive bags from Target, Macy’s, and other retailers in my lifetime, and I generally know what to expect from them.
While a few have served me for years, most of them fell apart rather quickly. The new Old Navy bags remind me a lot of the latter. So knowing what I know, I wouldn’t spend my money on them.
That doesn’t mean Old Navy should worry, though. The hype surrounding these bags brought me back into the store for the first time in years.
While there, I found high-quality jeans I’m going to order online and wool-blend sweaters that could fill a hole in my wardrobe. I imagine other shoppers like me will experience the same.
So I’m not writing off Old Navy entirely. Just its bags, for now.
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