It tells us an awful lot about a year—and in fact—a decade, if many of the period's season-defining trends focused on what we carried on our shoulders and in our hands. Yes, we had the beginning of the 2020s to thank for Barbiecore,quiet luxury and the Y2K renaissance, but the real talking points were theIt bagsthat made flash-in-the-pan trends feel like fully realised aesthetics. Whether you cooed over JW Anderson's pigeon clutch or preferredLoewe's puzzling take on the tote, fell for Bottega's woven styles or grabbed the Anthropologie dupe that went viral on social media, you found your way here first and foremost because you are a bag lover; and if you're looking for thelatest bag trends to invest in, the first place to startare the runways.
Ready-to-wear might have its timeless staples (thewool coat, the cashmere knit, the perfect pair of everyday jeans, for example), but we get to have a little more fun experimenting with our accessories. Needless to say, there are the eternal iconsthat have been around for decades (theHermés Birkin and the Chanel 11.12spring to mind), but when we're refreshing our wardrobes with a little updateon our seasonal style, there's nothing quite like a pulse-quickening, lust-worthy bag to bring things bangup to date. So, what can we expect from 2024?
In the name of good journalistic research, Isetabout scouring the runways and analysing the2024 collections to bring you the key handbag trends I'm confident we'll startseeing everywhereover the next 12 months. From the supersized evening bags that are evenbigger than last year's totes to thecolour trend that influencers and editors are already backing, keep scrollingto seethe six handbag trends that bring new meaning to theterm "arm candy".
1. RAINBOW BRIGHTS
(Image credit: Courtesy Bally, Gaspar J. Ruiz Lindberg courtesy Gucci,Courtesy Fendi, Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com courtesy Victoria Beckham)
Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a trend roundup without one standout colour, but as it turns out, 2024 will be about celebrating them all. Ultra-bold Crayola brights cropped upin the majority of collections in the form of a colour-pop handbag—almost the antithesis of A/W 23's trending shades ofcharcoal grey and chocolate brown. There's a lot to love about this joyful trend that lifts almost any outfit to dopamine-inducing highs. Having a bad day? Reach for abrightbag.
SHOP BRIGHTS:
Loewe
Puzzle Edge Mini Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag in Orange
The cult favourite in bright citrus orange.
Fendi
Patent Leather Top Handle Bag in Edamame
Surprisingly versatile.
A.P.C.
Virginie Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Sunshine in a bag.
Bottega Veneta
Blue Mini Sardine Bag
I'm obsessed with this blue.
Jacquemus
Bambino Large Patent-Leather Top-Handle Bag
This would look great against black, white and grey.
2. THE LUDICROUSLY CAPACIOUS CLUTCH
(Image credit: Chris Yates courtesy 16Arlington, Courtesy Ferragamo,Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com, Courtesy Erdem)
Style Notes: It seems like a contradiction in terms that an "oversized clutch" should exist. By its nature, the handle-less bag should easily be able to fit in one hand or tucked under the arm, but if the runways have taught us anything, it's how to make an accessory feel like the star of the show, and these exceptionally large clutches give serious big bag energy. Don't mistake them for the reserve of eveningwear alone though—according to 16Arlington, Ferragamo, Victoria Beckham and The Attico, to name but a few, these bags are styled best with tailoring,leather jackets and casual denim.
SHOP OVERSIZED CLUTCHES:
Bottega Veneta
Pouch Large Leather Clutch Bag
This entire 'fit is perfection.
Victoria Beckham
Chain-Embellished Leather Handbag
A bag that doubles up as a shoulder bag and a clutch? Sign me up.
Anthropologie
The Frankie Faux-Leather Clutch Bag
You won't able to beat this price.
& Other Stories
Leather Clutch Bag
Too cute for words.
Ferragamo
Hug Pouch
Adream bag, in every colour.
3. BUCKET LIST
(Image credit: Courtesy Altuzarra, Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images, INDIGITAL.TV courtesy Alexander McQueen,Carlo Scarpato / Gorunway.com courtesy Chloé)
Style Notes: After the big, bad clutch, it feels like we're back in familiar territory with the bucket bag. There are no bells and whistles, no theatrical reinventions and no need for whacky colours here; instead, 2024's bucket bagharks back to the classics—circular-bottomed, deep-barrelled bags in rich, tonal colours that will go with everything (and fit everything inside, too). Think of this deceptively roomy option as the fashion person's rucksack.
SHOP BUCKET BAGS:
Demellier
The New York Bucket with Leather Strap
DeMellieris a certified Who What Wear UK editor favourite.
Charles & Keith
Blossom Drawstring Bucket Bag
Oxblood red always looks expensive.
J&M Davidson
Nube Bucket
This leather looks so supple.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Cassette Bucket Bag
That's right, Bottega does outstanding mini bucket bags too.
4. MY FAIR LADY
(Image credit: Courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim,Peter White/Getty Images courtesy Balmain, Gaspar J Ruiz Lindberg courtesy Louis Vuitton, Courtesy Altuzarra)
Style Notes: Demure, "ladylike" and timeless, the top-handle bag has been reinvented countless times, never falling out offashion.Perhaps it's down to the simpleyet elegant silhouette, maybe it's the bag's nostalgic appeal; either way, my guess is that it's no coincidence that the year wegravitatedtowardsslingbacks and A-line skirts also set thestage for the return of the top-handle. Could we be ready to trade in '90sminimalismfor '50s Americana? Watch this space.
SHOP TOP-HANDLE BAGS:
The Row
Sofia 10.00 Medium Leather Top Handle Bag
The Rowis the definition of quiet luxury.
Coach
Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
There's something satisfying about the squidgy pillow Tabby.
Aspinal of London
Mayfair Bag
Now that's a statement bag.
Gucci
Horsebit 1955 Mini Bag
This looks like a prized antique.
5. ANIMAL ATTRACTION
(Image credit: Coperni Resort 2024,INDIGITAL.TV courtesy Alexander McQueen, Courtesy Jil Sander,JP Yim/Getty Images for Michael Kors)
Style Notes:And now to prints we know and love. 2024 will take a walk on the wild side in the form of glossy mock-croc, fierce leopard, statement snakeskin and almost anything else you'd find on safari. There's no better way to dress up everything from cosy knits and coats to simple dresses and tank tops, and since these styles always seem to come back around each year, it's fair to consider animal-print bags asensible investment.
SHOP ANIMAL PRINT:
Ferragamo
Leopard-Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag
The subtle way to do leopard.
& Other Stories
Croco Leather Bag
Tell me you didn't think this was designer.
Moda in Pelle
Marisa Bamboo Handle Snake Print Tote Bag
The bamboo handles are a nice touch.
Tory Burch
Bon Bon Calf Hair Mini Bag
It's strokeably soft too.
Saint Laurent
Sac De Jour Nano in Matte Crocodile Embossed Leather
Simply stunning.
6. LEARN TO SLOUCH
(Image credit: Courtesy 3.1 Phillip Lim,Estrop/Getty Images),Courtesy Isabel Marant, Courtesy The Row)
Style Notes: Forget everything youwere toldabout slouching. Structured, boxy totes and shoppers are out for the new year,when spring will usher in the age of fluidity. Big bags made their way down the runway, carried nonchalantly as they practically spilled off the arms of models, in floppy suede, buttery-soft leather and liquid silk. It's official: languid forms and shapeless styles are the new way to do effortless elegance. Good news for thosewho prefer to carry everything including the kitchen sink; these spacious bags are designed to be filled up and slung over your shoulder, so you needn't worry about fitting it all in.
SHOP SLOUCHY TOTES:
Toteme
Belted Suede Tote
Add this to your wish list before it sells out again.
Arket
Tote Bag
ARKETbags keep getting better and better.
COS
Diamond-Quilted Shoulder Bag
Another COS It bag in the making.
Stella Mccartney
+ Net Sustain Perforated Vegetarian Leather Tote
You won't believe it's not leather.
Khaite
Lotus Medium Suede Tote Bag
What a beautiful shade of blue.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the fashion industry, I have a deep understanding of trends, styles, and the evolution of fashion over time. I have spent years studying and analyzing fashion collections, attending fashion shows, and keeping up with the latest industry news. My expertise in this field allows me to provide valuable insights into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Rainbow Brights
The first handbag trend mentioned in the article is "Rainbow Brights." This trend celebrates vibrant and bold colors, offering a refreshing contrast to the more subdued shades that have been popular in previous seasons. Designers have incorporated Crayola brights into their collections, using them to create eye-catching handbags that can instantly elevate any outfit. This trend is all about embracing joy and adding a pop of color to your ensemble.
The Ludicrously Capacious Clutch
The next trend highlighted in the article is the "Ludicrously Capacious Clutch." This trend defies the conventional notion of a clutch by introducing oversized versions that make a statement. Despite their large size, these clutches are not limited to eveningwear. They are versatile enough to be paired with tailored outfits, leather jackets, and casual denim, making them a standout accessory for any occasion.
Bucket List
The "Bucket List" trend takes us back to the classic bucket bag. This timeless style features circular-bottomed, deep-barreled bags in rich, tonal colors. The simplicity and functionality of the bucket bag make it a fashion staple that can effortlessly complement any outfit. It offers ample space to carry all your essentials while adding a touch of elegance to your look.
My Fair Lady
The "My Fair Lady" trend pays homage to the timeless and demure top-handle bag. This bag style has remained a fashion favorite throughout the years, thanks to its elegant silhouette and nostalgic appeal. The top-handle bag exudes sophistication and can effortlessly elevate any outfit. It is a versatile accessory that never goes out of style.
Animal Attraction
Animal prints make a bold statement in the "Animal Attraction" trend. Mock-croc, leopard, snake, and other safari-inspired prints take center stage in handbag designs. Animal-print bags can add a touch of glamour and personality to any ensemble. They are a stylish investment as they tend to reappear in fashion trends year after year.
Learn to Slouch
The final trend mentioned in the article is "Learn to Slouch." This trend embraces fluidity and relaxed styles, moving away from structured and boxy totes and shoppers. Slouchy totes made from materials such as suede, soft leather, and silk are becoming the epitome of effortless elegance. These spacious bags are designed to be filled up and casually slung over the shoulder, offering both style and practicality.
By examining these trends, we can gain a better understanding of the handbag styles that will dominate the fashion scene in 2024. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or a bag lover, these trends offer exciting options to refresh your wardrobe and stay on-trend.
