As the sales season starts and new collections for spring lands the shelves of stores, it’s crucial not to get lost in the stockpiles of clothes and accessories or what is trendy and what is already outdated.
This guide breaks down the essentials of the runway and introduces you to the eight most popular styles and shapes of handbags for the spring/summer of 2024.
Big bags
Finally, big handbags are back! Prepare to put your whole life back into your precious bag and carry it with you anywhere you go. Need a notebook? No problem. Need your lunch for takeaway? No problem. Need another pair of shoes, just in case you’re going on a dinner date in the evening? No problem – Bottega Veneta offers you soft-shape slouchy bags while Prada gives it more defined shape. The big bag can hold everything you need for your day-to-day life and much more.
But forget about all the set rules on how to carry a bag: as seen on the runway of Victoria Beckham carry it on one handle as if you were in a rush or take notes from Valentino and carry the handbag into firm grip as… as if you’re Santa Claus carrying a sack of presents.
Clear bags
No secrets here. Literally. Take advantage of the see-through bag trend and showcase to the world your beliefs, hobbies or the things you admire simply by putting them into your bag. As Lithuanian-based fashion journalist and critic D. Bulbenkaite said in one of her lectures ‘handbag is a nice item and if others are taking pictures of it – I want to put more nice things in it and carry it around.’
The best part about clear bags? You will always see where your lipstick at. Choose clear colors from Coperni, Balmain or pastel, candy cotton hues from Armani, Versace, and Tory Burch.
Micro bags
Few seasons back mini trend taught us to carry only essentials in our bags as if it was preparing us for what was to come – micro. Micro bags are going like accessories here as they don’t hold any space for personal belongings. Wear it crossbody as Staud or as a necklace as Moschino or carry it with two fingers like you just came down Versace runway.
Clutches
Classic styles and lines of quiet luxury did not go away for this type of bag – envelope, box style clutches from Tom Ford, Fendi, and Brunello Cucinelli are timeless pieces you can invest in straight away.
Don’t forget this season is about balance – on one side there are classic pieces and on the other – more approachable, day-to-day looks as in The Row, Tove or 16Arlington.
Cargo
Fendi sits down at the top of the list with cargo trend as its multi-pocket baguette has been one of the most wanted bags for a few seasons now. No wonder why – cargo style is very practical with all its pockets and sturdy cotton fabric which makes it easy to look after. For casual strolls choose an everyday tote bag from Max Mara or elevate your look and make it girly as much as you can with bows and patent leather style as seen at Acne Studios, Simone Rocha.
Box bags
There is one very particular style we’ve seen on the runways this season – square bag which likely will provoke some childhood memories of going for lunch with a metal lunch box in one’s hand. With a square shape and sharp lines as in Acne Studios or Hermes, these leather bags evolved not far from its predecessor, although there’s always the softer side seen at Alexander McQueen, Loewe or JW Anderson. The best part about this trend? You can mix it with other trends – wear it with dangling chains as in Blumarine or big logo plates like Diesel.
Reptile bags
Snake skin-effect, crocodile-effect, karung, and lizard leather bags are always in style and elevates any look. Take any basic outfit, let it be a white T-shirt and blue jeans add a snakeskin bag – and here you have a bit of edginess and interest drawn to your whole outfit all thanks to one item. If you like taking risks and a touch of extra – choose something between Gucci’s neon yellow or Versace’s silver crocodile-effect bags.
But if you like to play it safe – look no further than Fendi’s karung clutch or Celine’s & Loewe’s versatile and classic snake-skin and crocodile-effect leather bags with chain straps which can be worn both day and night.
Chain bags
Chain bags were everywhere this season, take it from Loewe’s day-to-day shoulder bag to the more versatile Celine bag. This trend can be mixed with other trends as well. Chains serve as the straps for bags or only as the accessories hanging from the handles giving freedom to your imagination and choose the one closest to your style.
Woven bags
Woven bags were always summer’s go-to choice especially if you’re going to the seaside, but this season designers decided to give woven bags a proper bow down. Valentino, Fendi made them classy and elegant while on the other side Bottega Veneta, Carven and Ermano Scervino presented more laid back, effortless look.
