by Harriet Davey.
Navigating the latest fashion trends can be a challenging task to say the least. Is the reign of Adidas Samba trainers over? (Even though I own a pair, I would say yes). Should we all be embracing Capri pants and disc belts like we’re back in 2001? Although my 10-year-old self would say yes to both of these, I won’t be trying either the second time round. And when it comes to bags, are small pencil case styles or supersize versions best? The answer is, for 2024, both are key.
And with so many other bag trends taking to the catwalks for spring/summer this year, I thought I would take it upon myself to help everyone decipher the trends actually worth trying out. Because let’s face it, like the return of Destiny’s Child’s favourite Y2K belt, not all trends need to be worn!
The most important factors to consider when investing in a new bag (be it designer, mid-price or high street) is that they’ll suit your style, will work with your existing wardrobe and will last for years to come. With this in mind, I want to introduce you to the colours, shapes and textures that are trending right now, and the exact fashion editor-approved styles I believe are worth adding to your much-loved handbag collection.
Colours
Last year it was all about #Barbiecore pink for bags, shoes, dresses, coats and well, everything, then red took over for autumn/winter 2023. Now, we’re seeing some new shades take the limelight – and I’m a big fan of three in particular: butter yellow, burgundy and Kermit green.
The soft shade of yellow (seen on the runways at Bottega Veneta and Jacquemus)can act as a neutral, working in your wardrobe with tonal creams or even clashing red. When it comes to burgundy, this also works well with butter yellow, so you can tick off two trends in one if you wear these colours together – a butter yellow shirt with a burgundy bag, or a burgundy dress with a yellow bag, for example. And while bold Bottega green had a moment a few years back, the punchy shade has made a return, and it’s about to be one of the key accessories trends – so get ahead now.
Butter Yellow
Nanushka
The Square Bag
This fun origami style can also be unfolded to transform into a shoulder bag – it’s basically a two-for-one buy if you ask me! Love, love, love.
Anthropologie
The Brea Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
I like how this one has an adjustable strap so you can wear as a grab style or a shoulder bag. The gold hardware also makes it look way more expensive than the under-£100 price tag.
Burgundy
A.P.C.
Grace Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Instead of your usual everyday classic black, tan or cream crossbody bag, why not switch it up to burgundy? It’s still a timeless shade but will also feel fresh for new season.
Loewe
Pebble Medium Leather Bucket Bag Burgundy
As a Loewe bag mega fan, of course I had to include this glossy Pebble bucket. It’ll instantly upgrade any outfit – from a trench coat look to a cool linen co-ord.
Green
Khaite
Olivia Medium Raffia Shoulder Bag
Bold look-at-me green is back in business, and to tick off two trends in one, go for this crescent raffia bag by fashion editor-loved brand, Khaite.
Staud
Shirley Mini Striped Tote
If this shade of green feels slightly intimidating, an easy way to incorporate it into your wardrobe is by opting for a print. When teamed with soft white, navy and tan, the green doesn’t feel as bright.
Shapes
While I will always appreciate a classic tote or a carefully crafted fuss-free crossbody, I love when a new handbag silhouette is ripe for the picking. As a small bag person, I was thrilled that Alaïa’s Le Teckel skinny pencil case shaped bag created a love for this fit-barely-anything barrel shape. But if small styles aren’t you’re thing, 2024 is all about polar opposites, with the supersize carry-absolutely-everything capacious tote bag being spotted all over the catwalks at the likes of Ferragamo and Loewe. Looking for something in-between? The latest Jacquemus shape ‘Le Petit Calino’, is the rounded top-handle bag that’s about to be one of the most distinctive shapes 2024 has to offer.
No matter your chosen team, I’ve rounded up the styles that fit all three shapes, sizes and silhouettes this season.
Supersize
Loewe
Puzzle Fold XL Leather Tote
The giant bag to beat? Loewe’s XL Puzzle tote. The style is so big, you’ll be able to fit an extra bag inside it, plus a laptop, spare pair of shoes and anything else you may need for the office.
Ganni
Leopard Oversized Canvas Tote
Animal print is having a moment this year, and if you’re eager to try it out, then a bag is an easy way to make it work with your existing wares. I love this logo Ganni version with jeans, an oversized shirt and trainers.
Barrel
Mango
Braided Cylindrical Bag
I have this in burgundy, and while it’s of course not the most practical of bags, I get so many compliments on how good it looks with an evening outfit. So yes of course I now want it in this futuristic silver hue.
Coachtopia
Barrel Bag
Bag charms are a mini trend this year (as first seen worn by Jane Birkin), and Coach have created this cute keyring cylinder bag to subtly try out the look. It also comes in pink, green or black, FYI!
Round Handle
Jacquemus
Le Petit Calino
The Jacquemus style in question – enter: Le Petit Calino. I love the sleek gold rounded handle against the body red textured bag. And yes, red is still a trending colour for 2024, so I would style this beauty with a pastel pink dress on holiday.
Staud
Goodnight Moon Leather Tote Bag Pink
This crescent moon bag is a Scandi cool-girl favourite thanks to its structured shape and glossy finish. Wear for day with linen separates or for after-dark with a maxi dress – it’ll be your go-to no matter the occasion.
Textures
If you want to add interest to your bag collection without having to invest in bright look-at-me colours or supersize shapes, a fail-safe way to do this is by embracing texture. One classic feel that’s coming through this year is suede – heavily influenced by the boho trend coming back from Chloé, of course. And who better to show off this trend that London style icon, Sienna Miller, who has been recently spotted wearing the newly launched Jimmy Choo Cinch suede bag. And if you want to wear one of summer’s all-time favourite textures, then of course it’s all about the raffia basket. With styles being spotted at the likes of Loewe, Chanel and Fendi, they’re continuing as a SS24 hero bag.
If you’re not into the natural basket look, then you could also try the new woven leather or material versions as seen at Bottega Veneta and Valentino. Either way, summer is going to be all about attention-to-detail handbags.
Woven
Dragon Diffusion
Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote
These Dragon Diffusion leather woven bags have become so popular, they’ve sold out in most colours on most sites. Luckily, this creamy tote is still available – but you’ll have to be quick to bag it!
Bottega Veneta
Andiamo Small Intrecciato Leather Tote
This braided beauty is a firm favourite in any colour, but I particularly love this soft sage green to go with luxe shades of cream, tan with lashings of gold jewellery.
Suede
Jimmy Choo
Cinch-M Tan Suede Bag
Destined to be the ‘It’ bag of the year, this fresh new Jimmy Choo shape looks effort with the ruched detail, retro fastening and timeless tobacco suede colourway – obsessed!
Arket
Curved Suede Shoulder Bag Beige
Arket is coming through with so many chic suede bags this season, and I’m loving this slouchy beige iteration. I believe suede bags look best in neutral, classic shades to keep them looking premium.
Raffia
Loewe
Petal Basket Bag Raffia Calfskin
While Loewe basket bags have been one of the most popular styles for years, this pretty petal shape style feels fresh. I love the scalloped edges and contrasting leather strap that’ll go with any outfit.
Mango
Natural Fibre Carrycot Bag
For a fun beach bag or an evening style to throw on with your white linen dress on holiday, this Mango mini basket is a winner. Not into pink? You can also get it with a brown handle.
Check out Jennifer Labbett’s “Colour Trends” series.
