Handbags are a functional accessory that is the final touch to every outfit. 2024 bag styles are heavily influenced by the late Jane Birkin, with silhouettes designed to be decorated and made your own, just like Jane’s namesake Hermes bag.
Smaller bags have had their moment, with 2024 handbag trends leaning towards oversized silhouettes with an ‘overstuffed’ feel. The ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic, made famous by shows like Succession and celebrities like Sofia Richie, dominates handbag trends for 2024.
We’re sharing the 2024 handbag trends that everyone is talking about, whether you’re splurging on a luxury handbag or searching for a budget-friendly everyday bag.
1. Embrace the Oversized: The Overpacked Bag Trend
Handbags typically head down the runway empty with extra padding to help them maintain their structure.
What we didn’t expect to see on the Spring/Summer 2024 runway were bags deliberately overpacked with everything from gym gear to newspapers popping out from the top of the bag.
Make your handbag uniquely your own by filling it with everyday essentials or embellishing it with vibrant keychains
2024 is the year when your handbag should be an extension of your personality. Take inspiration from Jane Birkin’s love for using and enjoying her luxury handbags by overpacking your everyday bag, whether it’s with your daily essentials or keychains.
The ‘Cyme’ bag by Polene is the perfect size for overpacking with its versatile silhouette and Italian textured calf leather.
2. Sleek Sophistication: The Rise of Envelope Clutches in 2024
The humble envelope clutch is making its long-overdue return as one of the most accessible handbag trends of 2024.
While most of the bags for this year take an oversized, free-flowing silhouette, envelope clutches offer a streamlined style that instantly elevates an outfit. T
om Ford and Peter Hawkings highlighted the classic style during their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.
Versatile envelope clutches, one of the most accessible handbag styles of 2024, lend a touch of refinement to any ensemble
Go oversized with the ‘Western’ clutch by COS, or splurge on a luxury option with the ‘Uptown’ clutch by Saint Laurent.
3. Bold Statements: Handbags With Eye-Catching Chains
The fashion industry often views handbags as an extension of jewelry. While gold accents are a footwear trend for 2024, statement chains are popping up in handbag styles.
Statement chains create the illusion of a necklace and add a contrasting element to your bag. Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Loewe, and Givenchy have all shown metallic chain hardware for their 2024 handbags.
Contemporary bags with striking chains can add a statement to any outfit as they give the appearance of a necklace accessory and add a contrasting element to your purse
The Tommy Hilfiger TH monogram chain strap shoulder bag is a subtle take on the trend. If you’re searching for an investment-worthy designer handbag, check out Louis Vuitton’s Coussin PM bag.
4. Natural Elegance: The Enduring Charm of Woven Bags
Woven handbags and basket totes are not a new style, but we’re seeing the trend expand across the handbag category for 2024.
Prepare your closet for spring and summer with a structured basket bag or a tote with a loose-knit fabric. This trend has been evolving for several years, making it a perfect choice for investing in during 2024.
Spring- and summer-ready woven bags are a constantly-evolving bag style that will be well worth investing in in 2024
The DeMellier Santorini sits at a mid-tier price point, while Loewe’s Anagram Basket bag sits at an entry-level luxury tier.
5. Functional Glamour: The Oversized Work Clutch
It might not be the most practical option, but the oversized work clutch made a bold statement on the Spring/Summer 2024 runway.
Tod’s, The Row, and Ferragamo showed oversized clutches that could be tucked under your arm, holding everything from laptops to everyday essentials.
2024 will see a rise in the use of oversized work clutches, which can hold laptops and other daily essentials while still fitting under your arm
Topshop offers a budget-friendly take on the trend with its ‘Casey’ oversized ruched clutch bag.
6. Maximalist Totes: Carry Everything in Style
Wave goodbye to the micro-bags of the early 2020s with the maximalist tote, designed to carry your entire life. It’s the perfect choice for the frequent flyer or if you want a workbag that can do it all.
Victoria Beckham and Prada showed oversized totes that pushed the size limits. The bigger, the better for 2024.
The maximalist tote bag is a classic that can hold more than just your daily essentials, making it the ideal bag for frequent travelers
We love the ‘quilted carryall’ bag from FP Movement that works as a gym bag, a carry-on, and everywhere in between. It’s an unstructured style that gives you extra room for all your essentials.
7. Transparent Trends: Showcasing What’s Inside Your Bag
Have you ever wished you could show off what was inside your bag? Whether you love a chic accessory or organize your bag with pouches, now is your chance to show what’s inside.
Transparent bags are a 2024 trend we’re loving for their quirkiness. Show off your favorite makeup products and keep a small pouch on hand for the essentials you want to keep hidden away.
Buying a quirky, transparent bag is an excellent choice for concertgoers and sports enthusiasts, as stadiums and event organizers require them for entry
This 2024 handbag trend is one that’s come around for practical reasons. Stadiums and function organizers are increasingly requiring transparent bags to enter events, making a transparent bag a great investment for concertgoers and sports enthusiasts.
Coach has given its classic Tabby bag a transparent update with matching tonal hardware for the ‘Jelly Tabby.’
8. Organized and Chic: The Multiple-Pocket Cargo Bag Comeback
Everything has a space of its own with this 2024 handbag trend. Pockets are everywhere you look – both inside and outside bags.
It’s a trend revived from the early 2000s that earned the nickname ‘cargo bags’ for its similarity to cargo pants with its pocket-cover design. Brands like Fendi have been experimenting with this trend for a while, but it’s finally broken into the mainstream for 2024.
Cargo bags, or bags with multiple pockets, were a popular Y2K trend that is making a resurgence due to their practicality and distinctive look
You want to shop around for a handbag that suits your lifestyle. Look for pockets that are perfectly sized for your essentials, whether you carry around all your tech or want a slot for your go-to lipstick.
Uniqlo offers a budget-friendly two-way utility bag for the minimalist at heart. If you’re a fan of the classic Fendi Baguette, you can splurge on the Multipocket Baguette designed to celebrate the bag’s 25th anniversary.
9. Shimmer and Shine: The Return of Sparkly Handbags
Rebel against the quiet luxury aesthetic with a sparkly handbag. It’s the 2024 handbag trend for the person who wants a clean and minimalistic look while still enjoying a quirky feel.
Sparkly handbags are a trend that comes in and out of style on a rotating basis. If you want to get the cost per wear, invest in a sparkly clutch that you can wear for events and through the festive season.
The ‘Frankie’ mini clutch bag by Maeve is covered in iridescent sequins with a detachable strap to take the style seamlessly from day to night.
Sparkly bags are ideal for those who prefer a simple, minimalistic style with a touch of quirkiness
Give your closet an update with the 2024 handbag trends everyone is talking about. These styles offer a twist on classic silhouettes as handbags you’ll constantly reach for.