The best designer bags are ones that are versatile, practical and timeless. An investment purchase, they are often classic in terms of color and silhouette, but they also can be standout statement pieces that retain their value, long after the season has finished.
An easy wardrobe update, the best handbag trends 2023 started on the runway, but as soon as the fashion trends 2023 start to drop, the straight-to-market labels often have a brilliant selection of bags inspired by new season trends, but at a snippet of the price, offering a great way to inject less timeless designs without breaking the bank. If you want to give your handbag a 2023 makeover, these are the styles and colors that everyone will be carrying next season.
STRUCTURED HAND BAGS
Bags that mean business were a big trend on the runway. A minimalist favorite of many a fashionista then and now, came down the runway in a variety of colors from black to bright pink and lime yellow. Continuing the trend for dopamine dressing, with mood-boosting hues.
Regardless of shades, the one thing that unifies this trend is the use of sturdy leather in structural shapes. One of the best designer bags for work, These are the bags that hold their own, with not a slouch in sight. Ideal for slipping into a minimalist capsule wardrobe, their clean outline adds polish to any outfit. Go classic in black or opt for one of the big fashion color trends 2023 – such as yellow or blue, to add a color pop to your look.
VEGAN & SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES HAND BAGS
It’s been a big talking point in the fashion industry for some time and when it comes to the best sustainable clothing brands, the number is certainly on the rise. The fashion industry accounts for approximately up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output, using a lot of polyester, which is a prime source of microplastic pollution. That’s not all, leather, which is a natural product, is not only harmful to the poor animals whose skins are used, but the rearing of these animals has a huge environmental impact. Thankfully, the fashion industry is starting to wake up to these major issues.
With this in mind, designer brands are trying to become more sustainable by thinking outside the box when it comes to materials used.
What to look out for:
Vegan leather: Leather alternatives come in many forms from Pinatex, which is made from the leaves of pineapples to cork. And you don’t have to sacrifice style for the planet as there are lots of great brands using these textiles now.
Recycled: More brands, such as, Scandinavian clothing brand, Ganni are now at least using recycled polyester in some of their handbag designs. Polyester can take up to 200 years to decompose so it’s much better to recycle it than to dump it.
Vintage: One of the best options for helping the planet is by buying vintage or second-hand bags. In some cases, they can cost more than those bought brand new, but generally, you can get a great designer bag at a fraction of the price.
Rental: Have no fear if you desperately want to repeat what you saw on the runway. The best designer dress rental companies often carry handbags too, so you can stay on style without the investment.
SHINY METALICS HAND BAG
Metallics aren’t just for the holiday season as the runways for 2023 were awash with glossy metallics, adding sparkle to our closets all year round. Chanel, JW Anderson and Gabriel Hearst all featured metallic bags in their collections, and while gold remains a favorite, silver is having its moment in the spotlight as one of the big trends for next season, ideal for wearing with white and a heavy dose of sunshine.
What to look out for:
Embellished bags: Some of the best Chanel bags for 2023 are the brand’s gold bags, embellished with pearls. A metallic bag with added gems or pearls is the perfect night-time accessory, making your best cocktail dresses look runway-ready.
Tote bags: While metallic bags are normally small and sweet for evenings out, why not go supersize this year and try a shiny tote? They’re a great way of adding a little bit of glam to your daytime wardrobe and also work well for day-to-night outfits.
Silver bags: It’s been out of favor for a while, but silver is definitely back this season. Choose bags with a high mirror shine as seen at JW Anderson for the ultimate piece of arm candy.
TOP HANDLE HAND BAG
Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen without a classic top-handle handbag, especially her favorite Launer handbag design. This vintage style is definitely back for 2023, and while they have a nice retro, ladylike feel to them, Sportmax proved they can still look super modern, thanks to boxy shapes and multi-colored patterns.
Top-handle bags are so classy, timeless and a great investment piece, it’s the best way to style this accessory is to think of the ideal occasion or use for the bag.
While not as versatile as the best designer crossbody bags that can be worn hands-free, top-handle bags help to give any look a polished feel. Louis Vuitton had several top handle bags in a variety of patterns and colors, all of which added a final luxe touch. While this look will work with larger bags.
What to look out for:
Mini bags: Ditch the evening clutch bag for a mini top handle bag, which feels much more modern. Try Jacquemus for a designer-led purchase or Zara for more affordable versions.
Blue: Louis Vuitton, JW Anderson and Off White all sent variations of blue top handle bags down the runway. Blue was a huge deal at runways across all four major fashion cities and certainly a color to slot into your wardrobe next season.
Accessories: Fendi attached leather flowers to their top handle bags, while Dior went for luxe keyrings. Adding a keyring or small leather accessory to your top handle bag is an easy way to bring it into 2023. It’s also a cost-effective way of injecting a little designer feel to any handbag, instantly elevating it.
PUFFED SQUISHY BAGS
Moving on from one of the big handbag trends 2022 – furry textures – comes super touchable bags. These aren’t bags to be stroked, but instead are tactile, puffed up and squishy, with an emphasis on using quilted nylon or butter-soft leather.
While you may think bags like this are for evening only, they make a great statement when contrasted with sharp tailoring – a sort of relaxed style contrasted with rigidity – especially when the bags in question are also supersized.
A super soft bag is great for the evening, especially when worn with a little black dress and such bags are wonderfully tactile and make for a statement accessory, overall.
What to look out for:
Bright colors: There’s something about these super squishy bags that really suit bold colors and it’s a great way to introduce color if you can’t do bright color clothes. With earthy orange, olive green and sunshine yellow being key colors for 2023, choose one of these shades to add a pop of color to neutral outfits.
Nylon: While butter-soft leather is a luxurious, touchable choice, nylon is not only a great alternative but much hardier, ensuring you won’t leave too many fingerprints all over your tactical bag.
EXTRA LARGE BAGS
After the long reign of micro bags, the XL tote bag is the big winner when it comes to the handbag trends 2023, proving the new season bags can be stylish and practical as well.
Designers who introduced the maxi as a must-have included Louis Vuitton, who sent models down the runway carrying patent uber-sized tote bags under their arms, while the best Gucci bags on the catwalk were XL tote bags covered in the brand’s signature monogram.
This trend works with something sleek, chic, and tailored that can emphasize the oversize bag, Ideally it’s a disproportionate use of the oversize bag that creates the illusion of (the wearer) looking smaller – and the bonus of course, is that you get to carry lots of things around.
What to look out for:
Minimal designs: Minimal in style, the XL size is all you need to make a style statement. Keep the silhouette simple and any embellishments to a minimum.
Quilting: Classic detailing such as quilting looks ultra modern when supersized. Take in point one of the best Saint Laurent bags of the season, the Icare. Carried by celebs such as Hailey Bieber and Zoe Kravitz, the oversized shopper is chic, timeless and practical.
Monograms: This Y2K trend is going nowhere fast as Gucci and Louis Vuitton continue to play on their iconic branding.
CRESCENT MOON SHAPES HAND BAGS
A move on from the slouchy hobo, a crescent moon bag is its structured sister and it is a must for the handbag trends 2023. The ends of the bag round upward and inward, creating the shape of a moon and the perfect handbag for any minimalists out there. Mostly worn over the shoulder, this style fits snugly under the arm, ensuring the finished look is sleek.
What to look out for:
Muted shades: The crescent moon bag can be worn for day and night so is a super versatile addition to your wardrobe. Choose one in a neutral, muted shade that will go with everything.
Micro: Perfect for nights out, a micro crescent bag will add interest to any outfit. The downside? They don’t carry much so ditch the purse for one of the best designer cardholders and you’re ready to go.
BUCKLES HAND BAGS
Statement buckles are a flashback to the 2000s, and much like all the Y2K trends that are prominent at the moment, the modern take is slightly more refined than the original trend.
Buckles were simple, chic and had a function, however, Givenchy was closest to the original trend, creating bags with buckles all over, used simply as decoration.
Buckles give simple silhouettes an edgy feel, tapping into the utility or Gorpcore trend that is one of the denim trends 2023 predicts will be big. The practical nature of this trend means it doesn’t just work well with sleek handbags, but also with the best designer backpacks, a carryover from the handbag trends 2022.
What to look out for:
Silver buckles: Silver is the new gold, so it makes sense to incorporate this modern metal into the hardware of your 2023 bag.
Big buckles: Marine Serre only had one buckle on some of their bags, but they made them matter by making them big, rounded and oh-so-shiny. They also included the buckle into the handle, making it an easy way to tote this trend if too you like things sleek and chic.
Practical pockets: Pulling in from the Gorpcore look, invest in handbags with pockets finished off with buckles for a statement and trend-worthy look. Practical and stylish, backpacks in this trend feature lots of pockets with practical buckles, such as Prada’s Re-Nylon rucksack range.
BELT BAGS
Maybe you don’t want to carry much, or anything at all, into 2023. Go hands-free with these chic belt bags that will hold only the essentials. This convenient trend makes them perfect for working on set or being cute on a brunch date with the girls.
HARD SHELL BAGS
Acne Studios, Chanel, and Simone Rocha featured vintage-inspired, hard-shell bags and clutches on the runway, making this trend a certified must-have. This trend is also Moda Operandi-approved. Structured silhouettes make hand-held clutches feel new again, For those times when you don’t need much, a clutch will take you to every occasion and more.
DRIPPY SQUINS HAND BAGS
Think a flapper dress made into a handbag, icicles made of crystals or fringe made of sparkles. It’ll be hard not to constantly show off the movement and shimmer of yours.
UTILITARIAN POCKETS HAND BAGS
For those after more organization in the new year, try these exaggerated pocket bags. Louis Vuitton, Versace, Ferragamo, and more took part in this ultra-practical trend for spring 2023—and we’re sure the trend will last well into the new year. Compartmentalize your belongings like you will the people in your life! In a healthy way, of course.
CHAINMAIL HAND BAGS
Any true Y2K dresser knows that chainmail is perfect for nights out or casual lunches. Girly with a little bit of edge, these bags can go with any outfit.
EXTREME MINIMALISM HAND BAGS
Maybe you need to weed some things out in 2023 and really get back to the basics. The Row stans understand better than anyone: basics don’t have to be basic. An ultra-minimalist aesthetic is easy, clean, and, if done right, looks effortlessly expensive.
FLORAL HAND BAGS
We’ve all heard the cliché about clichés, a quote overused in fashion and one I hate to bring up now, but all your favorite brands went for it this season on the runways. From Loewe’s anthurium accents on, well, everything to bright floral prints at Valentino, flora is here yet again for the spring season. Groundbreaking.
SEQUINS & RHINESTONES
Sparkle and shine aren’t just for New Year’s Eve. It’s all year round! Sequins can be as loud or quiet as you want.
