As fashion month comes to a close, it’s out with the old styles and in with the new fashion trends for fall.
It looks like 2024 is shaping up to be one of the boldest years yet when it comes to fashion: Denim as evening wear will be on the rise, non-celebrities will be going pantless, and there will be bows aplenty. Accessorizing will be all about having fun, too, thanks to anklets with a luxury twist and innovative applications of mesh fabrics in footwear. Handbags will play an important role in 2024’s style reboot as well with some of the biggest trends dabbling in a bit of drama.
The runway displays for accessories this season were really fascinating. Accessories became more creative, from Christian Cowan’s avant-garde replacement of standard handbags with wine glasses and smokes to Marine Serre’s quirky yet charming depiction of a woman holding a baby. Notably, the shopping bags that appeared in every presentation highlighted a common theme and confirmed the idea that even the ordinary can be dressed up to seem elegant.
What’s more, several trends seamlessly intersected with the overarching themes in footwear, emphasising the concept of trend stacking for a cohesive ensemble.
Keep reading this article to discover the boldest bag trends from the fall/winter 2024 runways below.
BAG CHARMS
Get ready to relive the excitement of your childhood as accessories for your accessories emerge as a major trend. It’s time to add a new Tamagotchi to your collection because embellishing your daily purse with keychains and baubles is about to take centre stage. Whether you see it as an opportunity to showcase your personality or as a means to enhance the beauty of your designer bag, this trend is one to embrace. Brands like Coach, Fendi, Burberry, and Etro have all jumped on board, offering a plethora of options to elevate your accessory game.
CYLINDRICAL SILHOUETTES
This season, cylinder-shaped bags took the fashion world by storm, appearing on the runways of brands like Remain, Private Policy, and Sportmax. While each rendition offered a unique twist, the overarching inspiration behind these bags was unmistakably similar. Some were held vertically, while others boasted a more expansive form, yet they all evoked a sense of nostalgia. We couldn’t help but be reminded of the beloved Vera Bradley pencil case we once cherished during our school days – the perfect size and shape. Perhaps there’s something to this trend after all. With fashion houses like Proenza Schouler, Diesel, Jil Sander, and Brandon Maxwell backing it, it’s safe to say they seldom miss the mark when it comes to predicting what’s in trend.
PORTFOLIO BAGS
Imagine the thrill of envisioning your handbag as a repository for highly confidential documents or glamorous secrets, transcending the realm of the ordinary. Alternatively, perhaps you’re a seasoned professional, navigating through contracts, files, and reports with poise and sophistication. In either scenario, the portfolio-style bag emerges as a practical and stylish solution tailored to your needs. This sleek and structured accessory made notable appearances at esteemed fashion houses such as Khaite, MaxMara, and Proenza Schouler, offering a sophisticated twist on the traditional tote. Furthermore, designers like Fendi, Tory Burch, Luar, and Bevza showcased their distinctive interpretations of this briefcase-inspired style, adding versatility and elegance to the modern woman’s wardrobe.
FUR & FUZZ
It’s not just apparel and shoes that took a furry turn this season. The handbags from Burberry, Tod’s, Marni, and Diesel boasted texture, as well as those from Khaite, LaQuan Smith, Luar, and No. 21. In fact, head-to-toe fuzz is bound to be popular this fall and winter. At least this toasty trend is practical for the colder months…just don’t spill anything on yourself.
STRAP SPOTLIGHT
The era where bag straps were seen merely as technical elements is now a thing of the past. Handles have emerged as the latest frontier for innovation this fall, with high fashion brands showcasing their creativity in this realm. While some labels such as MM6, Helmut Lang, and Patou opted for a minimalist approach with dangling statement straps, others like Fendi and Roksanda introduced imaginatively designed handle attachments to elevate their pieces. In a different vein, Gabriela Hearst introduced chain-like wristlets reminiscent of bracelets, while Prada opted for wrist-size belts to add a unique twist to their designs.
