With outfit choices leaning more on practicality [1] these days, statement accessories have never been more key in completing a look. That said, handbag enthusiasts and general fashion-lovers are sure to rejoice at the fun-filled handbag trends of 2021 [2]. In case you're wondering about which fresh style takes you can expect to see and which classics the fashion collective will continue to love, we're laying it all out for you now.
Saying goodbye to winter in the coming months no doubt sparks nostalgia for holidays, and we're seeing this reflected in 2021's raffia bag. Another interesting focus is on the clutch bag, with designers testing the waters for just how far the trend can go (hello, ginormous pillow bags). If the suspense is killing you, go ahead and dive into those two styles, plus five more of the biggest trends to shop. Rest assured that there are so many ways to make each one your own as you introduce them to your wardrobe.
- Chain Details
- Raffia
- Mini Bags
- Snap Locks
- Pillow Bags
- Bucket Bags
- Moon Shaped
Chain Details
Chain details make up the statement handbag trend that even minimalists can't help but love. What makes the style even more fun is the various ways it can be presented, from Olga Berg's simple chain strap and Rosantica's extravagant draping to JW Anderson's incorporation of the design element, defining it as the centre of attention.
Zara Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Chain Bag
Zara Quilted Chain Strap Shoulder Chain Bag [4] ($50)
Olga Berg Emily Acrylic Bag
Olga Berg Emily Acrylic Bag [5] ($125)
JW Anderson Rolo Chain Tote Bag
JW Anderson Rolo Chain Tote Bag [6] ($1,490)
Mehry Mu Daria Bag
Mehry Mu Daria Bag [7] ($450)
Steve Madden Daisey Top Handle Crossbody Bag
Steve Madden Daisey Top Handle Crossbody Bag [8] ($88)
Rosantica Teresa Embellished Cotton Tote
Rosantica Teresa Embellished Cotton Tote [9] ($340, originally $680)
Raffia
With escapist styles trending, it makes sense that raffia handbags echoed throughout spring 2021 collections. Offered in everything from two-toned crossbody bags to leather-accented totes, there's more than one or two styles to choose from when it comes to this trend. Once you've found your match, pair it with springy knits or free-flowing linen.
Kayu Marin Woven Straw Baguette Bag
Kayu Marin Woven Straw Baguette Bag [10] ($188)
AAKS Bika Ruby Bag
AAKS Bika Ruby Bag [11] ($162)
Elleme Cupidon Bag
Elleme Cupidon Bag [12] ($440)
Botkier Valentina Convertible Clutch
Botkier Valentina Convertible Clutch [13] ($59, originally $98)
Paco Rabanne 1969 Raffia and Chainmail Bucket Bag
Paco Rabanne 1969 Raffia and Chainmail Bucket Bag [14] ($950)
Mini Bags
If you're into packing just your essentials and love conversation-starting handbags, you may be into fashion's viral mini-bag trend. Sometimes it's nice to go lighter on the accessorising, and 2021 takes the trend to new heights, welcoming — in addition to solid-coloured top handles and crossbodies — mini shoulder bags and unique two-toned options.
Tongoro Fitini Bag
Tongoro Fitini Bag [15] ($147)
Boyy Mini Disc Bag
Boyy Mini Disc Bag [16] ($126, originally $275)
Medea Mini Long Strap Bag
Medea Mini Long Strap Bag [17] ($86, originally $144)
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag [18] ($510)
Edas Yshaia Mini
Edas Yshaia Mini [19] ($275)
Snap Locks
Behold, the trend that embodies all things feminine and elegant. Think locks and similar handbag closures that are typically seen on clutches, but come prepared to embrace them with top handles and shoulder bags for 2021. A plus? We can pretty much guarantee this trend as the easiest way to dress up any outfit.
ModCloth Lusting Over Leather and Lucite Bag
ModCloth Lusting Over Leather and Lucite Bag [20] ($69)
Cult Gaia Anna Shoulder Bag
Cult Gaia Anna Shoulder Bag [21] ($458)
Brahmin Emmy Stone Felix
Brahmin Emmy Stone Felix [22] ($385)
Reike Nen Long Mini Bag
Reike Nen Long Mini Bag [23] ($228, originally $380)
Mansur Gavriel Twist-Lock Tote
Mansur Gavriel Twist-Lock Tote [24] ($795)
Marc Jacobs The Kiss Lock Tote
Marc Jacobs The Kiss Lock Tote [25] ($395)
Unique Vintage Red Leatherette Bow Lockwood Handbag
Unique Vintage Red Leatherette Bow Lockwood Handbag [26] ($74)
Pillow Bags
Has any bag trend really proved its staying power like the pillow silhouette? Also affectionally known as "cloud bags," but perhaps more formally known as "pouch bags," the Bottega Veneta-spearheaded trend keeps getting better and better. Consider adding an animal-print iteration to your collection or styles with more structural attributes, such as the COS clutch bag.
ASOS Ruched Pouch Frame Clutch With Chain Strap
ASOS Ruched Pouch Frame Clutch With Chain Strap [27] ($12, originally $29)
Bottega Veneta Pouch Bag
Bottega Veneta Pouch Bag [28] ($2,700)
COS Classic Leather Clutch Bag
COS Classic Leather Clutch Bag [29] ($190)
Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Clutch
Rebecca Minkoff Ruched Clutch [30] ($98)
Themoiré Dark Python Printed Eco Leather Pouch Bag
Themoiré Dark Python Printed Eco Leather Pouch Bag [31] ($186, originally $310)
Bucket Bags
Sometimes, the best trends are updates to the classics we love. The 2021 refresh to bucket bags includes metallic finishes, edgy hardware, and monochromatic designs. Pair the structural classic with your favourite denim, a comfy sweat set, or trousers and a blazer.
S.Joon Milk Pail Mini Animal-Print Calf Hair Tote
S.Joon Milk Pail Mini Animal-Print Calf Hair Tote [32] ($560, originally $800)
Charles and Keith Sculptural Handle Bucket Bag
Charles and Keith Sculptural Handle Bucket Bag [33] ($69)
Chloe Mini Roy Bucket Bag
Chloe Mini Roy Bucket Bag [34] ($1,750)
Furla Mini Bucket Bag Deserto
Furla Mini Bucket Bag Deserto [35] ($124, originally $248)
Love, Cortnie Queendom Studded Leather Mini Bucket Bag
Love, Cortnie Queendom Studded Leather Mini Bucket Bag [36] ($178)
Vintage Bottega Veneta Nuance Bucket Bag
Vintage Bottega Veneta Nuance Bucket Bag [37] ($785)
Moon Shaped
As the return of the shoulder bag continues to pick up momentum, trendsetters are turning to more than just petite baguettes. The moon-bag trend gained momentum at the close of 2019 during Fashion Week, but it seems it's truly just getting started. Staud extended its original Moon Bag into soft-pleated iterations, Coperni's elongated shoulder bags have garnered a cult following, and many other brands are presenting unique takes on the trend (such as Peju Obasa's oak-ring handles).
Ecrit Half Moon Bag
Ecrit Half Moon Bag [38] ($101, originally $118)
JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag
JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag [39] ($55, 0riginally $59)
Staud Soft Moon Bag
Staud Soft Moon Bag [40] ($122, originally $395)
Peju Obasa Adeyemi Bag
Peju Obasa Adeyemi Bag [41] ($380)
Coperni Swipe Shoulder Bag
Coperni Swipe Shoulder Bag [42] ($694)