Some may call it excessive, but I like to swap out my handbags along with everything else in my closet when the seasons change. Bag trends may evolve at a slower pace than, say, our day-to-day clothes, but I do think there’s a difference between summer and winter bags. Darker colors, heavier materials, moodier vibes—there’s something so romantic about cold-weather accessories.
At this year’s fall-winter runway shows, practicality led the way on the handbag front. No more teeny-tiny bags or pieces purely there to accessorize. Instead, I spotted a slew of slouchy shoulder bags and large bowling bags that hung off models, ready to hold an entire day’s worth of essentials. This season’s It-bags, therefore, are all meant to support the woman on the go—one who’s got places to be and people to see.
That means that even the smaller picks, like the barrel numbers every street-style influencer loves right now, are big enough to carry a phone, wallet, keys, and headphones. Instead of the super-stiff and structured shapes you might be imagining, however, there’s a certain relaxed appeal to my favorites, giving them a bit of a louche, lived-in look. Shop this season’s trending bags (including plenty that’ll fit over a wool coat) below.
1. The barrel bag
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We’re on a ’90s-revival streak this fall, and the barrel bag is one of the decade’s defining silhouettes—so of course it’s being resurrected for a major comeback. (Just look at the renewed interest in The Row’s ’90s bag, which was first introduced in 2014 but is now really catching on with the fashion crowd.) The simple yet chic design pairs effortlessly with CBK-inspired minimalist outfits, like a knee-length pencil skirt and a turtleneck sweater. Plus, they’re the perfect size and shape for throwing over your shoulder for a night out.
Insider tip: The barrel bag is best suited for evening events. Style yours with wispy, sheer garments or pared-back looks with little to no ornamentation.
