Themes of practicality and made-for-real-life dressing dominated the fall ready-to-wear collections, and the fall 2024 handbag trends of the season were no different. While you can still find personality in the season’s defining styles, there are a few common denominators like wearability and versatility that make these new season silhouettes a worthy investment. Speaking of good investments, one surprising trend that surfaced was in fact not quite a trend at all.
Designers positioned a handful of bestselling styles alongside their new collection presentations: Gucci showed a Jackie, Prada a Cleo and Galleria, and to no one’s surprise, The Row featured a Margaux tote in its fall 2024 collection lookbook. Vogue ’s Must-Have Bags for Fall 2024: For those looking for newer styles, there’s something on every end of the spectrum, from overtly practical to kitschy and fun. On the more blatantly obvious side, were utility pocket-adorned cargo bags at Acne Studios, Chanel, and Chloe.
Practicality at its finest! More subtle options came by way of a new cylindrical shape of shoulder bags from covetable brands like Alaia, Staud, and Khaite. It bag alert ! We would be remiss to not mention the return of bohemian dressing on the runways this season, which has given us a selection of extra-large shoulder bags to thrown on over your fall wears from Chloé to Bottega Veneta. From bags dripping in charms and keychains à la Balenciaga and Miu Miu to decorative wristlets at Gabriela Hearst, Alexander McQueen, and Prada (the holiday season is part of the fall/winter collections after all!)—your guide to all of the fall 2024 handbag trends defining the season can be found, below.
Luxe Holdalls for the Modern Woman Structured top-handle shapes in gorgeous leathers offer a stylish alternative to basic work totes, providing an ultra-chic upgrade for fall. Newly introduced styles from Miu Miu, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta will surely be on the wish lists of many no matter the profession, while The Row’s Margaux, Ferragamo’s Hug, and Prada’s Buckle bags are all mainstays in their own right. Styled on the runways with long coats, polished blazers , slingback pumps, and loafer brogues, these bags were made for real life and to be taken to and from.
XXL Shoulder Bags The oversized hobo bag is appealing whether you find yourself in the bohemian camp or not. Case in point: the luxe and extra-roomy shoulder bags to swing over your shoulder offered from Chloe, Ferragamo, Loewe, Khaite, and Bottega Veneta. Boho in nature, these larger than life bags were made for the woman who likes to carry everything with her.
Just don’t blame us when you can’t find your keys! Ladylike Clutches From folder-sized envelopes at Bottega Veneta to classic handheld clutches at The Row to pouches tucked under the arm at Proenza Schouler, you’ll want to hold these clutches close. Styled with outerwear and sunglasses at Bottega Veneta, the clutch seems to be intended as the same kind of grab-and-go handbag as any other shoulder bag or crossbody, and is large enough to hold all of your items. Meanwhile, the pouches at The Row and Proenza Schouler give off a desirable sense of ease, despite having to use a hand, bringing a level of nonchalant chic to even the simplest of outfits.
Semi-Charmed Kind of Life It’s always fun to see how personal style and street style influences show up on the runways. For fall 2024, it was all about handbags that were decorated with tricks and charms. Baubles, keychains, tassels, and pouches offer a playful approach to the classic leather handbags seen at Miu Miu and Coach.
And while you can certainly add your own flair to the bags you have already have hanging in your closet, be it strings of beads or bandanas, brands like Balenciaga and Chopova Lowena offer pre-accessorized styles for your leisure. Bags That Don’t Need an Introduction You know that old saying, “if it’s not broken don’t fix it”? The same theory applies for handbags—be it those that have stood the test of time ( Gucci Jackie, 1961 and Prada Galleria, 2007) or have been brand bestsellers for a handful of seasons (Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato pouch for example). Promoting key handbag families while presenting new collections is perhaps a stroke of genius for both the brand and the consumer, proving their signature styles’ longevity while perhaps also convincing any new customers these investment pieces are still in very much in style.
Precious Cargo Get back in the saddle this fall with bags that pack a punch, literally. Exterior cargo pockets make these bags all the more practical and well-organized users will be pleased to find a pocket for every need. While utility is the underlying common thread, there’s an options for every aesthetic from Acne Studios’ ultra-worn in leather option to Chanel’s classic quilting.
The Straight and Narrow You might be familiar with the “east-west” bag trend, and the silhouette isn’t going anywhere for fall. Longer, narrower shoulder bags from Alaia, Proenza Schouler, Khaite, and more designers bring a refreshingly new shape to your baguette collection. Arm Candy Who would have thought the bracelet bag and wristlet would make a return for fall 2024? Think something with a decorative strap; whether it be a metal ring or chain, these little bags will hand elegantly from any wrist for any occasion.
Talk about a solve for handsfree evening dressing! Fit all of your needs into Chloe’s bracelet bag from Chemena Kamali’s debut collection or slip just the ultimate essentials into Prada’s clasp bag or Chanel’s pouch—phone, keys, wallet!.
