As fashion editors we’re often asked what the latest ready-to-wear trends will be, but as quickly as we can suggest balloon jeans and red tights, the season has shifted and we’re already having to look ahead to the next big thing. But, one thing that moves a little slower with the times is a good accessory. After all, an exceptional handbag is the difference between a good outfit and a great one, and when you’re paying a little extra for something like a designer bag, you want to know that your investment will go the distance. So, if you’re interested in refreshing your look at the start of a brand new year, I’m not going to suggest a long list of “must have” pieces, instead I want to focus on the big one that will actually make a difference to your wardrobe: the handbag.
Unlike shoes, whose reliability changes from season to season, bags are a year round necessity, so the bag you buy now deserves some careful thought as it will become a wardrobe staple for the next 12 months and beyond. The chances are that you already have an “old faithful”, you know—the kind of black leather bag you’ve been using for years and can still dust off for any occasion, but should you be interested in something a little more buzzy, it’s time to turn our attention to the handbag colour trends that are set to be very big in 2024.
Style Notes: After all those dark winter colours, it’s time for a palette cleanser, and fresh, arctic whites should fit the bill. The more accident prone among us might want to look away now, as head-to-toe whites popped up a lot in the spring-summer collections, and the most repeated accessory was a minimalist white bag to match.
The Row always gets luxury bags right.
Yes, you read that price correctly.
The chain detail makes this unmistakably JW Anderson.
Proof you don’t have to spend an arm and a lrg to look like you did.
Too cute for words.
Style Notes: First there were hot reds, then there was chocolate brown, next up for 2024? Deep burgundies of course, the perfect mix of 2023’s most expensive-looking colour trends. Move over quiet luxury, when it comes to how to look rich now, we’re ready to make plenty of noise about this indulgent shade of maroon.
*Drools in Bottega*
You just can’t argue with it’s practicality.
I’m desperate to get my hands on this.
This looks good in every colour.
Such a chic crossbody.
Style Notes: You won’t have missed just how quickly charcoal and slate grey outfits dominated street style over the last few months, but now the trend extends to handbags too. A grey bag might not seem like the obvious choice but the necessary factors are all there: does it go with everything? Yes. Does it add polish to a look? Yes. Will it fall out of favour as soon as the weather changes? Well, I have a strong feeling these will look just as good with tank tops and shorts as they do with cosy knits.
A great clutch for day as well as night.
The perfect desk-to-dinner bag? I certainly think so.
Even the mini is deceptively roomy.
I bet you haven’t seen this in this colourway.
You had me at suede.
Style Notes: It just wouldn’t be a comprehensive round-up without at least one statement pop of colour, and I’ve been counting down since last year for the opportunity to revisit the buttermilk yellow trend once again. This bright, bubbly and dopamine-inducing shade cropped up last July but didn’t get it’s full time to shine thanks to a dreary summer, and it would seem that designers agree as it was spotted in no less than 25 different collections. Not sure if you’re up to a full yellow look? The easiest way to nod to the trend is a cute yellow bag. The outfit (and mood) lifting hit acts as a little ray of sunshine.
All I have to say is: thank you, Rejina Pyo.
Trust me, J&M Davidson bags are guaranteed conversation-starters. And that’s coming from someone who has the Zip Quiver bag in maroon.
The perfect accompaniment to a pretty dress.
A cult classic.
Style Notes: There’s no escaping it, pastels are made for spring and summer; and after giving pink it’s full dues for the last two years it’s time to head to the other end of the spectrum. Cool, calm baby blues are the trend we didn’t see coming but are more than happy to welcome. Like grey, the cool-toned hue goes with more colours than you might think (see Fendi SS24 for for further inspo), and we can expect to see a lot more of the powder and periwinkle shades as the penchant for pink dies down in the post-Barbie era.
The Arket bestseller in a new denim fabrication.
This comes in 8 different colours.
A noughties throwback (in the best possible way).
Big enough for all of your essentials, and the kitchen sink.
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