Love or hate it, winter is coming. And if you haven’t started to prepare yet, now’s the time. This naturally means assessing your sweater situation and investing in some new boots. But don’t discount the importance of rethinking your handbag collection, too, because once the temperature really starts to drop to giant coat conditions, a good purse is one of the few things you can rely on to make your outfit stand out.
Moreover, this part of the year is simply the smartest moment to switch things up in the arm candy department. You’ve had a good six months to mull over all the new silhouettes seen on the runway last February and observe them in the wild on your favorite insiders and celebrities. It’s been enough time to see what’s really sticking around for the long haul and to know what really resonates with you. (Plus, as a bonus, December and January encompass peak sale season, so you’re likely to find a deal somewhere.)
A few things to keep in mind: Right now, nothing feels newer than a nod to the past, whether that’s by way of a secondhand bag, or one of the many reissued silhouettes luxury brands are trotting out from their archives. In many respects cargo shapes, which have proven to be one of 2024’s buzziest options, fall into this category as well. The look draws straight from the utilitarian, army-inspired pieces that were omnipresent in the early aughts. On the other hand, there are a number of very classic options floating around the fashion-sphere, like belted bags (a direct nod to a timeless Birkin) and chain strap satchels (how very Chanel).
More on these stand-out styles, and other handbag trends worth taking note of right now ahead.
Prescription-Strength Chic
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Doctor bags, which are structured satchels with a flat bottom, were seen on some of the more influential catwalks of the season, including Hermès and Louis Vuitton. But no one did the look quite as well as Miuccia Prada, who coupled her glossy, exposed zipper versions with windswept and romantic get-ups worthy of a Hitchcock heroine, right down to the dramatic gloves. It’s just the formula to follow when the cold weather is starting to feel like a drag: Simply pair your boxy carryall with a ladylike topper, leather gloves, and scarf, and everyone will assume you’re heading somewhere fabulous.
Past Is Present
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Lately, it’s been de rigueur for big labels to bring back hits from their past: see the reintroduction of the Marc Jacobs Stam and Prada’s Moon Bag. Meanwhile, the interest in old-school styles—both vintage and revamped—is at an all-time high thanks in no small part to secondhand enthusiasts (shoutout to Y2K Bags on Instagram). And while there are plenty of new versions of brand icons on the runways, like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, many of them can be found at secondhand stores for far less than retail. Plus, what’s cooler than telling someone the piece they just complimented is vintage?
Look of the day
It’s A Cinch
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Belts in all forms have most definitely been everywhere lately, so it stands to reason to look just as fresh on a bag. The detail was spotted on carryalls at Tory Burch (think compact, accordion style satchels), Toteme (sleek bucket shapes), Versace (squarish purses in a sexy leopard print), and—of course—Hermès, where more than a few revamped Birkin and Kelly bags made an appearance. Katie Holmes, for one, seems to be all about the trend: She’s been carrying a cream belted tote nonstop for the last few months.
Let’s Link Up
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As anyone with a Chanel 2.55 purse will tell you, it’s hard to go wrong with a chain strap. But considering the abundance of takes on the shiny detail—see the scrunch-top clutches at Loewe and otherworldly orb shapes at McQueen—there have never been more ways to make the metal link look your own. Any option is a particularly helpful piece to have at this time of year, as the shiny silver or gold touch feels festive enough to wear to a holiday party without being too occasion-specific (ie. you can easily wear it again).
Look of the day
Pocket It
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If Chloé’s newly updated version of the Camera bag this season—it originally debuted in 2003, when the brand was helmed by Phoebe Philo—didn’t fully sell you on the utilitarian style, perhaps recent street style might. The bag (along with other military-inspired carryalls) was a mainstay outside the shows in September and managed to make every outfit it accompanied look about 1000 times cooler. Also spotted at Fendi, Acne Studios, and Chanel, a cargo pocket style happens to be quite handy in the depths of winter. You can use the different compartments to keep chilly weather essentials, like gloves and tissues, close at hand.
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