Every season must come to its end, and sadly, so must every fad. Whether we’re finally tucking away our oversized blazers until their next revival or retiring a few truly outdated shoe trends, our wardrobes demand the occasional clean-out and refresh — up to and including our stash of handbags for every occasion. But as we navigate autumn and winter this year, which purses should we hold onto and which should we kiss goodbye?
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To stay ahead of the handbag curve, Glam spoke exclusively with renowned stylist Catherine Bibeau. Widely respected for her work in fashion design, styling, and marketing, Bibeau boasts experience working at brands like Buffalo Jeans, Ferragamo, and her own label, Nacre Voyage. This has given her acute insight into the shifting sands of fashion trends — including the microcosm that is handbag fads. According to Bibeau, those fads are currently in flux, leaving behind some purses that have outstayed their welcome. From tiny clutches to maximalist statement pieces, Bibeau predicts that these bags are officially outdated for fall 2024.
Petite and miniature bags are impractical this autumn
It’s been a few years since we suffered through the truly outrageous micro purse trends of 2019 and 2020, but small handbags and dainty clutches have still had their place in style circles. On the one hand, these designs can be both adorable and understated. On the other hand, too-small purses can leave us frustrated and scrambling to cram in all our daily must-haves. Happily, it seems that this fad is now coming to a more conclusive end, as micro mini-bags are officially outdated in 2024. “The lack of practicality is the downfall of this cute and compact trend,” Catherine Bibeau tells Glam, and we couldn’t agree more.
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Some designers are trying to work around the downfall of tiny purses by doubling up their models’ accessories — recent runway shows from labels like Fendi and Bottega Veneta have featured looks with two handbags carried at once. However, Bibeau expects that for the average consumer, trends will lean less toward carrying multiple bags and more toward the easy pragmatism of more sizable purses. “Expect to see larger and more convenient bags making a comeback,” says the stylist. Excuse us while we get our totes ready.
Blatant logos and branding are passé in 2024
With aesthetics like quiet luxury still looming large, it seems that blatant consumerism is taking a backseat in handbag design trends. While classic couturiers like Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint-Laurent are known for their iconic logos, Catherine Bibeau anticipates an overall move away from obvious purse branding. “Say goodbye to bags dominated by large, prominent logos and branding,” the stylist advises Glam. “Understated, minimalist designs that focus on craftsmanship are regaining popularity.”
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Curiously, this stands in contrast to clothing trends. From Chanel to Lacoste, many of 2024’s Fall/Winter collections feature garments with larger-than-life logos. But, as Coco Chanel herself famously espoused, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” The same idea of restraint could be applied to logomania — if this season is all about heavily branded clothing, maybe we need to balance the look with simpler accessories.
Think timeless, streamlined purses with little to no external branding. Rather than eye-catching logo prints, we might see an uptick in monochrome embossing, barely-there emblems on clasps and other fittings, or the quick flash of branded linings. Displaying even more subtlety, this season’s hero purses will speak for themselves with chic design sensibilities and solid craftsmanship — no branding necessary.
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Clear PVC bags are losing their appeal
Once a cheeky, Y2K-esque statement piece, modern event restrictions have made PVC bags an obligatory accessory. Venues from sports arenas to concert halls have mandated transparent bags to limit personal contact and encourage security in the wake of public violence and global health scares. So if you’ve attended any big event in the past few years, you’ve probably carried a PVC bag — or at least wished you had one.
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It’s no surprise, then, that fashionistas spun this look into something fun and covetable, giving adaptable see-through accessories their moment in the sun. But as guidelines ease and the childlike charm wears off, clear PVC bags are swiftly decreasing in style standing. Now, stylist Catherine Bibeau describes PVC bags as “once popular for their novelty and transparency but definitely lacking versatility and privacy.”
Looking ahead, she instead predicts, “We will be seeing more classic, opaque designs with bold colorways.” For instance, vivid red and pea green are promising handbag trends this autumn. Purses in bold ruby and sultry maroon have been spotted on 2024’s Fall/Winter runways from Gucci, Ferragamo, and Altuzarra. Meanwhile, earthy yellow-greens have appeared in recent collections from Prada, Fendi, and Burberry, to name a few.
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Excessive embellishments are giving way to sleek designs and singular details
Visually, maximalism certainly has a big impact. However, it seems like the more-is-more approach may be dying down among purses enthusiasts. Much like quiet luxury trends are muting handbag branding, they may also be downplaying extra ornamentation. “Bags overloaded with heavy embellishments like excessive studs, rhinestones, or fringe are becoming less popular,” Catherine Bibeau tells Glam. “Cleaner, more streamlined designs offer a more sophisticated, chic look.”
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Of course, the super-minimalist approach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re worried about going too simple, fear not — there is a simple, handy alternative. As the love for heavy adornment wanes, purse trends for fall 2024 are instead embracing small, custom details in the form of bag charms. These simple, detachable add-ons — showcased by brands like Coach, Miu Miu, and Etro – let you get more mileage out of your staple handbags by adding the quirk of a kitschy keychain or the gleam of a metallic pendant. Tastefully accessorize your purse’s simple design for a certain season, event, or even outfit, then easily switch out the charm to achieve a different effect later.
Overly structured shapes are clunky and outdated
One of the many joys of handbags is their wide variety. A boxy reinforced tote is perfect for keeping large items organized and a breezy way to cart around smaller miscellany. But in terms of trends, it seems that the stiff, formal styles of years past are now ceding ground to more organic designs.
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“Structured bags had their moment but it’s time to shift towards more relaxed and flexible silhouettes,” Catherine Bibeau explains to Glam. “Bags with rigid, architectural shapes are out and more fluid forms that are both stylish and practical are in.” Specifically, we can look forward to a resurgence of a few soft, low-key favorites. For example, bucket bag fans can enjoy luxury offerings from brands like Loewe and Reformation, while those seeking a fashionably shapeless carryall are in luck with Fall/Winter styles from Bottega Veneta and beyond – making it easy to swap your hard-sided bags for slouchier, more laid-back options.
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