At the moment it’s cold, dark and dreary – as if I need to remind you – but a spring awakening is on the horizon. Perhaps to distract ourselves from the dry January and mid-winter blues, we look forward to next season’s styles, so spring trends are top of mind. Tastemakers hit the runways and streets, and we take notes. We’ve got you covered with all the hottest stuff trends for winter in the meantime, but it’s never too early to prepare for the coming spring thaw. Here, we break down the best handbag styles for spring (not to be confused with our favorite bag trends for 2023).
Ahead, find and shop the hottest bags for spring.
Big bags
We like big bags and we can’t lie. Miniatures had their moment, but it’s not hard to say goodbye to doll-sized wallets that hold nothing but a MetroCard. From standard totes to Santa-caliber sacks, runways from LuarProenza Schouler, Altuzarra, and Tommy Hilfiger offered handbags that were big and in charge. You need room for all these odds and ends, whether you live a commuter lifestyle, use your purse as a diaper bag, or just like to have an extra pair of shoes on hand (you never know!). So you need space in the spring.
Khaite large Olivia leather Hobo bag
Kassl large pillow case in oiled canvas
Givenchy Hobo bag in 4G bleached denim
Bracelet
I didn’t think I’d miss bracelets or be excited to see them return, but then coveted opportunity after coveted opportunity flowed down the Coach runway and I was convinced. Bracelets are something of a happy medium between clutches and shoulder bags. If you’re not into the bulk of a large bag, but want to carry more than just your card holder, this is the style for you.
Ambush Knotted Clutch Bag
Now 47% discount
Baguettes
As if baguettes are ever out of style… nevertheless, these oblong bags are as stylish as ever. Fendi even went so far as to literally inscribe several of their Spring/Summer 2023 bags with the word “Baguette”. Talk about leaning in. However, it is easy to understand why the style is so popular. The versatile shape lends itself to holding just enough, while the strap can be used as a shoulder bag or top handle. Replays range from collectibles, high-end designs that double as investments, to TikTok favorites and affordable amazon bagswhich means there is a baguette for everyone.
JW Anderson The Bumper Baguette shoulder bag
Coach Pillow Tabby small leather shoulder bag
Sequins
What’s better than one trend? Two trends rolled into one. Enter Fendi’s sequined baguette. Everyone knows that the early aughts are back in style, and with that comes the flamboyance of the entire decade, which we’d happily claim as a guilty pleasure. Sequin-clad handbags featured prominently in some of the season’s hottest shows, including LaQuan Smith and Christian Siriano. This spring, expect to embrace maximalism in the form of sparkly, sparkling accessories.
Simon Miller Sasi Metallic Sequin Shoulder Bag
Benedetta Bruzziche’s Ursula Crystal Mesh shoulder bag
Metallics
Sequin-adjacent, if you will. The metallic bags shown on LaQuan Smith and Fendi has the same joyful essence and fun look as sequins, but with a little more exclusive elegance. Deck yourself out in vibrant colours, a variety of prints and metallic statement accessories for a show-stopping look, or lean on trend to spruce up an otherwise minimalist look.
Bergdorf Goodman Callie Ombre shoulder bag with studs
JW Pei Abacus Top Handle Bag
Now 59% discount
Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Metallic Leather Top Handle
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg Donohue is Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Her passions include spicy food, sustainability and the Y2K remake of Charlie’s Angels. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
