Special occasion pouches, everyday carry-alls and timeless staples from $59 to $1199
Quiet luxury had its time in 2023 and most of us were very much here for it, with its understated elegance, clean lines and polished aesthetic. However, judging by the accessories worn down the runway across the recent fashion month schedule, it looks like things are getting a bit more chaotic again, which is much more fun, wouldn’t you agree?
Whether you’re in need of an update on an everyday bag or looking for a special piece, there is something to suit every taste, style and budget in terms of trends right now. Here are a few of our favourites.
Heavy duty heroes
Forget being embarrassed by your ludicrously capacious bag; fill that thing with all your belongings and be ready for whatever the day throws at you. If it’s good enough for garments and footwear to be seen spilling from oversized totes at Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu, it’s good enough for us.
We all love a practical handbag, especially when navigating public transport or schlepping between work and the gym and back again. It’s a need for flexibility that Deadly Ponies creative director and founder Liam Bowden has noted his customers looking for in his designs.
“Customers want more versatility,” he explains, “so we’re seeing a lot of larger bags – the ‘carry all’ concept – in timeless shapes and neutral tones.”
If the Northern Hemisphere catwalk trends are anything to go by, it’s also time to dust off your handbag charms and OTT keychains to add a personal and dare we say more *cluttered* touch to your tote of choice.
Left to right: Moochi Deduce Tote Bag, $499, Deadly Ponies Mr Molten Tote, $999,
Left to right: Moochi Deduce Tote Bag, $499, Deadly Ponies Mr Molten Tote, $999, Poppy Lissiman Lio Tote, $229, Assembly Label Bridie Leather Shopper, $290, Keely Taylor Tote, $620
Left to right: Stolen Girlfriends Club Warm Welcome Key Ring, $49, Karen Walker Filigree Heart Key Ring, $65, Deadly Ponies Zip Charm, $129, Pandora Moments Small Bag Charm Holder, $169
Cross body helpers
In 2022, the viral Uniqlo crescent bag made its fans realise how handy it is to be truly hands free when going about our daily business, and of course, the Mary Poppins-esque storage capabilities made packing the essentials a breeze too.
“We are big fans of the crossbody silhouette this season,” says Honest Wolf co-founder Sophie Hurley. “It’s totally functional and can fit all the essentials, plus it can be worn as a statement or styled a few different ways – ours can be adapted into a clutch.”
While Gen Z have since eschewed the cross body in favour of shoulder bags, if you’re after a hassle-free accessory, a sling-style bag worn close to the body is it. For that reason, we say it’s here to stay, and you can even look at styles that transform from cross body to shoulder bag or baguette to give you more options. Investing in a piece in a durable and more luxury material such as leather will increase its versatility too.
Left to right: Yu Mei Brooke Bag, $759, St Agni Soft Crescent Bag, $359, Honest Wolf The Crossbody, $399, Saben Cleo Crossbody, $399, The Horse Sport Crossbody Bag, $219
Bordering on boho
If the front row at Chloe’s recent Paris week show with its lineup of celebrities donning matching platform sandals didn’t scream “boho is back, baby!” then maybe the plethora of woven totes, macrame knotting and beaded basket bags on the runways will.
While even the likes of Chanel and The Row had woven hold-alls, we love that this is a trend that can be bought into on any budget, from picking up a flax basket tote at your local market or surf shop, to splurging on thatched leather pieces built to last from higher end labels.
Left to right: La Tribe Beaded Bag, $149, Knuefermann Maxi Beach Tote Tangerine, $330, Sophie Digard Creations Raffia Shoulder Bag, $595, Sensi Studio Pullthrough Bag, $465, Made in Mada Barnabe Bag, $169
Sparkles, studs and metallics
Stella McCartney, Dolce and Gabanna and Gucci all had models carrying party-worthy pochettes adorned in chains, gems and sequins that were much more in-your-face than your classic leather day bag or understated envelope clutch. Gold and silver chain handles and straps, as seen at Schiaparelli, Givenchy and Tom Ford, brought back jewellery-style hardware, which, when worn with your everyday attire is an instant way to elevate an ensemble.
Left to right: Zara Metallic Bucket Bag, $109, Kathryn Wilson Belle Bag, $349, Alexander Wang Heiress Medium Pouch, $1199, Anine Bing Mini Gaia Chain Bag, $849, Aya Stella Sparkle Shoulder Bag, $59
Whichever style you’re investing in this season and whatever price point your wallet allows you to opt in at, as with all your cherished pieces, make sure you’re giving your handbags the TLC they need to keep them looking good and wearing well. “When not in use, we recommend storing our bags in a dry place, out of direct sunlight,” says Bowden, a practice that should be adopted for all your beloved accessories. He recommends cleaning handbags often too, and using a leather kit to nourish the leather and ensure it stays soft and subtle without abrasion.