Two years ago, I had an online store selling handbags made by global independent designers and every season, I researched the latest best bag trends spotted on the fashion runways in NYC, Milan, and Paris. It was one of the most challenging endeavors I ventured into after turning 40 yrs old, one that helped me realize how complicated and competitive the fashion industry is. But regardless of the barriers, I still have a great passion for the industry and I enjoy exploring the latest and most exciting news in the business of fashion.
How to spot a “long term” bag trend?
As you know, fashion repeats itself, but it can sometimes take decades for a trend to reappear on the runway and rise again. Take for example big shoulder pads which were a hit in the 80s and became a “faux pas” or a blooper from 1990 until late 2019. For years we laughed at the idea of wearing a big shoulder blazer (power shoulders) yet we now spot it in retail stores like Zara and H&M and designer collections like Gucci, and Oscar De La Renta.
Ladies, there’s one thing about a fashion trend many are not aware of and that is longevity. Most fashion trends have a short lifespan, but some trends last 2 to 3 years before they go dormant again. It takes an expert such as fashion buyers to anticipate a trend that has the potential to become a hot and in demand for a number of seasons. As average consumers, we sometimes see a new trend and are tempted to buy it but are not sure how long we’ll wear it before it looks out of date.
So what do we do in this case? My simple answer is to hold off on the impulse to buy a trendy piece and observe it over the next 6 to 9 months. If it reappears in a new season, then there’s a chance that it has a stronghold and a demand. It means that consumers are accepting the trend and buying it. So the best advice is not to rush into buying something unless you willingly want to appear as a trendsetter.
The Best Bag Trends In 2020
Allow me to clarify that this is a list of grown-up bags that best suit the lifestyles of mature women. And since Elle Muse is a journal for midlife women, those who are over 40, I intentionally picked the latest trends and styles that are not only stylish but practical too.
| 1 | Sling Bags
The unstructured shape bag that can be worn parallel to your shoulder or across is shaping up to be the IT bag this year. It’s casual looking and provides ample space to fit your daily belongings.
Brown Leather Sling Bag
MADEWELL
Black Leather Sling Bag
Rag & Bone
Black Leather Sling Bag
MZ Wallace
| 2 | Buckles Bags
Buckles whether in statement sizes or small are one of the best bags for the chic and super cool working woman. One of my personal favourite buckle bags is BOYY which is identifiable by its super-sized rectangular buckle.
Color Block Buckle Bag
BOYY
Large Logo Buckle Bag
Michael Kors
Vegan Leather Mini Buckle Bag
Mali + Lili
| 3 | Bucket Bags
Re-emerging from the past, the pouch bag appeared on the runways with so many ways to carry it, from a top-handle to a backpack to a belt bag. This style of bags is cute to carry informally for dinner parties, and social gatherings.
Dororyth Bucket Bag
ALDO SHOES
Mini Pleated Bucket Bag
Mansur Gavriel
Metallic Leather Bucket Bag
Jimmy Choo
| 4 | Croc Embossed Bags
If you want to define a personal style that translates eloquence, timelessness, and mature taste, then you might want to consider crock embossed bags. I’ve become a fan of animal print in recent years and found such prints have an empowering demeanor and a distinct poise suitable for strong and independent women.
Mini Croc Embossed Leather Top Handle Bucket Bag
BRAHMIN
Manhattan Croc Embossed Leather Satchel
Saint Laurent
Embossed Structured Tote
Emporio Armani
| 5 | Gigantic Totes
This is one of the best bag trends which were very present at the runway and during 2020 fashion shows. XX-Larges totes are a great choice when you are on the go whether it is taking a subway to work or jetting away to a destination.
Large Beach Bag
Cult Gaia
Large Vegan Leather Tote
Urban Originals
Oversize Lambskin Leather Tote
Mansur Gavriel
Large Structured Bag
Saint Laurent
| 6 | Woven Wicker Bags
Woven wicker bags aren’t only considered to be one of this year’s best bags, but they also stood the test of time when it comes to trends. This style of bags was scratching the surface of in 2017, particularly in Europe and South America. The last few seasons saw the rise of wicker bags due to the increasing demand for natural vegan material instead of leather. Designers are becoming increasingly aware of consumer needs and therefore have utilized creativity to produce numerous styles of bags using woven wicker.
Large Wicker Tote
Hat Attack
Wicker Crossbody Bag
Nordstrom
Leather-Trimmed Wicker Totel
Prada
| 7 | Pouch Bags
One of the jaw-dropping handbag trends which debuted in Fall 2019 is the Bottega Venetta pouch bag. In fact, this pouch bag set a new standard of style retailers and designers were inspired to mimic in 2020.
HOT ITEM
The Pouch large gathered leather clutch
Bottega Veneta
Shoulder Pouch Bag
Lutz Moris
Large Pouch Clutch
THE VOLVON
Other Notable styles of bags
Micro Mini
Le Micro Vanity
Jacquemus
Mini Satin Shoulder Bag
16Arlington
HOT ITEM
Le Petit Chiquito Bag
Jacquemus
Padded Bags
Soft Padded Leather Shoulder Bag
Tory Burch
Convertible Belt Padded Bag
Think Royln
Padded Faux Leather Tote
A.W.A.K.E Mode
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4 comments
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Harrell Henneberg
I love a good pouch bag! Such a fan of Bottega Veneta and I actually have this bag in “nero” aka black, lol. The deep blue is gorgeous, too. I really think people underestimate the value of patience when they’re buying something like a luxury handbag. It really can be the difference between a great investment you can pass down to your daughter… and a terrible one in which you end up losing money trying to resell on
Fashionphile, lol
I love the trend of wicker bags! They are so adorable and make any outfit cute for Spring or Summer. I definitely need to invest in a good one. The buckle bags are also an interesting statement.