6 Fall Handbag Trends I'm Already Seeing Invade NYC
NYC girls know what’s up in the style department. But that’s what you get when you live in one of the fashion capitals of the world that has design practically injected into its core. So naturally, I turn to this set when scouting the coolest trends. In fact, on a recent escapade through Manhattan, I noticed that the most fashionable women are already toting around some of the freshest handbag silhouettes. I’m talking about those cool new shapes we saw all over the fall runways but didn’t expect to make moves IRL until September or October.
Sure, summer is still kicking, but if you want a jump start on building that forward fall wardrobe, taking a cue from these trendsetting New Yorkers will ensure your upcoming bag game is on point. With that, I rounded up the six next-wave handbag trends I’m starting to see all over the city. Keep scrolling for a bit of visual and shopping inspiration—and stay ahead of the curve (just like the NYC style set).
Chain Reaction
While the minimalist silhouettes we've been spotting will still hold strong, bags with heavy hardware will also have a moment next season. Here, we're talking bulky chains and metal accents to make a serious impact.
Shop the trend:
Checkmate
Amp up your cool factor by embracing check prints in either a classic black-and-white combo or a multicolor situation.
Shop the trend:
Green With Envy
Varying shades of green made their mark throughout spring and summer, and the color—especially kelly green—will be a frontrunner in the bag realm come fall. Trust us. You'll turn all heads toting around the eye-catching hue.
Shop the trend:
Structured Stunner
Your favorite top-handle silhouette is getting an architectural upgrade this season featuring sharp lines and sleek angles. If you need a quick fix to elevate your ensemble, this trend is definitely your best bet.
Shop the trend:
Mini Me
While they might not fit your entire life, that's not stopping the fashion universe's continued obsession with mini bags. This season, the smaller the better for your next event or night out.
Shop the trend:
Luxe Elegance
Add instant polish to your fall 'fits with a fancy-feeling handbag featuring luxe details like mock croc and shiny finishes.
Shop the trend:
Next, check out the best black bags under $100.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
-
The Affordable Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Instead of Suede This Winter
Chic and cheerful.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday Sale
Get a head start with these chic gems.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Every Stylish Woman in L.A. and NYC Wearing This Elegant Bag Color?
Sorry, black bags.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Fun Fact: The Absolute Best Designer Bags of the Season Are All From Nordstrom
Shop with ease, my friends.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I Own Over 8 Staud Bags, But These 4 Are the Ones I Actually Tell People to Buy
Confession time.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—30 Elegant Picks I'm Eyeing From Mango, COS, and Nordstrom
These are too chic to pass up.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
My Friend Wants a Chic Wardrobe—I Sent Her These Early Black Friday Fashion Deals
Discounted gems from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and more.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Sarah Jessica Parker Already Wore Spring 2025's Most Sought-After Handbag
Fashion people can't stop talking about it.
By Eliza Huber