The 8 Most Important Handbag Trends of Fall 2020
Fall 2020 will certainly look a lot different this year, and while trends might not be worn at the same frequency as we expected, what happened on the fall/winter 2020 runways happened, and it's our job to report on it.
So far, we've analyzed the runways in quite a few ways, but today, we are focusing on handbags. Exciting new carryalls graced this season's runways and got fashion fanatics everywhere excited for their upcoming investment purchase. With noteworthy brands like Bottega Veneta and Jacquemus leading the pack in terms of inventive trends, there were handfuls of fresh styles to study up on, but the following eight are the ones we're deeming most important.
Including dramatic fringes, ornate patchwork, furry friends, and pristine pocketbooks, ahead, you will be able to brush up on the best of the best in terms of fall 2020 handbag trends and, of course, to shop our favorite available versions of each.
PICTURED: Jaquemus, Marine Serre, Lacoste )
This season, no trinket will go left behind. Everything from AirPods to water bottles is now receiving the royal treatment as designers sent out designated holders for all the small stuff. Be it on a belt, around your neck, or even on your shoes, all of your miscellaneous trinkets now have a place to call home.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Valentino )
Lots of leather was spotted on the fall 2020 runways, but it was these new textured handbags that felt the most noteworthy. Woven, braided, and quilted carryalls now have textures so intriguing they are practically begging you to touch them.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Ulla Johnson, JW Anderson, Givenchy)
From metal rope handles to thick chain adornments, this season's finest handbags are getting an edgy update. The chain trend has been bubbling in the jewelry realm for a couple of seasons now, so seeing it work its way onto handbags (and even shoes) this season feels like the fresh approach we were looking for.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Bottega Veneta, BOSS, Dior )
If you're looking for a bold fall handbag trend, look no further. Bottega Veneta, Dior, and more set the scene for lengthy fringe finishes that will ensure you receive compliments for days. We also saw fringe adorn the fall ready-to-wear scene, but if you're a bit hesitant to try out the trend, a fringed-out handbag should do just the trick.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Coach, Off-White, Hermes )
Class is officially in session… geometry class, that is. The fall runways proved that striking shapes reminiscent of the ones you used to agonize over in school are now one of the most coveted handbag trends of the season. Featuring triangles, circles, and rectangles aplenty these shapes are shifting the scene and we're so ready for it.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Dior)
"Prim and proper" is the phrase. The vibe of this trend is not not your grandma's old pocketbook, but with a newer-feeling edge. Contemporary brands like Medea and By FAR hit the nail on the head when it comes to this aesthetic, offering that classic vintage feel with just the right amount of twist.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Balenciaga, Rokh, Claudia Li)
Every fall and winter season, we can expect some sort of furry handbag trend to surface, but this season, the fuzzy friends have clearly let it all go. Lengthy faux furs and shaggy shearlings made an appearance on carryalls from Balenciaga to Claudia Li and back again and you're next.
Shop the trend:
PICTURED: Marni, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu)
Why choose one fabric when you can have an assortment? Patchwork featuring carefully spliced leathers and suedes were carried in a multitude of shows proving the more eclectic your handbag, the better. From large hobo bags to vintage-inspired clutches, playful patchwork is the update all your go-to handbag shapes are receiving this season.
Shop the trend:
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
-
My Word of 2025 Is "Sophisticated," and These 34 Pieces Are the Definition
Think structured bags, hourglass shapes, and classic tailoring.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Treating Yourself? What to Buy From the New Designer Collections Before They Sell Out
I'm kind of a pro at this.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I'm Sorry, But I Think This It Girl–Approved Bag Color Trend Is Even Better Than Burgundy
Mikey Madison seems to agree.
By Allyson Payer
-
Louis Vuitton's New Tote Bag Is Cool—Period
It silhouette.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I'm Refining My Wardrobe—36 Staples I'm Eyeing for 2025
Polished is the word.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Reese Witherspoon Just Wore 2025's Next Designer Bag Infatuation
Thank you, Hedi Slimane.
By Drew Elovitz
-
Emma! Suki! Jodie! I Just Test-Drove the Bag Chic Celebs Are Fighting Over
Read my review.
By Eliza Huber
-
I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
On-trend, not trendy.
By Natalie Cantell