While I was only a kid in the '90s, I do have (she's going to love me for writing this) a very stylish mum. So, growing up, I always got to see so many different trends. And mum's love of clothes and shopping definitely played a huge part in why I wanted to work in fashion. I've lost count of the times mum says "I used to wear (insert trend here) back in (insert decade here)." And now in my 30s, I finally understand what it feels like to see trends you've once worn come back around. Just look at capri pants––or as they'll always be known to me 'pedal pushers'––for example. These were more of a Y2K thing, and I may not be able to say I wore certain '90s trends, but I definitely can still spot them a mile off––mainly from trying on all of my mum's favourite bags and heels.
Now, I'm seeing so many of these bags come back around. So I wanted to find out which iconic '90s celebrities wore the hero styles the first time round. What did I find? Of course Sarah Jessica Parker wore the Fendi baguette bag, Jennifer Aniston showed everyone how to wear leopard accessories way in 1998 and Naomi Campbell was already decorating her tote bag with bag charms in 1992. And the best part is, you can shop all of these for autumn this year.
Keep going to see the key ‘90s handbag styles you'll want to add to your autumn 2024 outfits.
6 Of the Best ‘90s Handbags To Buy In 2024:
1. Baguette Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: Basically the poster girl for the Fendi baguette bag since the '90s, off-duty Carrie Bradshaw (aka Sarah Jessica Parker) wore hers with a slip dress. And I would quite happily recreate this entire look now––with a vintage Fendi most likely found at Vestiaire.
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The new baguette bags are equally as chic.
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
Everything will be chocolate brown for autumn.
2. Leopard Print
Style Notes: There's no avoiding the print this season, and why would you when it can add interest to quite literally any outfit? Jennifer Aniston's 1998 look overhauled a LWD with a leopard print bag, and I've found a very similar style from Isabel Marant, below.
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Ticking off that boho trend.
Love the shape of this one.
A bag so good, Ganni made it in 16 other colours and prints.
This vintage Prada is just dreamy.
3. Top-handle Tote
Style Notes: CPHFW was pretty must a love letter to the bag charm. And if you want to know who started it (aside from Miu Miu for 2024), then look to Naomi Campbell. A plastic watch around her Hermès Kelly bag in 1992 is iconic. Copy and paste the aesthetic by adding any kind of key rings to your favourite top-handle tote.
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This will be the hero bag of the season, and it's firmly on my wish list.
Add charms to get the full Miu Miu runway look.
Can you tell suede is the bag style of the season?
An iconic bag that will always be in fashion.
4. Satin
Style Notes: We all know model Kaia Gerber, but of course she got her style credentials from her mum Cindy Crawford. I love how she wore so many baggy suits, but I'm also a huge fan of the supermodel's evening outfits. Satin bags were the order of the day in 1997 (as seen on Cindy), and everyone including Mango, & Other Stories and Neous has iterations as we step closer to party season.
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The perfect bag for party season or even a dinner date.
I'm imagining this with a slip dress and kitten heels.
So very chic.
Ticking off two '90s trends in one with this satin shoulder bag.
5. Micro Mini
Style Notes: Giant carry-everything-including-the-sink bags have been key for quite some time, thanks to the likes of Loewe putting them on the catwalks. Now, it's time for the juxtaposed micro mini to take over. They may only be able to fit a pack of gum and a bank card, but A-listers like Halle Berre––who wore them the first time round in 1998––will be pleased to know they're back.
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Adorable.
Ready for any wedding.
Practical? Not at all. Cute? Absolutely.
Trust Chanel to design the cutest mini bag out there. And in a gorgeous baby blue hue no less.
6. Clutch
Style Notes: Hands up who wouldn't have left the house without a clutch bag for a night out out in the early '00s? Well, the box bag was actually a '90s favourite, too. Model Claudia Schiffer wore the not-so-practical box clutch back in 1995, and I'm seeing them everywhere at the moment. And let's face it, fashion is rarely functional.
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I'm drawn to this like a magpie.
For the minimalists.
I blast from the past.
I remember going clubbing with one very similar at University.
