Imagine the archetypal Parisian uniform. Did bouclé jackets, fine knits, cardigans, slim jeans and ballet flats immediately spring to mind? I thought so. Although the French wardrobe is incredibly diverse, we often see Paris' best dressed reverting back to these staples. But what of the accessories? Every outfit deserves a good bag, and whilst French women are known for carrying quilted bags in autumn and winter (likely Chanel) and basket bags for spring and summer, they also have the same eye for trends as the rest of us; and if there's one easy way to bring an outfit up to date, it's with a new handbag trend.
The S/S '24 runways were awash with pops of colour, bucket bags and ludicrously capacious clutches, but what shoppers are actually wearing on the streets of Paris is a little different. These smart dressers look for styles with longevity above all, so you can trust French influencers to spot the bags that are truly worth a space in your wardrobe.
So, if you're looking for a new-season buy that'll still look good tucked under your arm in a years time, there's no better place to search out styles than French street style.
To save you from hopping on a plane (or trawling through thousands of Instagram pictures), I've done the research and found seven French-approved handbag trends that are about to be big news in 2024. From big, roomy totes to "ladylike" shoulder bags, keep scrolling to see the arm candy that French women are adding to their wardrobes now. Believe me: they're all trés chic.
1. MOCK CROC
Style Notes: There's just something timeless about an animal print, and when mock croc looks this good there simply isn't any need to buy the real thing. Premium, polished and always effortlessly elegant, this glossy bag is the secret to dressing up even the most simple outfit.
SHOP MOCK CROC:
A bestseller, for good reason.
Just look at that shade of deep emerald...
Burgundy bags are trending right now, but more on that later…
Such a cute, tiny tote.
2. SLING BAGS
Style Notes: If the "throw on and go" attitude was a bag, it would be a crossbody sling. These surprisingly roomy hammocks are perfect for the days you need to carry everything plus the kitchen sink but a bulky backpack just won't cut it in the style stakes. From The Row's canvas banana bag to Arket's suede iteration, if you're in need of a bag that does it all, a sling may be just the thing.
SHOP CROSSBODY BAGS:
I can't help it; I'm suede obsessed.
This would look so coat with a camel coat.
Issey Miyake does pleats like no other. So fashion-forward.
COS bags have a reputation for selling out fast.
3. '90s MINIMALISM
Style Notes: This one is for fans of quiet luxury, as this minimalist bag trend is so understated it practically whispers. The mini baguette, simple clutch and sleek shoulder-bag styles of the '90s are back, and in the same timeless neutrals as the first time around. These are the perfect bags to accompany a statement outfit that does all the talking.
SHOP MINIMALIST BAGS:
The best of the '90s in a bag.
A directional take on the classic clutch.
Top of my wish list.
You won't believe the price.
4. SLOUCHY TOTES
Style Notes: If the sling isn't quite to your taste, how about another French favourite, the slouchy tote? Buttery-soft and generously proportioned—unlike the typically structured top-handle bag—these bags are so laidback they're practically horizontal. Wear thrown over your shoulder or scooped up under your arm, with jeans and a white button-down or an easy midi dress à la Pia Moubayed (pictured above).
SHOP TOTE BAGS:
This looks so expensive.
Such a sleek silhouette.
This comes in three different colours.
This will fit everything you need.
5. LUXE SUEDE
Style Notes: Sophisticated, supple and strokably soft, although we aren't about to trade in our glossy leather bags any time soon, suede is back in the spotlight, and it's a welcome return. There's something about this rich fabric that feels, well, rich, and if the success of The Row's Margaux and Khaite's Lotus tells us anything, it's that you can make a good bag even better by reissuing it in suede.
SHOP SUEDE BAGS:
Bravo, Toteme.
The best-selling bag, now in suede.
Your weekend bag, sorted.
This one is a Who What Wear UK favourite.
6. BURGUNDY
Style Notes: We already called it; burgundy is the luxe new colour trend of the season. For S/S '24, designers presented a united front on a fresh evolution of the red theme that played out on the street style scene. Our favourite way to introduce the colour to our wardrobes is with bags in black cherry, burgundy, oxblood and merlot, and these shades ooze an aura of wealth, status, and power.
SHO BURGUNDY BAGS:
Tsatsas is working its way up in my Saved folder.
I love the shape and the unexpected satin finish.
The perfect everyday bag.
How to tick off two trends at once (see below).
7. BUSINESS BAGS
Style Notes: And to finish on a classic, the business-class bag that you can take everywhere from breakfast to the boardroom; a handbag-meets-satchel-meets-briefcase that always rises to the dress code. Outfit-elevating bags don't get better than this, and although they're often a little pricier than the other trending styles on this list, this is one bag you know you can confidently carry for the next decade without worrying that it'll go out of style.
SHOP TOP-HANDLE BAGS:
A strong contender for the next It bag of 2024.
The Row always gets it right.
XXL totes are having a moment.
I challenge you to find a sleeker-looking bag.
Next Up: 8 Timeless and Elegant Outfit Formulas French Women Will Rely on in 2024
