These Are The Only Bag Trends That Will Matter In 2021

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity ; @mariabernad)

Despite the fact that most of my handbags sat in my closet this year, I have hope that in 2021 my accessories will see the light of day once more. Here at WWW, we've been rounding up all the trends that can be on your radar for 2021 from shoes to makeup, so it only makes sense that handbags be next. Since we've already let you know the bag trends that we saw come down the runways for spring, we decided we'd also do some scouting through Instagram to see the trends that were not only put in designers' collections but also made it to our feeds on our favorite fashion folk. Long story short, we're giving you plenty of options to get your accessory game on lock.

From the runways of Prada and Gucci to the girls you're following on Instagram, there's no doubt a style that you'll be smitten for. Ahead, you'll find the six handbag trends that we expect to see in 2021, along with shoppable options if you feel like treating yourself as we head into the new year. 

Furry

This trend comes as no surprise since 2020 was the year of cozy, but it'll be most certainly be trickling into the new year as we're not ready to let go of this trend just yet.

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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On Runway:
(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Slouchy

If you're the kind of person that stuffs everything you'd possibly need in a bag, then you've found your match. While we still have room in our hearts for boxier bags, structureless and slouchy bags still reigns on top.

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Minimalistic

We've seen a variety of bag trends like unique detailing or shapes, but the simplistic bags that have been everywhere lately are most certainly a breath of fresh air. With minimal design and more neutral colorways, this style will be a staple bag for many in 2021.

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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On Runway:
(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Vintage Inspired

While many girls have been opting for trendier prints and new it-girl brands, I'm very much here for bringing back vintage designs and silhouettes, like shoulder bags and classic logo prints from Gucci and Coach.

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

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On Runway:
(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Chained 

We saw thick chains trending big in the jewelry scene, so it's no surprise that it made it's way over to handbags as well. While a seemingly simple embellishment, it takes a basic bag and turns it into a quality fashion statement. 

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @mfass)

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On Runway:
(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Necklace Straps

While I could never truly get behind the tiny bag trend, I'm re-considering the small size as long as it comes with a necklace chain. Not only does it count as an accessory, but makes for a jewelry statement too.

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @mfass)

On Instagram:

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On Runway:
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.