We may have to wait a while longer before we can start donning the clothes spring/summer 2022 has to offer (that or risk freezing—winter has just begun after all), but there is one item from the runway that we can start adding to our wardrobes imminently: handbags. Ideal for impatient types, handbags are the easiest way to kick-start your new-season capsule. And seeing as bags were at the bottom of our shopping priorities at the start of 2021, due to the pandemic and spending time indoors, now's the moment to make up for lost time.
Luckily for said impatient types, we've discovered that many of the top handbag trends we spotted on the runway are already on the shopping circuit. What are these trends, we hear you ask? Well, they're a versatile bunch.
Texture remains a key accessory aesthetic, though the borg and shearling fabrications we're seeing for winter will morph into basket weaves and crochet. That said, you'll be able to continue toting your party bags well into next year, as fancy finishes including rhinestones and fringing were still all the rage. What's life without a bit of sparkle, after all?
Texture remains a key accessory aesthetic, though the borg and shearling fabrications we're seeing for winter will morph into basket weaves and crochet. That said, you'll be able to continue toting your party bags well into next year, as fancy finishes including rhinestones and fringing were still all the rage. What's life without a bit of sparkle, after all?
For the minimalists amongst you, there are plenty of arm candy options out there—the classic shade that'll blend in seamlessly with your pared-back wares for starters. Then, there's the spring's chicest bag silhouette. Keen to find out what it is? Scroll on to see the eight handbag trends 2022 has up its sleeve.
1. LOGO-A-GO-GO
Style Notes: For spring, you needn't be subtle about where your bag is from. Heavily logoed arm candy reigned supreme on the runway, with monograms repeated over and over at Loewe and Fendi, and bold lettering at Chanel. As the saying goes, "If you've got it, flaunt it."
Shop the trend:
You can never go wrong with vintage Chanel.
This is our favourite kind of baguette.
This new Loewe anagram design feels so fresh.
2. TONAL TAN
Style Notes: We wouldn’t ordinarily deem something as classic as a tan bag as being "on-trend," but seeing as it was so prevalent on the runway, it has to make our list. Chloé championed the hue, which it set against other buttery tones for high-end appeal.
Shop the trend:
Loewe's Puzzle bag has been on our wish list for so long.
Elevated but practical. This is the sort of bag you'll always reach for.
A new Neous silhouette to covet.
3. RUCHE
Style Notes: Be it pleated or puffed, squidgy bags have been high on the style agenda since the start of 2021, and they're sticking around for 2022, too. The trend was first seen in the 1980s, but if the runways are anything to go by, they're destined to make a strong impact on our future. Bottega Veneta continues to showcase ruche arm candy for spring/summer 2022, with the likes of Balmain now joining in.
Shop the trend:
We lost count of how many times we saw this exact bag during fashion month.
Clutches don't come more fashionable than this.
Ugh. Such a great shape.
4. WHIP(STITCH) IT
Style Notes: It's true—sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference, and that's the case with this handbag trend. Chloé, Elleme and Altuzarra are just a handful of brands who have brought this artisanal method back for 2022. Look for contrasting stitching to make more of an impact.
Shop the trend:
The contrasting colours on this bag are beyond beautiful.
One for the minimalists among you.
We never met an Elleme bag we didn't like.
5. FILL A BUCKET
Style Notes: Perhaps the most notable silhouette on the spring/summer runway was the bucket bag. Designers like Michael Kors opted to keep theirs structured as opposed to slouchy. This formal-looking shape but roomy interior makes them the perfect bag to transition from day to night with.
Shop the trend:
A bag that'll go with absolutely everything you own.
This might not be the most recognisable Gucci bag, but it's one of our favourites.
A white bag will instantly make your outfits feel fresh.
6. PARTY BAGS
Style Notes: If you're one of the many (many) people who invest in a jazzy bag in 2021, you'll be pleased to hear they're going to be just as relevant in 2022. Following the rest of the runway's mantra of not saving your best for best, use embellished and metallic bags to dress up your simple jeans-and-blazer looks.
So much sparkle for your money.
Lucy Williams has a bag just like this, which we always swoon over.
Balenciaga's Hourglass bags have become something of a cult buy.
7. FULL-ON FRINGING
Style Notes: Having had something of a revival in clothing form, we're not surprised that fringing has also cropped up on 2022's hottest bags. Look for totes that are fringed all over to fully embrace the aesthetic, or if that feels too much, seek out styles with asymmetric fringing instead.
Shop the trend:
This is the perfect shade of brown.
A clutch that's roomy enough to use as an everyday bag.
Isn't this colour just fabulous?
8. SUMMER TOTES
Style Notes: One of the swiftest ways to take your looks from one season to the next is by switching up your textures. Each spring/summer, woven totes make a return, and 2022 is no exception to this rule. Again, Chloé paved the way with its jumbo macramé-style handbag. Although it's not out just yet, there are plenty of other styles to peak your interest right now.
Shop the trend:
Another Chloé handbag hit.
This bag is an influencer favourite.
This feels very French. Which is, naturally, a good thing.
Next Up, The Stats Don't Lie: These 6 Designer Bags Are Always Worth the Investment
