This Incredibly Cool Bag Trend Is Cropping Up in Every Major Fashion City—Will It Dethrone Suede?
From the moment Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in New York last summer wearing ballet flats decorated in metal embellishments, I knew that the studded-bag trend would be quick to follow.
Now, it’s apparent that the best studded bags have begun to take over, with pierced accessories the buzzy new style fashion people across the globe are swapping other bags for. You see, the industry has an uncanny way of translating motifs that sell well in one format into others—see how Alaïa’s fishnet bag was picked up by Dua Lipa and Margot Robbie after its viral mesh flats exploded in popularity.
And now, Khaite’s Benny Belt, a favourite amongst influencers like Lucy Williams and Abisola Omole and celebrities such as Selena Gomez, should’ve been an indication that studded bags were next.
Where winter was dominated by luxuriously textured suede bags from the likes of DeMellier and Prada, spring is bringing a return of this unsung embellishment. As the temperature warms, a sense of levity and lightness is injected into our wardrobes, and the studded-bag trend is an example of how a small twist on a tried-and-true classic can insert freshness to timeless shapes.
Even Sofia Richie Grainge, despite her penchant for the quiet-luxury aesthetic, deviated from her nouveau minimalist wardrobe for Khaite’s boxy, studded Elena bag—the shoulder-swinging equivalent of the New York label’s beloved belt.
The best studded bags not only speak to our desire for playfulness and youthful touches in what we wear but also our collective shift towards a more edgy style synonymous with the indie sleaze era. Look back at old Celine or Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, and you'll notice that studded bags were subtly (or not so subtly, if you were tuned in) woven throughout each collection.
Isabel Marant tapped into our appetite for nostalgia early by introducing the studded Oskan bag into fashion's vocabulary late last year. The moon shape feels contemporary, but the studded edge is a true homage to the early 2000s, as you can see on Elsa Hosk (pictured below).
Still, the studded bag has cemented itself as a marker of this decade in its own right. Heed our warning—if the runways and streets of fashion month are any indicator, studded bags will soon be the style you spot everywhere and on everyone. Amongst the New York Fashion Week street style set, content creator and creative director Charlotte Groeneveld styled her rigid studded bag with a sheer white skirt, soft knit and sumptuous faux-fur coat to soften the toughness of the metallic accents (see below).
Across the city, another NYFW attendee carried Alaïa's east-west Le Teckel bag, which has already garnered a cult following that includes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Studded bags were also spotted in Milan, but it was in Alessandro Michele's spring/summer 2025 collection for Valentino that the style ascended as one of note. Alexa Chung may have already worn the label's suede, fringed and spotted Nellcôte bag, but this season's panelled leather version proves how versatile the best studded bags can be.
Ornamental by design, studded bags bring an air of grunge to otherwise polished shapes. Don't say we didn't warn you when they become the bag du jour. Shop our edit of the best studded bags below.
The 17 Best Studded Bags to Shop This Spring and Beyond:
The Elena is one of Khaite's most loved bags. Don't believe me? Just ask our fashion and shopping editors.
This Zara iteration combines suede and studs.
Gimagaus's flat, studded bag is adored by Emily Ratajowski, Iris Law and Lily-Rose Depp. Could this trend get any more It-girl-approved?
This Alaïa handbag is at the top of every editor's wish list.
Inspired by Bottega Veneta's Jodie, but the studs make it feel fresh.
& Other Stories' expensive-looking high-street version is made of 100% leather and embellished with silver studs.
The mix of studs and rivets makes a nice textural addition to this relaxed style.
Everyone at Chloé's autumn/winter 2025 show was wearing bloomers and studded, ring-handle bracelet bags.
Just when we thought high-street bowling bags couldn't get any chicer.
For those who want to refresh their crossbody bag for the new season.
We've said it once, and we'll say it again: rich brown is one of the biggest bag colour trends for 2025.
Ava Gilchrist is the SEO Writer at Who What Wear UK. Born in Sydney but now based in London, Ava has worked at some of the most prestigious women’s luxury and lifestyle publications including ELLE, Marie Claire and most recently GRAZIA where she held the title of Senior Fashion Features Writer. Ava has five years of industry experience, beginning her writing career after graduating with a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology, Sydney. Her words fuse style with substance, bringing readers insightful commentary on the latest fashion trends, runway shows, celebrity red carpet offerings, must-have shopping pieces, beauty hacks and pop cultural moments. As an editor, Ava has interviewed everyone from Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Emma Corrin and Stella McCartney.