Tasteful Dressers Have Carried This Style for 70 Years—Now, It's Winter's Biggest Handbag Trend
We've seem a major style shift into a much more elegant and refined mood. Delicate satin shoes, pretty A-line silhouettes, and antique brooches are just some of the items that were omnipresent in the spring/summer 2025 collections. In addition to them is a new rising handbag shape that succinctly wraps up this elegant fashion mood. Everywhere we look, bags are taking on an east-west shape with slim, oblong construction at the forefront of the designs.
Some of the standout bags of the season—the Alaïa Le Teckel, Hermès Shoulder Birkin, and Bottega Veneta Andiamo Clutch—all feature east-west shapes. With fashion going back to the 1950s, designers are looking back at the accessories of the decade to inform modern-day carryalls. Ahead are seven popular east-west bags that everyone is after for winter 2025.
Alaïa is behind the It bag that everyone is buzzing about right now. Named Le Teckel, which is French for "dachshund", it features a slim rectangular shape with long double straps and a double zipper.
With its sculptural silhouette and smooth leather finish, this Alaïa bag adds an effortless elegance to any outfit.
Sleek and understated, this nubuck shoulder bag from Alaïa combines the brand’s signature craftsmanship with a minimalist east-west shape.
The classic black bag offers a sophisticated balance of style and versatility for day-to-night wear.
Prada is also getting in on the east-west idea and introduced a shoulder bag that featured a crinkled-looking leather and micro belt detail.
Featuring clean lines and luxurious leather, this large Prada bag is a timeless investment piece ideal for your daily essentials.
It delivers refined simplicity with its structured silhouette and iconic logo detailing.
The epitome of understated luxury, this leather handbag from Prada is a versatile option in a chic beige tone.
Bottega Veneta's beloved Andiamo bag has most recently been released in two updated shapes: an east-west version of its popular shopper and a petite top-handle clutch.
In a rich emerald green hue, this Bottega Veneta clutch showcases the brand’s signature intrecciato weave and contemporary design.
This barolo-hued clutch blends Bottega Veneta's heritage craftsmanship with modern sophistication—perfect for elevating your evening look.
An effortless classic, Bottega Veneta's black Andiamo clutch is a sleek accessory you’ll turn to season after season.
Hermès debuted (or rather, re-debuted) its Shoulder Birkin during Paris Fashion Week last year and it's all anyone could talk about. The bag reimagines the classic Birkin with a smaller, more rectangular body and a long strap that easily goes over the shoulder.
A rare and timeless piece, this Hermès Birkin in camel leather reimagines the iconic design with a functional shoulder strap.
The bold red hue of this Hermès Birkin bag makes a statement, while its practical shape ensures versatility for everyday wear.
Crafted in supple grey leather, this coveted Hermès Birkin offers a blend of heritage style and modern convenience.
Savette's Symmetry Pochette is the epitome of an "IYKYK" handbag. Its logoless design and discreet but recognisable hardware clasp make it an insider favourite. The new slimmer take on the bag is even more elongated to highlight its east-west shape.
Elevate your accessory game with this beige suede tote by Savette, featuring elegant leather trims and a compact, structured design.
With a rich red hue and understated design, this Savette tote pairs effortlessly with neutral and bold looks alike.
Minimalist and impeccably crafted, this black leather tote from Savette is a sleek everyday option for the modern wardrobe.
Tory Burch's T Monogram Bag brings new life to the brand's monogrammed logo with a retro east-west shape and long double handles that sling easily over the shoulder.
Compact yet practical, Tory Burch's small satchel in black leather offers a polished finish for any occasion.
Finished with the iconic T Monogram, this satchel adds a preppy-chic twist to Tory Burch's signature silhouette.
Navy never goes out of style—this Tory Burch satchel is a classic piece with timeless appeal, featuring the signature T Monogram.
Jil Sander's Goji Bag is a more under-the-radar silhouette that feels like a genuine vintage find.
With a minimalist design and polished leather finish, Jil Sander's Goji tote embodies a classiness like no other.
The beige version is a refined, versatile addition to any handbag collection, perfect for day or night styling.
If you want something that'll double as an evening clutch, then the red one is your best bet.
Shop More East-West Handbags
This bag comes in an array of bold shades as well as the classic black and navy hues.
Mulberry's heritage Bayswater is perfectly primed for this horizontal stretch.
Featuring the brands iconic monogram.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
- Humaa HussainJunior Branded Content Editor
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