Deciding which type of handbag to purchase is one of the toughest shopping decisions a fashion girl can make throughout the year. The reason? There's a good chance it will be one of the costliest additions to your wardrobe, and you want something that's worthy of the investment, something you'll carry again and again. That's why we reached out to the trend-minded experts at Edited, a retail analytics company that knows better than anyone what people have stopped buying and what they're purchasing in droves instead.
Edited's senior fashion and retail analyst Katie Smith researched which styles people have basically stopped buying, which they're buying more and more of, and which are on the decline but are still having a moment. She came to the definitive conclusion that the style people aren't buying anymore is hobo bags (although we are seeing a few cool designer iterations out there)— the one they are buying is micro mini bags, and the one to keep for now is bucket bags. While this may not be the best news if you have trouble living without an oversize tote (of course, if you prefer a large hobo all together, go for it), it's great news if you're a fan of the mini bag trend and aren't ready to part with your bucket bag just yet. Ready to see what Edited's Smith had to say about the reasons behind her findings?
Keep scrolling to get the details on these three bag styles and shop micro bags and bucket bags that will ensure you look as of-the-moment as possible in 2017.
HOBO BAGS
New arrivals of hobo bags are down 16% so far this year and weren't a key story on autumn 2017's runways; 49% of styles are reduced by an average of 45% off and are taking a sluggish 113 days to sell out. Back away!
MICRO BAGS
According to the runways, pocket-size bags will pack a punch for autumn 2017, seen on the runways of Valentino, Coach and Jason Wu. Soft but structured, they're boxy and won't fit much more than an iPhone. Matte leather fabrics are essential here, as are toughened-up details like metal chain handles or fastenings.
New arrivals in retail are up 16% so far this year, and the style has low levels of discounting: Just 14% of items have any reduction currently applied. The style takes an average of 22 days to sell out, and you'd better start saving—the average price comes in at £523.
SHOP THE TREND
This under-the-radar brand is starting to blow up.
The subtle chain makes this especially day-to-night-friendly.
Related: Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Trends: The 7 Looks You Need to Know
Ease into summer with this mini black basket bag.
This mini pouch is more versatile than you'd think.
Want an It bag? This should do the trick.
BUCKET BAGS
Although bucket bags are on the decline—new arrivals down 6% from last year—they're still a dominant bag shape at most retailers. With Mansur Gavriel adding to its colour range and Zara introducing embellished styles recently, there are attempts to add depth to this trend, which will ensure its presence for another season.
SHOP THE TREND
We can see why this cool structured bag is almost sold out.
Another major trend among fashion insiders right now is red bags.
Related: These 12 Handbags Are Trending—But Which One Do You Love the Most?
We'd gladly spend £30 on this adorable pineapple pouch.
This fashion-girl favourite still consistently sells out.
Bucket-bag purists will love this minimalistic option.
Next up! 22 of the best street style websites we always go to for outfit inspo.
