And Now, the 7 Most Important Handbag Trends for Winter
While the world of fashion constantly lures us with an array of tempting styles, there's something particularly enchanting about handbags. Unlike shoes, which can sometimes leave us in doubt about their fit and functionality in our daily lives, handbags offer a straightforward promise—what you see is precisely what you get. In the realm of shopping, they're a reliable and steadfast choice. Once a handbag captures our hearts, it's a rare occurrence to be swayed otherwise. This unwavering commitment mirrors my sentiment towards the captivating winter handbag trends of 2023 we're seeing come through.
These trends made their debut on the runways back in February, showcasing an array of fresh bag styles and silhouettes. From the multitude of choices, seven truly stood out as exceptional and, rather than fixating on individual styles, we've chosen to spotlight
overarching trends, shopping out the originals that sparked them wherever possible. This approach allows us to present an array of handbags that gracefully embody these trends at varying price points, meaning everyone has the chance to give their looks current flair.
From textures to silhouettes to colours, scroll on to see the dominating handbag trends of winter 2023, as dictated by the fashion runways.
SEE THE TOP WINTER HANDBAG TRENDS FOR 2023
1. SLOUCHY SUEDE
Style Notes: Big bags have been a reigning theme this year but, for winter, we're seeing the spotlight focus in on those with suede fabrications. Not only do they look luxe, but they look incredibly chic with leather outerwear, softening the thicker textile beautifully.
Shop the Trend:
2. TOUCH-ME TEXTURES
Style Notes: Shearling jackets might be all the rage thanks to Toteme and Mango but now, we're seeing teddy textures make the leap onto bags, too. From Max Mara to Mango, there's a cuddly tote or top handle to suit every budget this season.
Shop the Trend:
3. SHARP OBJECTS
Style Notes: When it comes to handbags, silhouette plays an integral role. A counter to the soft shapes seen above, Prada debuted chic trapezoid handbags that the fashion crowd have since zeroed in on.
Shop the Trend:
4. WELL ROUNDED
Style Notes: Another key handbag shape for winter 2023 is the crescent. Whether you look for structured styles or bags with more room to give, there's no denying that shoulder bags with curved lines are enduring right now.
Shop the Trend:
5. FRINGE BENEFITS
Style Notes: We've seen the revival of many western-inspired trends this year and, get this, there's still time for one more. Fringing cropped up everywhere, from Michael Kors to Ralph Lauren to Stella McCartney and, now that we've pointed it out, you're about to see it all over the market, too.
Shop the Trend:
6. PACKABLE POUCHES
Style Notes: Clutch bags always make a comeback for party season but, this time around, they look and feel a little different. Now, it's all about pouches you can genuinely fit all of your essentials into. Bonus points if you snap up COS's faux-shearling style to tick off two of our trends in one go.
Shop the Trend:
7. GOOD CROC
Style Notes: Mock croc textures never fail to look elevated. Sure, the styles on offer at Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent command higher price points and, in turn, should look as expensive as they are. But if you're working to a budget, rest assured you can get the sleek look with more affordable options too.
Shop the Trend:
Next Up: The Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
Opening Image: @anoukyve
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
-
The 6 Elegant Bag Trends Stylish People Will Be Carrying This Spring
Will you be one of them?
By Florrie Alexander
-
With Jeans, Dresses or Skirts, Fashion People Are Using This Styling Trick to Make Every Outfit an 11/10
So simple, so chic.
By Natalie Munro
-
Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025
They've become a classic.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
This Rich-Looking Colour Will Fool Anyone Into Thinking Your High-Street Bag Is Designer
It's so glossy.
By Brittany Davy
-
I've Evaluated Every Style—These Are the 7 It Bags Set to Rule 2025
To have and to hold.
By Remy Farrell
-
5 Winter Basics to Own If You Refuse to Follow Trends
Our forever favourites.
By Drew Elovitz
-
So You Bought a Suede Bag—Here Are the Affordable Ways to Keep it Looking Brand New
Restore your prized possession to its former glory.
By Aleksija Vujicic
-
5 Ways I'm Wearing This Classic Jacket Style Now and Well Into Spring
The styling possibilities are endless.
By Anu Odugbesan