The Top 2020 Handbag Trends to Know

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Street Style - Day 4 - New York Fashion Week February 2020
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)

I work in fashion, so my friends (and strangers I meet at parties) are constantly asking: "What trends should I know about?" And I always have an answer. After all, I've prepped for this. I skim retailers' trend reports, keep a pulse on what went down on the runways, and peruse shopping websites for the latest product drops. (My wish lists are never-ending.) Though I can toss out new clothing trends in my sleep—for a refresh on those for 2020, here you go—there's more to the story. Aside from the ready-to-wear trends, there are the must-have jewelryshoes, and bag trends to consider.

For the handbag obsessives, let's dive into the latter a little more. This year will bring a fresh array of bag designs, and already we've gotten a sneak peek of what both spring and fall 2020 collections have to offer. In order to make all this information digestible, here are the top bag trends to know for 2020. Bookmark this page or text it to your group chat, because everyone deserves to know about the latest must-buy arm candy.

Quilted Textures

paris, france march 02 editorial use only a model, bag detail, walks the runway during the alexander mcqueen as part of the paris fashion week womenswear fallwinter 20202021 on march 02, 2020 in paris, france photo by peter whitegetty images

(Image credit: Peter White)

Quilted bags of all sizes and colors ran the gamut on the runways, from Alexander McQueen (pictured above) and Burberry to A.W.A.K.E. ModeThis classic style lends an air of sophistication to any crossbody or tote bag you choose for the 2020 season. Like most things in fashion, what is old eventually becomes new again, and quilted accessories will have its moment this year. Whether you end up choosing one from the likes of Chanel (Coco Chanel first created her quilted leather 2.55 handbag in 1955!), which is a timeless choice, or from other more contemporary designers out there, this style is sure to last you a lifetime.

Frame Bags

paris, france march 03 a model walks the runway during the chanel ready to wear fashion show as part of the paris fashion week womenswear fallwinter 2020 2021 on march 03, 2020 in paris, france photo by victor virgilegamma rapho via getty images

(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE)

How to spot this accessory silhouette: Look for a metal frame that supports the textile or leather of the bag. Frame bags also often have a "kissing lock" closure with two interlocking metal beads on top. Fashion houses like Chanel, Celine, Erdem, Miu Miu, and Reike Nen all featured frame bags on the runway, proving this vintage design is still beloved to this day. Chances are, if you dig through your local thrift store or grandmother's attic (the best place to find older hidden treasures), you'll come away with the perfect frame handbag. Not into either idea? Shop the newest styles below.

Hobo Bags

new york, new york february 08 a model walks the runway for brandon maxwell ready to wear fallwinter 2020 2021 fashion show during new york fashion week on february 08, 2020 in new york city photo by victor virgilegamma rapho via getty images

(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE)

This style is defined by their crescent shape and slouchy silhouette complete with a handle or strap that makes it easy to wear over your shoulders. Though they were once on the arms of every It girl in the early 2000s, trends like micro purses have eclipsed their popularity. Have no fear, though—in 2020 hobo handbags are making a comeback in all sizes and textures. We spotted them on the fall 2020 runways of Brandon Maxwell (above) and at Zimmermann, so designers are poised to get this design back on your shelf asap.

Chain Embellished Bags

new york, new york february 09 a model walks the runway at the tory burch ready to wear fallwinter 2020 2021 fashion show during new york fashion week on february 09, 2020 in new york city photo by victor virgilegamma rapho via getty images

(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE)

Chains are popping up everywhere, from your jewelry to shoes and now handbags. Look for your favorite totes, satchels, and minaudières to all receive a chain strap as an added detail. Tory Burch's fall 2020 collection debuted a host of chain-embellished handbags (as pictured above) while JW Anderson decided to make it the statement design on its accessories. Meanwhile, Ulla Johnson offered glamorous thick, braided chained bags on its fall runways. If you're feeling ambitious and crafty, you might even want to DIY your own gold or silver chain on a bag in your closet.

Multi-Compartment Bags

coach

Courtesy of Coach

(Image credit: Courtesy)

It's not enough to carry just one bag—in 2020, you'll want to carry two or more. Multi-bagging, or bags with multiple compartments, will be everywhere if Coach (pictured above) or Staud's pre-fall 2020 collections have anything to say about it. On a recent trip to the latter's showroom, I spotted a tote with three detachable pouches hanging from the handles. J.W. Anderson (see here) and Peter Pilotto (see here) are some of the other fashion houses that have hopped on this multi-bagging train. Though the style availability is limited right now, expect more retailers to pump out this design as we head deeper into 2020.

Larger-Than-Life Bags

bag trends

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The itty-bitty bag had its moment. and now it's time for the extra large ones to have some fun. From Opening Ceremony's super large tote, which could probably stow away a human, to the huge croc-embossed ones on Sies Marjan's spring 2020 runway to Longchamp's fall 2020 offerings, big bags are flaunting their sizes and popularity. Even Jacquemus, who gave us the beloved "chiquito" minis, upgraded their bag dimensions for 2020, proving that the theme is: the bigger, the better. Fingers crossed you won't run into trouble carrying your oversize tote in pesky situations (like NYC's subway turnstiles).

Bamboo Handles

bag trends

(Image credit: Getty Images)

For spring 2020, designers have been looking for ways to incorporate more natural elements into their accessories. One such earthy material we spotted on the runways was bamboo, fastened into handles on the runways of Miu Miu, Gucci (pictured above), and Prada. The detail is unique, but wearable, and offers a textured look to your handbag. Sign me up for this design, please. I will happily part with my regular ol' leather strap crossbody bag.

Puffy Pouches

bag trends 2020

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Overnight, it seemed like every fashion girl had Bottega Veneta's gathered leather bag under their arms. It's cool, minimalist, and tasteful—everything you want in an It accessory. The fervor for this style will only continue to grow in popularity as more designers create variations of these cloud-like pouches in different colors and sizes. Tory Burch sent a vibrant red pouch down her spring 2020 runway, while Louis Vuitton opted for more ornate options.

Rope Bags

ulla johnson

(Image credit: Courtesy of Ulla Johnson)

For their spring/summer collections, designers always seem to alternate between nautical-inspired details, crochet, or raffia for accessories, so it's no surprise we've all landed back on the rope theme again for spring 2020. This summertime-appropriate design was present in the spring 2020 runway collections of Ulla Johnson (pictured above), Givenchy, and Valentino. Style these handbags with your favorite espadrilles and maxi dress on vacation.

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Fashion Editor

Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.