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 jewelry, shoes, and bag trends to consider.
For the handbag obsessives, let's dive into the latter a little more. The new year will bring a fresh array of bag designs, and already we've gotten a sneak peek of what spring 2020 has 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.
Multi-Compartment Bags
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 Totes
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, 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
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
Overnight, it seemed like every fashion girl had Bottega Veneta's gathered leather bag under their arms. It was cool, minimalist, and tasteful—everything you wanted 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
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.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
