The Fall 2024 Bag Trends Signal a Shift Towards Maximalism

Indulgent is the best descriptor for fall 2024 bag trends. In the same vein as fall's maximal accessories (the season's best bangles are worn in stacks of two, three, and, in the case of Fendi, four), these handbags encourage a more-is-more mentality. Some designers meant it literally: Bottega Veneta's models carried two totes at one time, while Undercover's clutched sequined shoppers and grocery bags stuffed with produce.

The bags that clocked in as fall 2024 trends weren't necessarily novel—the crescents, buckets, and carry-all tote bags were all familiar favorites. But in place of minimal hardware and smooth neutral leathers were material twists, like long-haired lap dog-looking clutches at Jil Sander and faux shearling shoulder bags at Stella McCartney. Bag charms also jingle-jangled across the circuit, urging you to forgo a quiet luxury sentiment and make some noise instead.

There's a lesson to learn from fall 2024's bag trends: accessorizing doesn't have to be a complete free-for-all, but it should at least be fun. Ahead, Marie Claire's exclusive trend report diving into the most notable handbag trends seen on the fall 2024 runways that can be shopped right now.

Two Accessories for the Price of One

Even how we carry fall bags will challenge notions of tradition—there's no hand in Miucca Prada's handbags, for instance. Her purses attach to mini-belts that sit in the crux of your elbow instead, giving hands-free a whole new meaning.

Other designers called on bracelet bags to give your hands the day off. Brands like Ulla Johnson and Chloé offered supersized hoops as handles, while Chanel and Gabriela Hearst used classic chain wristlets for beaucoup de bijoux.

Times Two

Forget what the old adage says for fall. Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and add one more thing (like one more purse). While doubling your armload may seem ostentatious (Carrying two designer bags at once?), there's a practicality in doubling up, and you can fit a whole lot of stuff.

Bottega Veneta's models coveted two woven tote bags crafted from the house's intrecciato leather and raffia materials, while Fendi modeled the messenger-and-baguette combo. The key takeaway? The more, the merrier.

Red Handed

From cherry to merlot to scarlet—designers are clearly still hot for red. For fall 2024, they're channeling their passion for the fiery hue into handbags that exude a statement, look-at-me spirit. Proenza Schouler and Ferragamo (the brand that initially ignited the red color trend last fall) sent out maroon messenger-flap crossbodies, while Altuzarra unveiled a micro box bag in bright crimson. Gucci showcased a spectrum of head-swiveling red bags, from candy apple square-shaped totes to ruby top-handled half-moons adorned with the signature logo hardware.

Blue Jean Bags

The fall 2024 denim trends have proven to be some of the year's most prolific and wide-ranging. The infatuation with '90s-style denim skirts and tailored jean trousers has percolated into the accessory realm, with an expansive assortment of durable denim handbags. At Diesel, Glenn Martens sent out a series of bags made of distressed denim (a popular house code for the Belgian designer), while Loewe re-fashioned its popular Squeeze Bag in a rugged, medium-wash jean material.

Prince Charming

Bag charms seen across New York, London, Milan, and Paris illustrated designers' urge to accessorize. Some brands went the kitschier route: Coach, for instance, dangled NYC souvenirs from intentionally beat-up messengers and tote bags, and Fendi featured quirky Chupa Chups leather lollipop holders. Sophisticated clip-on charms were also prevalent, as seen with Burberry's metallic keychains and Etro's dangling leather talismans.

Emotional Support Bag

While soft in look and feel, the plushy purses on the fall runways offer an unconventional effect that puts them at the statement end of the style spectrum. Shaggy hair-like clutches proliferated Jil Sander, Marni, and Dries van Noten's collections, while Stella McCartney's looped wool Falabellas recreated the look and feel of sheep fleece. Simone Rocha took the girlhood aesthetic down a sentimental route, unveiling bags designed like snuggly plush stuffed animals that feel reminiscent of your childhood stuffy.