The latest handbag trends 2022 will help to refresh your look in no time. As the sun starts to make a more regular appearance, it's time to rethink your arm candy and give your everyday looks a much-needed boost.
While you might think the quickest way to get your capsule wardrobe ready for the new season is to fill it with the latest fashion trends 2022 has to offer, savvy shoppers know that the key to embracing the new season in an instant is via a serious accessories refresh. From the shoe trends 2022, to the latest handbag styles, if you're nervous about wearing new silhouettes, updating your look through well-thought-out accessories will give your outfit a directional feel. And this season the handbag trends 2022 really do deliver on wearability and style. Texture plays a key role with cute crochet and basket weaves making an appearance as well as embellished detailing and statement fringing. For something more refined, chic tan hues, structured bucket bags, and sleek curved silhouettes dominated the Ulla Johnson and Dior runways and straight-to-market versions are widely available.
A good handbag is a wardrobe essential but the design and silhouette you choose will differ by occasion and personal taste. If you like to have everything to hand, you'll be pleased to find that the best tote bags this season have been supersized, offering plenty of room for all your essentials. Prefer the hands-free experience? Then you'll need to look out for the best crossbody bags - don't worry there are plenty to choose from. And it's not all just about the best designer handbags either. While the designers might set trends, straight-to-market brands have bags that mirror and reflect the key looks we've seen across the major fashion cities, and for a snippet of the price too. If you do however fancy buying an investment piece, opt for classic colors and silhouettes. This will ensure your handbag will last a lifetime and if you do get bored of it, you might just make a return on investment - check out our how to sell clothes online for resale ideas.
Handbag Trends 2022
1. TheBucket
One for the bucket list this year, is indeed the bucket bag. The classic silhouette made several appearances on the runways and it’s as practical as it is chic. Despite its more compact appearance, most bucket bags are actually pretty roomy inside making them the perfect day-to-night bag. For a smarter aesthetic, go for the modern structured styles of American clothing brand, Michael Kors in elegant, neutral hues, or for a more laid-back vibe look to retro-inspired slouchier silhouettes.
2. Party Bag
The runways were awash with statement party bags that exuded glitz and glamor. From embellished rhinestones to metallic finishes, we’re no longer saving these showstoppers for best, but instead elevating the everyday. “The party bag you bought either this Christmas or last is no longer just for bests. Add your feather, sequin, or sparkle accessory to everyday outfits for a style clash fit for a queen,” says Karen. An ideal choice for what to wear to a wedding this season, it's time to bring back the sparkle.
3. Supersize Totes
Go big or go home is the case with this handbag trend. If you don’t like to travel lightly, then you’re in luck, the supersize bag is back on the fashion agenda so you’ll be able to stash all the essentials, your gym kit, and your best waterproof jacket in one stylish accessory. Chanel kept it simple with their signature black quilting and designer logo, whilst Proenza Schouler played with summer textures with its orange braided bag. Take note and look for quilted totes, woven shoppers, and basket bags for added interest.
4. Circular Silhouettes
Another notable silhouette on the catwalks was curved lines, from crescent shapes to half moons, this is undoubtedly the shape of the season. Cool and contemporary, this '90s inspired design will add instant polish to any outfit. The clean lines and smooth exterior makes it a go-to for the minimalists amongst us especially if you stick to a pared-back palette. Take it to the office and team with sleek, tailored separates or one of the best shirt dresses for an instantly dressed-up look.
5. Chain details
Toughen up ladylike styles with some chunky chain details as seen on the Stella McCartney and Versace runways. Perfect for giving simple shapes added edge, you don’t need to veer too far from your favorite designs with this little added detail. “Chain details have been around for a while now and the gold, silver, and plastic hardware trends are stronger than ever for 2022. For a bold look, wear against strong prints - think '90s Versace, or wear as a statement piece against a clean silhouette in neutral tones or bright block colors,” says Karen.
6. Crochet Textures
Crochet is a huge handbag trend for 2022 so ease yourself in with a cute knitted bag. A surefire way to add instant summer feels to your look, this bohemian style has got us dreaming of festivals and beach days. With rainbow colors and fun fringing, it’s bold and eclectic with a '70s twist as seen on the Acne and Chloé catwalks. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and wear with denim cut-offs or your best mom jeans, letting the bag take center stage.
“Gone are the days when one black bag will see you through the year change of seasons,” says stylist Karen Williams (opens in new tab). “Texture is everything this season thanks to Chloe and a few others on the catwalk. Expect to see crochet & whipstitch details in full effect on all bags, all sizes. Texture worn with minimalist and simple pieces is a perfect contrast.”
7. Structured bags
Rigidity is the name of the game here. Highly structured and generally square or rectangular, this trend is one for the minimalists. Prada's Re-edition of their 1995 tote in bold red instantly won hearts and influenced this trend alongside structured iterations from Coach, Versace, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Hermès, all of whom have made easing back to the office in style a little more fashion-forward this season.
8. Slouchy Bags
In total contrast to the structured bag trend, designers also went all-in on lovely squishy, slouchy bags. The kind of bags that will expand to consume all your daily essentials, while they'll also collapse in on themselves when not filled to the brim, making them ideal for work and traveling.
9. Mini Bags
Mini bags continue to be big news. While on one end of the spectrum we're seeing catch-all, XL totes, at the other end of the scale, fashion is embracing tiny bags that carry little more than your phone, lippy, and a purse. Made for partying, or carrying alongside an XL tote, simply as a lovely piece of arm candy, mini bags were spotted on the runway at the spring/summer 2022 shows of Versace, Christian Dior and Coach.
10. Whip stitching
Whip stitching made an impact on the runway for the likes of Chloé and Altuzarra, adding a new luxe detailing to classic handbag shapes. While this trend has mainly been seen at more high-end retailers - due to the increased cost of extra stitching, there are some straight-to-market iterations of the trend. Giving accessories a more artisan feel, look out for contrast stitching to really make this trend stand out.
11. Logo Details
Part of the '90s nostalgia trend, brands returned to monogram and logo detailing this season in a big way. From the repeat patterns at Gucci and Louis Vuitton to the oversized, quilted, and metal monograms at Chanel, it's all about showing off what brand you've bought. And while this might feel very trend-heavy, logo and monogram bags are unlikely to date. Some of the best Gucci bags and best Chanel bags make its logos central to their design, ensuring these styles are always worth investing in.
12. Clutch Bags
While clutch bags used to be reserved for evening wear, there has been a definite shift towards more 'anytime' clutch bags. Chanel, Loewe and Hermès all opted for styles that fit into the model's palms for an unfussy way to accessorize. From sleek and slouchy leather iterations to more defined box bag styles, if you've invested in any of the best backpacks for work but still want your valuables to hand, this is a good option.
13. Tan Hues
If you're looking to invest in a designer handbag, then opting for a neutral hue will ensure your bag will never date. As the fashion industry puts greater emphasis on buying less, buying better, and wearing for longer, neutral hues have become even more crucial to a designer's collection. Chloé was just one of many brands that elevated their tan-hued bags to runway status, causing a resurgence of love for the classic style.
14. Colorful Bags
When it comes to rainbow hues, 2022 are leading from the front. Embracing bright colors is a trend we've seen in abundance when it comes to clothing and it has seeped its way into spring bag trends too. When it comes to colorful bags we're talking about everything from pretty pastels to bold knock-out tones that will refresh any classic jeans and tee look. And if you've always shied away from color due to fear of not knowing 'what color suits me', adding a bold accessory is an easy way to trial new ideas.
15. Basket Bags
Raffia, wicker, and woven bags are a trend we can always rely on to appear as the weather warms up. Evoking a holiday-like mood, for the handbag trends 2022 this artisanal look took on all shapes and sizes. From the biggest and best beach bags to chic box style clutch bags more appropriate for a night out, this look stormed the runway at the likes of Michael Kors and Chloé.