The Fashion Memo

The Biggest Bag Trends For Spring

From refined top-handle bags to oversized totes, these are the seven key trends you’re about to see everywhere

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion
This season, totes and shoulder bags arrive in artisanal raffia weaves and other textures that feel like summer

Summer textures

Spring/summer 2026 is the season of tactility – think artisanal raffia weaves, braided leather, tassels and fringing. From Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s striped woven raffia tote (perfect for packing on vacation) to Saint Laurent’s slouchy ‘Icare’ bag (the ideal blend of beachy, artisanal mood and city-ready sensibility), there’s no shortage of textured silhouettes for every summer occasion. For special events like garden parties or beach weddings, look no further than Chloé’s woven shoulder bag, which is playfully topped with a parrot handle and such a fun way to elevate a simple sundress.

Big business

This season’s most coveted totes are softly structured and generously sized – ideal for busy work weeks and overnight stays. Redesigned in a relaxed, open-top silhouette to mark the brand’s 180th anniversary, Loewe’s ‘Amazona 180’ style comes in supple black leather and will easily fit your laptop. Elsewhere, DeMellier’s ‘Stockholm’ tote has plenty of compartments for organizing essentials and is understated enough to wear with everything from relaxed tailoring to denim. Similarly, Bottega Veneta’s butter-soft intrecciato leather ‘Hop’ bag is a practical choice, whether you’re traveling or commuting to the office.

A large bag is the ultimate investment piece – ideal for overnight stays as well as your weekday commute
Savette’s ‘Symmetry Pochette’ is a fashion-crowd favorite
Another top-handled hero, Toteme’s polished leather bag is a SS26 highlight

Top-handle tribe

A structured top-handle bag is the perfect way to embrace the season’s feminine mood. The elegant, boxy design references styles from the ’50s, but, this season, is enhanced by contemporary proportions that transform it into a modern must-have. Savette’s ‘Symmetry Pochette’ from our NET SUSTAIN edit remains a cult favorite and arrives this season in sky-blue suede. Meanwhile, Toteme’s top-handled shoulder bag is the perfect boardroom-to-bar accessory, and Tom Ford’s sleek burgundy textured-leather design is the ultimate new-season buy – perfect paired with languid tailoring or a maxi dress for special occasions.

A grab-and-go clutch works for daytime and evening alike

Everyday clutches

Neat and minimalist, a classically understated clutch will never go out of style. These wear-with-anything silhouettes are a go-to when bolder outfits or prints demand a pared-down accessory and seamlessly come into their own when worn with simple separates that lean into the fuss-free mood. Add texture to outfits with Khaite’s immaculate snake-effect leather, or Loewe’s ‘Flamenco’ version in glossy dégradé nubuck. Alternatively, elevate tailoring with The Row’s compact ‘Curve’ clutch, which comes with an optional strap for hands-free styling.

Chain reaction

A chain-strap bag is one of those pieces that will never go out of style – hence why brands revisit it season after season. Often designed in vintage-inspired shapes with slinky gold hardware, it will make anything you pair it with instantly more polished and put together, no matter how casual. Case in point: Loewe’s aforementioned ‘Flamenco’ bag also come in a chain-strap version that looks incredibly chic cradled underarm, with the chunky donut chain draped along one side. If you’re on the hunt for a glamorous evening style, Rabanne’s embellished chainmail style couldn’t be more perfect.

A gleaming gold or silver-toned strap adds an element of glamour to any style

Color-coded

Primary colors made a splash on the spring/summer 2026 runways, with designers ushering in the new season with a mood-boosting palette of sunshine-yellow, Klein-blue and cherry-red. If you aren’t yet sold on wearing such vibrant shades from top to toe, ease yourself in with an eye-catching accessory instead. Pauline Dujancourt’s bag comes in royal-blue organza that’s sweetly decorated with bows and crocheted rosettes and looks gorgeous paired with navy and chocolate-brown shades. Elsewhere, let neutral tailoring pop with Maison Margiela’s poppy-red ‘Box’ bag.

Animal kingdom

When it comes to animal print this season, the louder and more out-there the better – we’re talking big, bold zebra stripes, tactile snake effects and graphic cow patches spread across everything from supple clutches to oversized totes. Look to Nili Lotan’s zebra-striped ‘Freddie’ tote for a style that’s both trending and timeless. Alternatively, try reach for Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7’ bag in trusty leopard print.

Artistic director Evangelie Smyrniotaki (wearing black blazer) and fashion director Madeline Harper Fass show how to make an impact with an animal-print bag

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