The Fashion Memo

The Biggest Bag Trends Of 2026

L-R: Ilirida Krasniqi, Kathy Lee, Nicole Warne Shadbolt

From refined top-handle bags to oversized totes and sleek satin finishes – make a sartorial statement with this season’s most-wanted bags

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion
For instant polish, you can’t go wrong with a mini top-handle tote (as shown here by digital creator Felicia Akerstrom) or a classic shoulder bag

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 ‘Slim Symmetry Pochette’ remains a cult favorite and arrives this season in plum-colored leather. Meanwhile, Khaite’s ‘Cate’ tote is the perfect boardroom-to-bar accessory, and Liffner’s sleek croc-effect leather ‘Pushlock Lady’ design is the ultimate new-season buy – perfect paired with languid tailoring or a maxi dress for special occasions.

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 Toteme’s immaculate mustard croc-effect leather, or Loewe's 'Flamenco' version in woven black and brown leather. Alternatively, elevate tailoring with The Row’s sculptural ‘Peggy’ clutch, which comes with an optional strap for hands-free styling.

Katie Holmes proves that a grab-and-go clutch works for daytime and evening alike
A satin bag adds extra shine for a chic tonal finish
Modern minimalism, courtesy of the simply stylish satin-bag trend

Satin finishes

A satin bag may not be the most practical choice (wearing one in the rain is not advised), but it’s certainly the prettiest – and we don’t mean just for evening. As proven by tastemakers at various fashion weeks, it’s a chic way to elevate daytime outfits with just a touch of color and shine. Inspired by Art Deco styles, Sophie Buhai’s drawstring pouch comes in bright-red satin with onyx-tipped ties and a teardrop-shaped bead at the base. Elsewhere, embrace modern minimalism with Savette’s taupe ‘Tondo’ bag, or ’90s cool courtesy of Alaïa’s ‘Le Click’.

If you’re not quite sold on the idea of wearing a vibrant shade from top to toe, why not ease yourself in with an eye-catching pop of color via your arm candy?

Color-coded

Primary colors made a splash on the spring/summer ’26 runways, with designers ushering in the new season with a mood-boosting palette of sunshine-yellow, Matisse-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. Bottega Veneta’s ‘Long Andiamo’ clutch and pouch (both part of our NET SUSTAIN edit) come in royal-blue suede and green intrecciato leather respectively and look gorgeous paired with deep chocolate-brown shades. Elsewhere, let neutral tailoring pop with Savette’s poppy-red ‘Florence’ 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 Khaite and Ferragamo for impactful zebra-print styles that are both trending and timeless. Alternatively, try Alaïa’s tiger-striped bucket bag for size – the neutral tones make it just as versatile as 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
A large tote is the ultimate investment piece – ideal for overnight stays as well as your weekday commute

Big business

This season’s most coveted totes are softly structured and generously sized – ideal for busy work weeks and overnight stays. Victoria Beckham’s ‘The Victoria’ style comes in supple navy suede that comfortably molds to the body and will easily fit your laptop and water bottle. Elsewhere, The Row’s reversible ‘Park’ tote comes in durable leather-trimmed twill with detachable pouches for storing your phone and cardholder, and is understated enough to wear with everything from relaxed tailoring to denim. Similarly, Saint Laurent’s butter-soft leather ‘Y’ tote is a practical choice, whether you’re traveling or commuting to the office.

Style star Leonie Hanne carries off the chain-strap bag with aplomb

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 ‘Flamenco’ clutch, which looks so chic cradled underarm with the chunky donut chain draped along one side. If you’re on the hunt for a larger, everyday style, Saint Laurent’s ‘Jamie Shopping’ style couldn’t be more perfect.

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