The Fashion Memo

The Biggest Bag Trends Of 2025

From refined top-handle totes and tactile woven designs to slouchy boho styles and sleek east-west silhouettes – make a sartorial statement with this season’s most-wanted bags

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion
Not just for evening, a grab-and-go clutch bag works for daytime too

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. Toteme’s sleek ‘T-Lock’ clutch is crafted from smooth leather and is the perfect accompaniment to tailoring worn with sneakers. Meanwhile, Loewe and Gabriela Hearst offer sculptural versions in squashy leather and suede that lend a softer edge to any look.

Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave lends a luxe spin to a slouchy silhouette
An XXL slouchy tote will fit all your daily belongings – and then some

Wear-everywhere totes

This season’s most coveted totes are softly structured and generously sized. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, Liffner’s playfully named ‘Sprout’ style comes in ‘Herb’ green suede and has an unstructured boxy shape that comfortably molds to the body. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s supple leather shoulder bag is spacious enough to store the day’s essentials and understated enough to wear with everything from relaxed tailoring to denim. Similarly, Métier’s ‘Private Eye’ tote in leather-trimmed canvas is a practical choice, whether you’re traveling or commuting to the office.

Woven leather

If you love a raffia tote but are looking for a sturdier, more versatile alternative to take into fall, then consider investing in a woven leather style instead – it has the same artisanal mood but feels a little less beachy. From The Row’s understated ‘Astra’ bag (the perfect day-to-night style) to Loeffler Randall’s ‘Klara’ tote (a chic choice for late summer vacations), and Dragon Diffusion’s ‘Bamboo Triple Jump’ tote (a street-style favorite), there’s no shortage of styles to suit every occasion.

Boho

Boho is all about layering together different fabrics and textures – the more playful and expressive, the better. To fully embrace the look, a bag that could easily be mistaken for vintage, and stands out with artisanal detailing or unique embellishments, is key. Designed by Alessandro Michele, Valentino Garavani’s ‘Vain’ style is covered with scores of glossy beads and embroidered flowers complete with braided trims and the brand’s iconic ‘VLogo’ plaque. Elsewhere, Chloé’s slouchy, crescent-shaped ‘Bracelet’ tote from our NET SUSTAIN edit is updated this season with scores of chain fringing tipped with faux pearls, shells and coral reefs, while Isabel Marant’s tan suede ‘Altay’ bag is evocative of styles from the ’70s.

Gucci’s ‘Blondie’ bag and Chloé’s ‘Bracelet’ tote are both beautifully bohemian in style
For instant polish, you can’t go wrong with a sleek top-handle tote

Top-handle

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’ bag remains a cult favorite and arrives this season in mushroom suede. Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta’s ‘Knot Lock’ in signature intrecciato leather is the perfect boardroom-to-bar accessory, and Jil Sander’s sleek design, complete with bamboo top handle, is the ultimate new-season buy – perfect paired with languid tailoring or a maxi dress for special occasions.

The east-west bag is defined by its elongated silhouette
Alaïa’s ‘Le Teckel’ is one of this season’s most sought-after designs

The new baguette

Cast your mind back to the ’90s and one bag probably springs to mind: the baguette. Playfully named after the French bread because of its long length and the way it tucks neatly under your arm, the elongated design is back and chicer than ever, thanks to brands including Alaïa. When creative director Pieter Mulier debuted ‘Le Teckel’ (French for dachshund) on the SS24 runway, it became an instant hit. Of all the styles to covet for Pre-Fall ’25, this olive-green leather and suede version is irresistible. Elsewhere, Khaite, Proenza Schouler and Jil Sander are all putting their own unique spin on the east-west silhouette with soft curves and buttery textures. Don’t let the seemingly diminutive style fool you – there’s more space inside than you might think.

Bag charms

An easy way to make your favorite bag feel more ‘you’ is to personalize it. Style icon Jane Birkin famously adorned her everyday tote with charms and trinkets and has recently inspired a new generation of TikTokkers to do the same. Even designers are embracing the trend with brands including Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Chloé all using baubles, keychains and jewels to adorn their new-season accessories. For something fun and colorful, try Loewe’s ‘Tulip’ charm – the yellow leather petals will add a playful feel to your favorite day bag – or consider Martha Calvo’s ‘Good Fortune’ style, detailed with a sweet fortune-cookie pendant.

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