Puffer Bags Are Officially the New Puffer Coats and…

Puffer Bags Are Officially the New Puffer Coats and Destined to Be 2024 Winter Staples

We mainly have COS to thank for the quilted bag trend. (Credit: Courtesy of COS)

Among the multitudinous fashion items to go viral in 2023 — Miu Miu's haute underwear, Lionel Messi's pale electric pink soccer jersey, Y2K-ready denim maxis, Alaïa Mary Janes, the list goes on and on — we're partial to minimalist brand COS' quilted crossbody bag. And not just because of its surprising affordability.

Launched into the public eye by Korean pop star and actor Jennie Kim of Blackpink, it's one #tiktokmademebuyit buy you won't regret for multiple reasons. One is, yes, the price tag. The oversized, and by far most popular, version will run you $99, while the mini is set at $69.

Then there's its fun, squishy shape. It's über textured. It looks like a bubble coat made into a bag. It makes any outfit way more interesting. Even if you mindlessly throw it on over your go-to puffer, you'll be wearing quilting on quilting. Voilà. An easy escape from your winter style rut.

Three, it's extremely practical. As mentioned earlier, it comes in a variety of colors and sizes so there's something for every taste and need. Finally, it's seasonless. Winter, spring, summer or fall, who couldn't use a water-resistant bag?

That said, we can't give COS all the credit for the success of its puff piece. The idea of inflating accessories to lend them an air of playfulness and joy has been gaining momentum over the last few seasons with hitmakers like Bottega Veneta, Prada and Loewe betting big on the trend. The former's swollen Intrecciato bags are practically ubiquitous these days, while puffy nappa leather has become a calling card of the Prada accessories brand.

With our collective need for some lightness (and a distraction from actual inflation), we're thinking cozy, almost cartoonish accessories will continue to dominate our feeds in 2024. But let's diversify, shall we?

From a literal cumulus cloud tote by Coach to a chic Saint Laurent clutch that could very well double as a pillow, scroll down to shop some of our (other) favorite takes on the puffer bag trend plus a couple of old faithful COS options because they are #trending for good reason.