Indulgent is the best descriptor for the fall 2024 bag trends. In the same vein as the maximal accessories of the season (kooky little hats and bangles worn in stacks of two, three, and, in the case of Fendi, four), fall's handbags encourage a more-is-more mentality. Some designers meant it literally: Bottega Veneta's models carried two totes at one time, while Undercover's clutched sequined shoppers and grocery bags stuffed with produce.
The bag silhouettes seen throughout the fall 2024 season weren't necessarily novel—the crescents, buckets, and carry-all tote bags were all familiar favorites. But in place of minimal hardware and smooth neutral leathers were material twists, like long-haired lap dog-looking clutches at Jil Sander and cuddle-worthy faux shearling shoulder bags at Stella McCartney. Bag charms jingle-jangled across the circuit, urging you to step away from a quiet luxury sentiment and make some noise instead.
While the season itself is still a ways away, there's a lesson to be learned from fall 2024's bag trends that applies now: accessorizing doesn't have to be a complete free-for-all, but it should at least be fun. Ahead, find the most notable handbags seen on fall's runways and shop a selection of styles you can carry this spring and summer.
Two Accessories for the Price of One
Even how we carry fall bags will challenge notions of tradition—there's no hand in Miucca Prada's handbags, for instance. Her purses attach to mini-belts that sit in the crux of your elbow instead, giving hands-free a whole new meaning.
Other designers strive to give your hands the day off via a bracelet bag. Brands like Ulla Johnson and Chloé offered supersized hoops as handles, while Chanel and Gabriela Hearst called on classic chain wristlets to offer beaucoup de bijoux. This fall, rely on the two-in-one accessory to give your hands the day off.
Red Handed
From cherry to merlot to scarlet and berry—designers are clearly still hot for red. For fall 2024, they're channeling their passion for the fiery hue into handbags with a statement spirit. Proenza Schouler and Ferragamo (the brand that initially ignited the red color trend last fall) sent out maroon messenger-flap crossbodies, while Altuzarra unveiled a micro box bag in crimson leather. Gucci showcased a spectrum of red bags, from candy apple square-shaped totes to ruby top-handled half-moons adorned with the signature logo hardware.
Blue Jean Bags
The denim trends of 2024 have proven to be some of the year's most prolific and wide-ranging. The infatuation with '90s-style denim skirts and tailored jean trousers has percolated into the accessory realm, with an expansive assortment of durable denim handbags. At Diesel, Glenn Martens sent out a series of bags made of distressed denim (a popular house code for the Belgian designer), while Loewe re-fashioned its popular Squeeze Bag in a rugged, medium-wash jean material.
Prince Charming
Bag charms seen across New York, London, Milan, and Paris illustrated designers' urge to accessorize. Some brands went the kitschier route: Coach, for instance, dangled NYC souvenirs from intentionally beat-up messengers and tote bags and Fendi featured quirky Chupa Chups leather lollipop holders. But more sophisticated clip-on charms were also prevalent in leather and metallic iterations at Burberry and Etro.
Times Two
Forget what the old adage says for fall. Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and add one more thing (like one more purse). While doubling your armload may seem ostentatious (Carrying two designer bags at once?), there's a practicality in doubling up, and you can fit a whole lot of stuff.
Bottega Veneta's models coveted two woven tote bags crafted from the house's intrecciato leather and raffia materials, while Fendi modeled the messenger-and-baguette combo. The key takeaway? The more, the merrier.
Emotional Support Bag
If your therapist doesn't have any openings, a soft and cushy bag could offer some comfort and style. Shaggy hair-like clutches proliferated Jil Sander, Marni, and Dries van Noten's collections, while Stella McCartney's looped wool Falabellas recreated the look and feel of sheep fleece. Simone Rocha took the girlhood aesthetic trend one step further with bags designed like snuggly plush stuffed animals.
