Despite my best efforts, I cannot manifest the end of winter, nor can I melt snow with my mind. But I can distract myself with springtime shopping, and so can you, by looking ahead to the upcoming season’s styles. Tastemakers are taking to the runways and streets, and we’re taking notes. We’ve got you covered on all the hottest trends for winter in the meantime, but the spring thaw is just around the corner, so get ready. Here, we’re breaking down the best handbag styles for spring (not to be confused with our favorite 2023 bag trends).
Ahead, find and shop the hottest bags for spring.
Big Bags
We like big bags, and we cannot lie. Miniatures had their moment, but it’s not hard to say goodbye to doll-sized purses that hold nothing more than a MetroCard. From standard totes to Santa Claus-caliber sacks, runways from Luar, Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra, and Tommy Hilfiger featured handbags that were large and in charge. You need room for all those odds and ends, whether you’re living a commuter lifestyle, using your purse as a diaper bag, or just like to have an extra pair of shoes on hand (you never know!). So, space you shall have this spring.
Khaite Large Olivia Leather Hobo Bag
HOBO Bags Astrid Hobo
Wristlets
I didn’t think I particularly missed wristlets, or that I would be excited to see them come back, but then covetable option after covetable option floated down the Coach runway, and I was convinced. Wristlets are something like the happy medium between clutches and shoulder bags. If you’re not into the bulk of a big bag but want to carry more than just your cardholder, this is the style for you.
Cult Gaia Dory Feather Bag
Coach Tabby Crossbody Wristlet
Baguettes
As if baguettes are ever out of style...nonetheless, these oblong bags are as stylish as ever. Fendi even went so far as to literally inscribe several of their spring/summer 2023 bags with the word “Baguette.” Talk about leaning in. It’s easy to understand why the style is so popular, though. The versatile shape lends itself to holding just enough, while the strap can be used as a shoulder bag or a top handle. Iterations vary from collectible, high-end designs that double as investments to TikTok favorites and affordable Amazon bags, meaning there’s a baguette for everyone.
JW Anderson The Bumper Baguette Shoulder Bag
Staud Ollie Bag
Ganni Pillow Baguette Bag
Sequins
What’s better than one trend? Two trends rolled into one. Enter Fendi’s sequined baguette. Everyone knows the early aughts are back in style, and with that comes all of the decade’s gaudiness that we’ll happily claim as a guilty pleasure. Sequin-clad handbags were featured prominently in some of the season’s hottest showings, including LaQuan Smith and Christian Siriano. This spring, expect to embrace maximalism in the form of glimmering, shimmering accessories.
Fendi Mini Baguette 1997
Simon Miller Sasi Metallic Sequins Shoulder Bag
Benedetta Bruzziches Ursula Crystal Mesh Shoulder Bag
Metallics
Sequin-adjacent, if you will. The metallic bags shown at LaQuan Smith and Fendi have the same joyful essence and fun appearance as sequins, but with slightly more upscale elegance. Deck yourself out in vibrant colors, an array of prints, and metallic statement accessories for a show-stopping look, or lean on the trend to punch up an otherwise minimalist look.
Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Metallic Leather Top Handle
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
