When it comes to accessories, maximalism is in.
The minimalist agenda took over fashion throughout the past few years, especially in the handbag department. Neutral tones, sleek asymmetrical shapes, and nostalgia-heavy styles replaced the maximalist handbag trends of the late 2010s. But fashion’s pendulum is swinging once again, and maximalism is back in vogue. It’s time to have fun again.
For proof, look no further than the summer handbag trends observed throughout the Spring/Summer 2024 shows last fall. Take, for example, the oversized and overstuffed handbags seen at Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta, channeling the on-the-go, “Who cares?” aesthetic of the late French style icons Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy. Mini handbags, which promoted many a “How much can fit in this bag?” articles in the late 2010s, also reappeared via tiny chain bags at Chanel. Then, there are the classic fisherman-ready netting bags—shown at Gabriela Hearst and The Row—that are equally suited for days at the beach and city-based dinners.
Before wrapping up your summer wish list, scroll through our top handbag trends for the season.
Oversized (and Overstuffed) Bags
XL tote bags were already having a major comeback in 2023. But when brands like Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta showed their versions for 2024, they were not only oversized, but also overstuffed. “With what?” you may ask. And the answer is simple: Anything. While handbags are usually used to hide all our junk, the point this summer is to let it all hang. That button-down shirt you wear as a cover-up? Let the sleeve fall over. Those pumps you carry to wear to the office? Leave the heel out for everyone to see. More is more, in this case.
Bejeweled Bags
Shiny embellishments have long been a staple of evening handbags. But this summer, no hour is safe. The runways showed shoulder and tote bags covered in eye-soaring bling. One key highlight were the bags at the Gucci Spring/Summer 2024 collection, which included a slew of Jackie bags—the brand’s signature—covered in dazzling embellishments throughout, as well as fringes. Best believe fashion's still bejeweled!
Bucket Bags
So many summer memories are wrapped up in the word “bucket.” Sandcastles and water fights surely come to mind. And as we get older, bucket bags are there to aid in the seasonal nostalgia. The 2010s staple is back with a twist: carry-over numbers at Loewe, for example, and floral pot-shaped versions at Balmain gave the classic style a much-needed refresh for summer 2024. Though handbags are available aplenty, a crafty idea is to grab an actual bucket-shaped basket a la Jane Birkin.
Mini Bags
Itty bitty. That’s the memo coming from the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, where mini bags made a triumphant return. In case you forgot, the late 2010s were a good time for anyone who carried smaller-than-small bags, as the style was endorsed by brands like Jacquemus. This time, they’re even tinier, and can be considered more like decorative accessories than actual handbags, like the above pictured version from Chanel Spring/Summer 2024. It’s nice to have one—as a treat.
Net Handbags
The netted handbags for 2024 capture the season’s carefree feeling to a tee. Fisherman netting details at Gabriela Hearst, for example, blur the line between handbag and actual fishing net, while thick woven bags at Bottega Veneta—done in the brand’s signature intrecciato weave—mimic the natural landscapes we run to during the summer. Neutral (almost bland) tones supersede the lively colors of summer with this trend, leaning to the raw rather than the vivacious.