Visit any department store’s handbag aisle, and you’re likely to be surrounded by hundreds of bags that all seem quite different. Handbags come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes. However, several conventional styles of handbags have distinct, distinguishing stylistic characteristics. Here are 12 of the common classic types of designer handbags.
- Beach Bag
The tourism industry anticipates a spike in demand for summer getaways, given that almost half of the American adults have received all of their recommended vaccinations. If you are planning a beach vacation, there are a few necessities you will need. These include a beach bag for transporting your days’ worth of beach necessities like sunscreen, water bottles, and sunglasses, as well as books and towels for lounging on the beach. A beach bag doesn’t just have to be waterproof and sand-proof—it should be a fashionable designer handbag.
- Belt Bag
Perhaps the most famous — or, rather, notorious — of all bags is the fanny pack. Few fashion accessories have progressed as far and fallen as hard as the fanny pack. Both men and women have sported this much-maligned fashion item, and despite its reputation as a complete fashion disaster, it has endured.
A spate of high-profile models was spotted wearing them in 2017, and the fanny pack under the new moniker of “belt bag” had a remarkable revival. Whether rebranded as a belt bag or a waist bag, worn crossbody or waist, the fanny pack is an instantly identifiable and classic fashion feature.
- Bucket Bags
Bucket bags as we know them now date back to the nineteenth century when they were popular as little purses called reticules. Soon after, cloth bucket bags were created. However, Gaston-Louis Vuitton designed the first real bucket bag in the modern sense-the Noé, which was created solely to transport champagne. Although the bucket bag has evolved over the years, its basic and attractive drawstring-based design will never go out of style.
- Classic Black Bag
Whoever you are, there is a medium-sized black everyday bag for you. There are several advantages to having one: They’re often large enough to accommodate all your essentials for work or play-that are hard to fit into a typical on-trend handbag.
- Clutches
Clutches: while they are not the most practical option, they make the ideal accessory. Bottega Veneta’s Pouch bag, dubbed the fashion insider’s current favorite label, is an excellent example—not only is it one of creative director Daniel Lee’s earliest creations, but it’s also one of his most sought pieces. The white, large clutch is created in Italy from smooth calf leather and has delicate folding that creates a voluminous, spherical design that pairs beautifully with any attire. Contrast it with a leather jacket for tactile play on two levels.
- Crossbody
Crossbody bags are the workhorses of the bag industry; they can be carried everywhere and by everyone. They’re large enough to hold your phone (critical) but yet small and hands-free so that they won’t obstruct your movement. It’s difficult to identify when they became a legitimate trend—they’re so ageless that some variation of the crossbody purse has always been fashionable. If you’re the kind that carries only a phone, keys, wallet, and lipstick, grab for one of these as your daily companion.
- Hobo Bags
As trends from the 1990s and 2000s repeat themselves, it’s simple to see and find popular, resurrected bag styles theatrical or a touch too outré. For those who want a more casual look, there is the hobo bag. It’s the ideal design to combine with medium-wash faded jeans, a shirt, and a little oversized blazer—effortless. The hobo bag will easily contain all of your belongings, and you’ll also appear impeccably put together.
- Mini Bags
Mini bags are arguably the most popular bag trend of the last several years. Of course, the profile is not new, but it has been modified for the Instagram era.
Think about Le Chiquito, worn by two models in the Simon Porte Jacquemus fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection. Even though it was a rarity in the collection, the mini bag struck a chord with fashion’s most in-the-know cognoscente.
- Micro Bags
If mini bags are the biggest trend right now, then micro bags are the natural next step in high fashion. Initially spotted on Instagram alongside miniature invitations to the brand’s AW19 presentation, Jacquemus’ Le Petit Chiquito created a buzz among the fashion industry.
There was an immediate surge in demand for the bag after the event, and the brand’s website was completely sold out. Even though a micro bag, which should be worn as an accessory like a body chain or necklace, is not the most practical item, it is an unconventional statement piece that will compliment any forward-looking outfit.
- Minimalist Bags
Always sleek and stylish, minimalist bags are the pinnacle of style. For instance, this compact neutral-tone handbag is aptly named the Bourse, owing to its simple, simplistic shape. It is crafted in Italy from grained lambskin and features concealed removable straps. It opens to reveal an ultra-smooth leather interior. Consider matching this and other minimalist bags in a similarly timeless and edgy manner— enjoy wearing it with an enormous yet structured jacket.
- Retro Revivals
Every company seems to have a retro-style bag making a comeback, whether from the 1990s or even the 2000s. Originally introduced by John Galliano in his Spring/Summer 2000 show, Dior’s saddlebags have been reinterpreted for both men and women by the House in 2018. When Prada’s nylon mini-bags first appeared on the arms of celebrities and influencers, they were considered relics of another era.
- Saddle Bags
While it’s difficult to think of the Dior Saddle Bag without thinking of the style, the company did not originate it. The term saddlebag is self-evident as to the origins of this side profile: It is inspired by saddlebags used by riders on the flanks of horses to keep their hands free. Unlike traditional saddlebags, they are compact and designed to carry only the bare needs while still serving as the main point of any ensemble.