The shift is here! Out with the summer beach totes and in with the cosy crossbodies and holiday clutches. From fringe and bucket bags to velvet and even a fanny pack (gasp!), we’ve compiled the hottest trends and rounded up the best, most wearable bags for the fall/winter season.
By Rigel Celeste
0/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
whitney
Whitney Bucket Bag – Bucket bags and drawstrings were spotted on the runways more than once this year, and we think the Whitney Bucket Bag from Moorea Seal embodies this ongoing trend nicely. Available in 3 colours and 3 sizes, it was designed to have the perfect combination of structure and slouch. Also, a generous shoulder strap allows for a number of carry options, from crossbody to shoulder or wrapped-around-the-wrist. mooreaseal.com
1/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
lulu
Lulu Dharma Velvet Racing Striped Tote – Velvet is one of this season’s hottest trends, and we love Lulu Dharma’s Velvet Racing Striped Tote for making a somewhat old-fashioned fabric feel fresh and modern. Bold colours and crisp lines combine with a classic tote silhouette for the ultimate blend of cutting-edge fashion and practical usability. A luxe addition to both your office and weekend wardrobes (love this ‘Victory’ version paired with a crisp button-down and jeans), it’s available in a total of 5 colour options. luludharma.com
2/23
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The Season’s Best Bags.
vaalbara
Vaalbara Pocket Pouch – Clutches aren’t just for evening anymore: they’ve made their way into mainstream daytime as part of the trend towards smaller bags and unconventional carry methods. Vaalbara’s Pocket Pouch is a perfect day bag when you don’t need more than a few basics. The combination of canvas and leather is chic but relaxed, and the wrist strap provides a little more flexibility versus a true clutch. Currently available in more than 20 (yes, 20!) colour combinations. vaalbaradesigns.com
3/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
jacqueline
Jacqueline Tote –Meticulously handcrafted by Rwandan women using weaving techniques passed down through families over generations, each Jacqueline Tote is composed solely of locally sourced and recycled materials (including banana leaves and repurposed cow horn) that otherwise would end up in landfills. Fair trade and absolutely gorgeous, this bag was designed by (and named after) one of the women in Rwanda who makes them. Launching later this month as part of Songa Designs’ Fall 2016 collection. songadesigns.com
4/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
purse case
Pursecase – Less is often more, and when just the bare essentials are needed, Pursecase has your technology covered in modern style. Pursecase is a patented hybrid combination of phone case and handbag, holding your phone like a case, but with room for other small essentials like credit cards, ID and cash. It’s low-profile and lightweight, comes in several colour options, and includes a crossbody chain for true hands-free convenience. pursecase.com
5/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
armani
Armani Jeans Crocodile Effect Shopper Bag – Reptile skins, and especially crocodile patterns, were frequent fliers on the runways this season, and we’re all about the Crocodile Effect Shopper Bag from Armani Jeans as an affordable way to sport this trend. Choose from 3 colour options: black is the no-fail classic, while blue and brown stand out as the stronger “in” statements. Deceptively slim, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. julesb.co.uk
6/23
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The Season’s Best Bags.
ark
Cult Gaia’s Ark Bag – Cult Gaia’s Ark Bag is a fashion sculpture, modeled after a classic Japanese picnic bag and a perfect carryall when you’re looking for something with spark. Lightweight and roomy, we like its natural wood colouring and strong structure for anchoring vibrant fall hues and giving especially feminine styles a more defined edge. Roomy with a basic fold-open top, it’s not quite as transparent as it looks. Available in 2 sizes. cultgaia.com
7/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
holly
The Holly A Jones “Art to Wear” Clutch – This “Art to Wear” clutch is exactly that: art you can wear. A simple envelope style made of giclee-printed canvas featuring reproductions of Holly’s original artwork, each comes with a chain shoulder strap and has a luxe silk interior. All limited edition, these really are works of art in that each is signed by the artist and (should you not want to carry it) able to be stretched and framed for the wall. hollyajones.com
8/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
mink off
Rebecca Minkoff Leo Crackle Leather Clutch – Metallics are in this season (did they ever really go out?), and we love Rebecca Minkoff’s shimmery Leo Crackle Leather Clutch for its wintery sparkle and inherently festive vibe. The envelope styling is classic, the exposed zipper details anchor the look with an edge of toughness, and the go-with-anything silver or gold colour options means this could be the only party clutch you need all season. bloomingdales.com
9/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
fred perry
Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag – Colour isn’t common in the world of men’s bags, but this Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag is a welcome exception. Created for the athletic man, the Barrel Bag is as practical and laid-back as it is bold. A classic style that by nature doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s constructed of wipe-clean lightweight PVC and features a roomy main compartment, detachable shoulder strap, and your choice of red, green, blue or black. fredperry.com
10/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
susie
Susie in the Sky Sarah Clutch Bag –Susie in the Sky’s Sarah Clutch Bag is touted as the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, and we have to agree. Wear it with the crossbody shoulder strap during the day to anchor bold prints and help vibrant seasonal hues pop, and without the strap as a classic evening bag. And though the outside is all business, the interior dances in a red lining laced with stars. susieinthesky.co.uk
11/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
fringe
Fringed Printed Crossbody Bag – The Fringed Printed Crossbody Bag hits a number of trends for the 2016 season, including fringe, reptile print, chains and crossbody styling, and it does so all while looking surprisingly sleek. The fringe brings movement and an undercurrent of playfulness to an otherwise sophisticated and somewhat serious design. It has no top handle, but the chain can be tucked inside or worn wrapped around the wrist if you’re looking to switch things up. zara.com
12/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
spicer
Spicer Bags Satchel in Black Ink Cork – Spicer Bags’ Satchel in Black Ink Cork is so pretty and unique we just had to include it, even though it’s one of our more expensive picks. The lower is canvas but the upper ink-patterned portion is cork, which is a completely sustainable and very durable resource. Plus it’s naturally water-resistant, stain-resistant, antimicrobial and super lightweight. And designed as a work bag, the Satchel fits a 13” laptop. Yeah, we’re in love. spicerbags.com
13/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
fair trade
Fair Trade Designs Hippy Bag – Embrace a brighter, more cheerful fall vibe with the Hippy Bag from Fair Trade Designs. A simple hobo or bucket style made of soft, earthy cotton, it comes in 2 patterned shades of icy green and cosy blue. It’s simple, washable and beautifully laid-back. Handcrafted completely from scratch by fair trade artisans in India, the built-in shoulder strap can be worn crossbody or simply off the shoulder. fairtradedesigns.com
14/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
lassie
Lässig Casual Hobo Diaper Bag – Here’s one for women with young ones in tow: a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. Lassig’s Casual Hobo Diaper Bag has all of the room and specialised pockets a baby needs, plus a solid dose of style for mom. Features include a changing mat, built-in wet pocket, mobile phone compartment, and removable insulated bottle holder, plus other basics like an adjustable shoulder strap. Also available in black. laessig-fashion.com
15/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
idle man
The Idle Man Rains Backpack – Men looking for a bag that manages to be sleek and professional, but still hip, should consider the Rains Backpack from The Idle Man. Man bags of all kinds are coming on strong this season, and backpacks especially are making their way into the realm of work attire. The Rains is a true backpack, but subtle design elements like an especially slim cut and minimalist exterior styling give it a definite briefcase vibe. theidleman.com
16/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
fur
‘Fur the Best’ Faux Fur Purse – Fur is in again, some real but mostly faux, and the ‘Fur the Best’ bag is a playful take on this love-it-or-hate it trend. It’s small and fuzzy with a diameter of only 8”, but a structured shape gives it a surprisingly roomy interior (and keeps the fur from getting snagged in the zipper). Features include a top handle and an adjustable or removable shoulder strap. lulus.com
17/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
mini
Mini City Bag –Wider, embellished “guitar”-style shoulder straps were popular on the runways, and we like the fun, free-spirited energy that comes from this colourful faux fur treatment on the Mini City Bag from Zara. It’s bold to be sure, and not for everyone, but the rest of the bag is so classic, small and boxy that we find it works in the best way. Plus it also comes with a plain blue option for days when you’re feeling more conservative. zara.com
18/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
jog
Joggo Companion Bag – A uniquely unisex option, the Companion Bag from Joggo is a relaxed, versatile messenger style. With a large front flap, earthy but bright colour schemes (including fun front/back contrasts and a bright interior lining), it features a durable “gets softer as it ages” canvas construction and a padded laptop sleeve. It’s produced fair trade, and proceeds from each purchase go towards educating refugee children. joggobag.com
19/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
whistles
Whistles Micro Sydney Fringe Bag – If a mobile phone, coin purse and lip gloss are all you really need, then the Micro Sydney Fringe Bag from Whistles is a sweet little bohemian option that hits several of this year’s big trends. A smaller version of their classic Sydney Bag, we’re in love with the drawstring bucket styling, vibrant orange hue (although other colours are available), and swingy fringe. 100% leather with gold chain shoulder strap. whistles.com
20/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
vera
Vera Bradley Grand Traveler Bag – Who says fall always has to be browns and blacks? Vera Bradley’s Grand Traveler Bag is great for a weekend getaway or as an airline carry-on and comes in 12 colourways, including lots of pretty florals and this mood-elevating “pop art” print. Quilted, comfy and soft, it’s machine-washable and features all the usual pockets and conveniences of a travel bag, plus a trolley sleeve for slipping it onto rolling luggage. verabradley.com
21/23
Style
The Season’s Best Bags.
lime
Lime & Vine Tai Mesh 2 Way Fanny/Crossbody – No roundup would be complete without an ode to one of the season’s most polarising trends: the return of the fanny pack. The Tai Mesh 2 Way Fanny/Crossbody bag from Lime & Vine makes this style surprisingly accessible, with a sporty-chic vibe that can be worn around the hips as a fanny pack or, on days you’re not feeling so brave, as a traditional shoulder bag or crossbody. limeandvine.com
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