In fall 2024, we are wearing a very demure, very mindful combination of quirky and practical bag trends. On one end of the spectrum, you have the bold, exciting side of things, with statement-making east-west bags, funky bag charms, and leopard print. Then on the more functional side, you have the travel bag category, meaning your daily purse can carry your entire life (we love when fashion supports us like this) and the comeback story of wristlets, everyone’s favorite small, hands-free option.
Two sides of the same fashionable coin—yin-yang and whatnot! See which side resonates with you most and shop your favorite styles from this autumn’s bag trends below.
Oh, we have looooots of other fall 2024 trend coverage. Sink your teeth into the clothing, shoe, and jewelry trends of this autumn for more!
East-West Bags
The east-to-west bag (essentially a long, rectangle shaped silhouette) is having a resurgence this season, thanks to designers everywhere, from Proenza to Gucci. The long shape has been a staple of multiple fashion decades, and like all things chic enough to have second, third, and fourth lives, has found its way back into our hearts via labels that love nostalgia. I can’t get enough of them because they are as cute as a mini bag but can fit all your essentials. My phone, keys, wallet, and lip balm need a place to live!
shop the east-west trend
Travel Bags
Oversized duffels make the perfect luggage. But, this season, might I suggest you make one of these your everyday? It is all about finding the best one in different colors or with cool details, like grommets. If the one you find is too big for the day-to-day, at least your airport ’fit will be super chic.
shop the travel bag trend
Wristlets
Remember these from the early aughts? Well, they’re back. (Aren’t you glad designers aren’t done mining this era for inspo? Just look at what we get from it!) And looks like the updated take on this classic small bag means we’ve got ourselves a practical piece for a night out! I, for one, am very excited for this comeback story.
shop the wristlet trend
Bag Charms
We love a trend that has an easy entry point, and I’d call “adding any old key chain, necklace, or looped accessory to your purse” exactly that. The more cutesy and novelty the charm, the better here—the point is to show off your personality and live your best maximalist life, so add as much as you want and see where it takes you.
shop the bag charm trend
Shop This Trend
Leopard Print
If you read our clothing trends story, you already know this classic pattern is very in for fall. In bag form, it’s still true! *stands on soapbox* Bags are the perfect way to dip a toe into a trend and show a little personality without going overboard. If you love leopard but don’t want to wear it in dress or pant form, this is your chance to get in on the trend (which is so timeless, you better get used to it)!
shop the leopard print trend
Pull & Bear Animal Print Shoulder Bag
Brandon Blackwood Kuei Bag
Andrea Zendejas is the Senior Accessories Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she has worked for 5+ years. Andrea handles fine and costume jewelry, shoes, and bags for all cover and fashion stories in addition to overseeing the front of book shopping pages. She also styles beauty well stories and various fashion stories for digital. Andrea previously worked at CR Fashion Book, SELF Magazine, and Women’s Health and has contributed to digital sites Harper's BAZAAR and Marie Claire. Follow her on Instagram.
Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.
