If you’re anything like me, you rotate between the same two bags, constantly switching your stuff between them and forgetting which one has your favourite lip gloss in. While having a go-to bag is great, the truth is, we (holding your hand while I say this) need to branch out. As the last piece you grab before leaving the house, the handbag can be easy to forget to think about. But trust, it’s the most essential accessory that pulls your whole look together.
Need a place to start? First, check out the best autumn ready-to-wear trends, then think of your bag as an extension of your outfit. Rather than an afterthought. If you’re mixing prints, double down with a contrasting bag. Textures like fur and plush shearling are also big, especially when paired with equally luxe faux fur coats.
The runways also point to bags with hardware and belt buckles (Balmain nailed this), worn-in leather at Prada that embraces the charm of wear and tear, and structured top-handle styles for a more polished feel. In short, this season is not the time to shy away from pattern, texture, and statement details. Lean in!
Loved Leather
Vintage shopping for bags means finding a design that's already had love and wear but now, you can buy a brand new bag that’s already three steps ahead with that pre-worn, lived-in feel. People are tired of presenting a perfect image on and offline in the things they wear, and brands are catching on. Miuccia Prada’s been whispering this for seasons with raw-edged shoes, undone hair, and bags that look like they’ve seen things.
Shop the loved leather trend
Charles & Keith Victoria Belted Trapeze Tote Bag - Distressed Coffee
Belt Buckles
Strap in (sorry) for this one. Here, hardware hops off your trousers and onto your bag for a cheeky touch. At Balmain, it secures your hand around a clutch. Hodakova uses belts satirically and makes belted briefcases feel less serious. In a world where people are wearing belts as bras (looking at you, Bella Hadid), the progression to bags is not far-fetched.
Shop the belt buckle trend
Pattern Play
From leopard and checks, to stripes and florals – when it comes to matching patterns, there’s no specific rhyme or reason, but I invite you to study the runways to master your technique. Here’s your chance to max out your patterns and invite some careful chaos.
Shop the pattern play trend
Plush Materials
Fluff it up with fur or shearling accessories. Oversized, soft bags showed up everywhere on the AW25 runways – from the silly, stuffed bunny-shaped faux fur bags at Simone Rocha to the full-coverage furry Peekaboo iteration from Fendi. Whether it’s inherited, borrowed, thrifted, or faux, consider a fuzzy accomplice for the colder months!
Shop the plush materials trend
Top-Handle Bags
Sometimes bags aren’t about practicality and function, they can just be cute! Add a little upper-crust accent to your wardrobe with these top-handle bags. The more structured shapes are perfect for special occasions and add a bit of prep to your step.
Shop the top-handle trend
(Title Image) All clothing and bag, Miu Miu; bracelets, Artemas Quibble and Tiffany & Co. (left hand).
Styled by Brandon Tan. Hair by Ledora at Born Artists. Makeup by Yuui Vision for MAC Cosmetics. Manicure by Honey Nailz at Exposure NY.
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.
