As of this week, it’s officially fall. Despite our excitement about apple cider donuts and sweater weather, we can’t help but think about what comes next. With global fashion weeks rolling towards a close, spring trends are top of mind. Tastemakers are taking to the runways and streets, and we’re taking notes. We’ve got you covered on all the hottest trends for winter in the meantime, but it’s never too soon to prep for the coming spring thaw. In particular, we’re breaking down the best handbag styles for the spring (not to be confused with our favorite bags for winter). Are we quelling our fall equinox blues by planning spring break attire? Everyone copes differently.
Ahead, find and shop the hottest bags for spring 2023.
Big Bags
We like big bags, and we cannot lie. Miniatures had their moment, but it’s not hard to say goodbye to doll-sized purses that hold nothing more than a MetroCard. From standard totes to Santa Claus-caliber sacks, runways from Luar, Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra, and Tommy Hilfiger featured handbags that were large and in charge. You need room for all those odds and ends, whether you’re living a commuter lifestyle, using your purse as a diaper bag, or just like to have an extra pair of shoes on hand (you never know!). So, space you shall have this spring.
Khaite Olivia Hobo Large
Farfetch Dolce & Gabbana Logo-embroidered Raffia Tote Bag
La DoubleJ Printed Shopping Bag
Wristlets
I didn’t think I particularly missed wristlets, or that I would be excited to see them come back, but then covetable option after covetable option floated down the Coach runway, and I was convinced. Wristlets are something like the happy medium between clutches and shoulder bags. If you’re not into the bulk of a big bag but want to carry more than just your cardholder, this is the style for you.
Balenciaga Hourglass Shiny Mock-Croc Chain Wallet
Loewe Bracelet Pleated Pouch Clutch Bag
Hobo Bags Sable Wristlet
Baguettes
As if baguettes are ever out of style…nonetheless, these oblong bags are as stylish as ever. Fendi even went so far as to literally inscribe several of their spring/summer 2023 bags with the word “Baguette.” Talk about leaning in. It’s easy to understand why the style is so popular, though. The versatile shape lends itself to holding just enough, while the strap can be used as a shoulder bag or a top handle. Iterations vary from collectible, high-end designs that double as investments to TikTok favorites and affordable Amazon bags, meaning there’s a baguette for everyone.
JW Anderson The Bumper Baguette Shoulder Bag
Staud Ollie Bag
Coach Pillow Tabby Small Leather Shoulder Bag
Sequins
What’s better than one trend? Two trends rolled into one. Enter Fendi’s sequined baguette. Everyone knows the early aughts are back in style, and with that comes all of the decade’s gaudiness that we’ll happily claim as a guilty pleasure. Sequin-clad handbags were featured prominently in some of the season’s hottest showings, including LaQuan Smith and Christian Siriano. This spring, expect to embrace maximalism in the form of glimmering, shimmering accessories.
Fendi Baguette 1997
Simon Miller Sasi Metallic Sequins Shoulder Bag
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Benedetta Bruzziches Ursula Crystal Mesh Shoulder Bag
Metallics
Sequin-adjacent, if you will. The metallic bags shown at LaQuan Smith and Fendi have the same joyful essence and fun appearance as sequins, but with slightly more upscale elegance. Deck yourself out in vibrant colors, an array of prints, and metallic statement accessories for a show-stopping look, or lean on the trend to punch up an otherwise minimalist look.
Jimmy Choo Callie Shoulder
Proenza Schouler Large Ruched Metallic Leather Tote Bag
EÉRA Moon Metallic-Finish Bag
Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Her passions include spicy foods, sustainability, and the Y2K remake of Charlie’s Angels. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.