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The 6 Best Fall Handbag Trends to Shop and Wear Right This Second

The easiest outfit upgrade

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fall bag trends 2024 UNI
Abby Hepworth for PureWow

Perhaps the easiest way to update any outfit is with the addition of a sleek new handbag. Even a plain white tee and jeans can be made to look supremely chic when paired with the right tote or crossbody. Here you’ll find the six hottest fall handbag trends to give your wardrobe a super-stylish boost, no matter your budget, alongside tips for how to style them for maximum chicness. Now all you need is a fresh pair of knee-high boots and a timeless trench coat and you’re set for all of fall.

6 Fashion Trends That Are Perfect for Me and Other Women Over 50


fall bag trends 2024 east west
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

1. East-West Bags

I’ve been spotting long, horizontal shoulder bags from Alaïa and Freja all summer long and only anticipate the trend growing stronger as we head into autumn. They have such a ‘90s vibe, are a chic evolution from the baguette shoulder bags that have been dominating our wardrobes for the past few years and are great for both everyday wear and special occasions. I recommend looking for bags that are super-simple and sleek in their silhouette—leave the quilting, excess pockets or bold buckles for another style—to achieve a truly timeless look.

fall bag trends 2024 clutch
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

2. Clutches

We’ve been revisiting trends from the ‘90s and early aughts, so it was only a matter of time before 2010s trends began popping back up as well. Everyday clutches appear to be on the rise again, so it may be time to dig out your old Poppy Lissiman standby from 2015. These are not the same as your rigid evening clutches, but instead are a bit larger (to better fit all your daily essentials) and less structured. And while a leather pouch is definitely the most classic version, I’ve also spotted folks carrying camera bags or crossbodies with the strap removed. Basically, as long as you’ve got your bag tucked under your arm, sans strap, it can count as a clutch.

fall bag trends 2024 sluchy tote
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

3. Slouched Leather Totes

Oversize totes have been trending for a little while now, but for fall 2024 it’s the relaxed leather versions that will reign supreme. They aren’t quite so slouchy as to be totally shapeless, but instead evoke a kind of laid-back elegance. Opt for as little detailing as possible—plain black or brown will likely be your best bets—and be sure not to fill it up all the way so that the material has room to slouch.

fall bag trends 2024 curved
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

4. Curved Silhouettes

If the East-West style isn’t your vibe, perhaps you’ll be more into these curvy silhouettes instead. Crescent crossbodies and asymmetric moon shapes are another variation on the baguette bag, but with softer edges. They make a much more subtle statement than the horizontal East-West silhouette, and are perhaps more versatile too. As with many of the other trends on this list, I think the best versions lean more toward simplicity, with not so many pockets or buckles, to really let the shape speak for itself.

fall bag trends 2024 cherry red
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

5. Cherry Red

Bright red is the trend that keeps on giving. It has been dominating wardrobes since the beginning of the year and makes for a perfect statement, whether you opt for a small mini bag or go all out with an oversize tote (and matching ballet flats and cardigan). Because color is really the only factor here, there’s a lot of room to play with different silhouettes or detailing to fit your personal style. Not sure how to incorporate such a bold hue into your day-to-day wardrobe? Pairing it with warm neutrals is always a hit, or you can go for an “opposites attract” vibe with pale pastels.

fall bag trends 2024 bag charms
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

6. Bag Charms

Part of the reason I keep touting sleek and simple handbags is because of the growing trend of bag charms. Keychains, mini stuffed animals, strings of beads and ribbon-wrapped carabiners all pop much better against a simple backdrop. This kitschy trend is such a fun way to add personality or a unique touch to your look and can make an old tote feel fresh and new again. In this instance, more is more, so really go for it with as much color and flash as you like.


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  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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