Are you buying practical fashion for our new at-home lifestyle (matching sweatsuits, house dresses, etc.), or pieces that lift your mood (something to encourage you to get out of those sweatpants)? No need to decide because the runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris had plenty of both — and that includes accessories. In fact, most of the Fall 2020 handbag trends fell somewhere in between utilitarian and mood-boosting.
The new slate of purses has something for everyone — ranging from supersized totes that can fit all the supplies we need to carry in the time of a pandemic, to furry handbags in vibrant colors that we can’t wait to wear outside when temperatures drop.
Whether you’re on a hunt for a new bag to eventually take to work or one to wear on your daily walks today, ahead, the five trends from Fall 2020 runways that caught our eye and the bags you can shop now.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bags with Chains
Oversized chains were all over designer runways ranging from JW Anderson (shown here) to Tory Burch and Stella McCartney. Whether in the form of a shoulder strap or shiny hardware detail, these chunky links can add an unexpected element to an otherwise classic satchel or clutch.Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Studio 33 Woke OG Shoulder Flap Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Kara Chain-embellished clutch, $, available at Farfetch
Mango Chain mini bag, $, available at Mango
By Far, Far Rachel Croc-Effect Shoulder Bag, $, available at mytheresa
Oversized Bags
While bags have been getting smaller and smaller in the last few years, this fall — if we are to believe the runways of Sies Marjan (pictured here), Longchamp, and Bottega Veneta — promises the return of the oversized bag. Good thing: In the age of COVID-19, we’re not hesitating to trade the micro bag for a comically large one.Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Staud Oversized Tote, $, available at Staud
FP Collection Double Knot Hobo, $, available at Free People
rag & bone Passenger Tote, $, available at Shopbop
Nanushka Sahara tote bag, $, available at Farfetch
Furry Bags
Somehow designers, ranging from Claudia Li (shown here) to Altuzarra and Dries Van Noten, knew we would need all the coziness we could get by sending out bags in fuzzy, furry textures. Fun to wear outside during cooler months, these soft bags can also double as home decor. Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Stand Lolita Medium Faux-Fur Tote Bag, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Glamorous Faux Fur Cross Body Bag in Camel, $, available at ASOS
Loeffler Randall Zelda Feather Baguette Crossbody, $, available at Revolve
Brother Vellies 2020 Mini Island Bag, $, available at Brother Vellies
Asymmetrical Clutches
Clutches have undergone a makeover and are now deliberately misshapen. For proof, look at the runways of Bottega Veneta (seen here) and Alexander McQueen. Uneven edges, sculptural shapes, and unexpected silhouettes are all in.Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Khaore Althaarah in Black Embossed Croc, $, available at Need Supply Co
Mansur Gavriel Blush Mini Cloud Clutch, $, available at Olivela
A.W.A.K.E. Liv padded clutch bag, $, available at Farfetch
Zara PLEATED LEATHER SHOULDER BAG, $, available at Zara
Clasp Bags
Retro-esque bags with metal frames and kiss clasps made ladylike appearances on the runways of Miu Miu (pictured here), Chanel, and Lanvin. These aren’t the coin bags of your grandmother though. Updated for today, they are not only more modern-looking and equipped with straps, but can also accommodate a lot more than just money and lipstick.Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Tory Burch Small Cleo Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Nunoo Saki Clutch, $, available at Shopbop
Topshop Quilted Faux Leather Clutch, $, available at Nordstrom
MANU ATELIER Ruched Demi Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Almond Oil: Pantone’s Biggest Color Trend For Fall
