To Have and to Hold: 7 Fall Handbag Trends to Shop Now

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

From luggage-inspired bags to luxurious suede cross-bodys, a handful of fall 2021 handbag trends were spotted on the arms of showgoers during Fashion Month. Consider it a four-city, month-long survey, if you will.

Among the bags toted is a lovely mix of reinterpreted classics as well as new and noteworthy styles. The lady bag gets a modern makeover for 2021, while everyday silhouettes like small cross-body bags are offered in on-trend seasonal materials. There are also of-the-moment bags that offer a timeless appeal—like the return of the Gucci Diana and Loewe Amazona bags—both re-issued from the house’s archives.

A handful of styles share common practical themes, like the use of neutral-colored leathers and sizing that could be classified as mid to roomy. Characteristics like these make investing in trends easy, especially when you’ll be able to wear them for many seasons to come. However, it wouldn’t be a trend report without something statement-worthy. Holding true to the holiday season spirit, mini bags that get a maxi dose of sparkle.

If you buy a new bag this season, consider one of these fall 2021 handbag trends below.

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Stow Your Personal Item

This fall, you’ll want to pack light. Consider smaller-sized bags that resemble vintage luggage. In handheld-size duffles and top-handled trunks, these might just be your new favorite carry-on.

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, and Bag

Métier London small Perriand city linen duffle handbag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Loewe Amazona 19 square logo canvas and leather satchel

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Chloé Edith small leather tote

Image may contain: Bag, Accessories, Accessory, and Handbag

Paravel Valise handbag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Can We Per-Suede You?

We’ve already expressed our love for wearing shades of brown this season, so why not continue the autumnal color trend with a handbag in rich shades of suede?

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Acne Studios belted crinked-leather and suede shoulder bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Jacquemus Le Bambino suede satchel

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Neous Orbit chain-strap suede shoulder bag

Image may contain: Accessories, Accessory, and Bag

Cuyana mini double loop bag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Bottomless Bags

Let your belongings fall into a fashionable abyss with the season’s assortment of ultra-roomy totes—not to worry; they’re not actually bottom-less. Consider styles from Carolina Santo Domingo to Khaite.

Image may contain: Bag, Tote Bag, Handbag, Accessories, and Accessory

Khaite the large Osa tote

Hereu Calella leather-trim felt tote bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Tote Bag

Carolina Santo Domingo reversible shearling Caspia tote

Image may contain: Bag, Tote Bag, Accessories, Accessory, and Handbag

Lutz Morris Seveny bag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

At Clasp!

Squishable, pillow-like clutches return with a bit of structure with the addition of elegant hardware like gold clasped frames and optional chains.

Image may contain: Accessories, Accessory, Handbag, Bag, and Purse

Fendi First Small black leather bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, Purse, and Wallet

Bottega Veneta Tip Top handle bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

DeMellier the Florence bag

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Accessories, Accessory, and Shorts

Proenza Schouler Rolo fringed leather shoulder bag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

She’s a Lady

One of the most carried bags this year was the Gucci Diana. These lady-like bags come with contemporary details like two-tone interiors, oversized buckles, and stretched-out silhouettes.

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Gucci Diana small tote bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

By Far Portia brown semi patent leather bag

Image may contain: Accessories, Accessory, Handbag, Bag, and Purse

Boyy Karl 24 soft bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Tory Burch Lee Radziwill petite double bag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Message Received

Sling a mid-sized flap-closure satchel from The Row to Prada over your shoulder and be on your way.

The Row small mail bag in fine grain leather

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Accessories, and Accessory

Prada triangle logo-plaque floral-jacquard shoulder bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Mulberry Alexa pink spongy patent bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Proenza Schouler PS1 medium bag

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Star Struck

While small in size, high-shine silver embellishments—such as crystals fringe and paillette sequins ensure—that this season’s mini bags won’t go unnoticed.

Image may contain: Bib

Coperni Swipe mini embellished shoulder bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Staud Tommy rhinestone bag

Paco Rabanne sparkle nano bag

Image may contain: Handbag, Accessories, Accessory, Bag, and Purse

Stella McCartney mini Falabella crystal fringe shoulder bag