Though our glamorous outings were few and far between in 2020, the desire to return to normalcy—including reinvigorating the art of dressing up, even if just for the kitchen table—has never been more front of mind. From colourful beachwear that’s quickly replaced a seemingly never-ending rotation of sweats, to our potential return to work, it’s time to start considering just how you’ll begin to carry around everything you need for the outside world.
Enter: a new bag.
From netted market carryalls to reinvented classics in chic new colourways, we’ve looked to five major trends set to be huge this year. Below, get the lowdown on each emerging trend—and, of course, where to shop it for yourself.
Market Bags
It should come as no surprise that over the last several seasons, fashion has taken a long stride toward sustainability. Now more than ever, sartorial statements that present themselves as a means of remaining environmentally conscious are everywhere—from the runway to on the streets of Fashion Month. One such sustainable trend that not only provides practicality but is equally as chic is none other than the simple netted market bag. You’ve no doubt already spotted the chic trend on Instagram, usually featured in artfully composed images alongside a plethora of citrus fruits.
For its Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Longchamp got behind the trend by collaborating with Filt, the original, Normandy-based house who created the net bag back in 1860. The new design, which comes in six colours, takes inspiration from the typical grocery bag elevated with the house’s signature leather flap-fastening from its iconic Le Pliage carryall.
Some such style makers are even placing their designer handbags inside colourful market bags for an edgy twist on the trend.
Shop the trend.
ASOS DESIGN String Shopper, $16; at ASOS
Stella McCartney K$1,565; at Farfetch
Filt French Market Tote Bag, $20; at Anthropologie
Necklace Bags
While mini bags have reigned supreme recently, designers have taken a new approach to the teeny-tiny trend in the form of wearable necklaces this season. From Max Mara to Chanel, the tiny bag has officially travelled from hand to front and centre, presented in both bold colours and simple black and whites.
Even if you’re not quite ready to jump headfirst into the bold statement, some neck bags can double as a mini crossbody or attach to your larger bags for when you’ve just got too much to carry.
Shop the trend:
Jacquemus Le Pitchou, $360; at Jacquemus
Saint Laurent $1,020; at Farfetch
Paco Rabanne Silver-Tone Crystal Necklace, $252.87; at Net-A-Porter
Quilted
Ever since cult-favourite Bottega Veneta released its now iconic Casette bag, the quilted trend has been reinvigorated with no signs of slowing down. Just one look to Chanel’s signature 2.55 bag and it’s easy to see why quilted bags have long been a timeless staple. But while the longstanding technique has been used to add a distinct edge while remaining classically chic, new variations have breathed fresh life this season.
Shop the trend:
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag, $3,920; at Bottega Veneta
Tory Burch Kira Chevron Shoulder Bag, $413; at Tory Burch
Chanel Small Flap Bag, $6,310; at Chanel
Water Bottle Bags
Another trend that speaks to our push toward sustainability comes in a quirky new trend set to dominate in 2021: the water bottle bag. Straight from the Fendi runway as bag attachments to Burberry’s colourful creation designed to be slung over the shoulder, your reusable water bottle just got its own chic update. It’s also not just international designers that have their eyes set on ridding the plastic water bottle, but homegrown favourite The Daily Edited has also created its own reusable water bottle that comes alongside a chic pouch—which of course, can be customised with your own initials.
Shop the trend:
Fendi FF Logo Bottle Holder, $412; at Fendi
The Daily Edited Black Reusable Drink Bottle, $99.95; at TDE
Oroton Lilia Water Bottle Holder, $149; at Oroton
The Nostalgic Silhouette
From Katie Holmes in a tube top to Bella Hadid’s seemingly endless selection of loose-fitting jeans, fashion has a fixation with reviving ’90s trends. That certainly rings true when looking to what accessories are expected to dominate in 2021. The Prada Cleo bag, which dropped in December, is already pegged as one of the year’s expected It-bags, which was first released in the 1990s by the Italian fashion house. It’s also not the only fashion house looking to the archives for its latest designs, with Gucci reissuing its Jackie 1961 bag—a staple of former first lady Jackie Kennedy. After all in fashion, everything old is new again.
Shop the trend:
Prada Cleo Bag, $2,750; at Prada
Brie Leon The Chloe Bag, $199; at Brie Leon
Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Hobo Bag, $2,590; at Gucci
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