Fashion often operates at two extremes simultaneously. Streamlined minimalism will climb the charts while bold, in-your-face style flourishes as a concurrent trend. To wit: Quiet luxury chugs on as 2023's defining aesthetic, while flashy It-pieces—silver shoes, hot pink anything—power the market. Fall 2023's bag trends are also quintessential of the paradoxical phenomenon. Allow Arielle Siboni, RTW Fashion Director for Bloomingdale’s, to explain: "This season, we are seeing handbag trends fall into two very distinct categories: Soft totes that are oversized in shape and smaller, more structured top-handle bags." We have a surplus of slouchy carry-alls in supersized forms, but pared-down boxy bags with easy-to-hold handles are equally as prevalent players in fall 2023's trend report.
As to why the industry loves to present antithetical trends, well, that's a topic for another article. For now, forget trying to understand what's driving fall's incongruous offering of handbags—all you need to do is focus on which style you're excited to test out for yourself. Ahead, Siboni breaks down the top five bag trends for fall 2023, and we've curated a selection of styles for you to shop. All you need to do is add to cart, input your card info, and press buy.
