If you’re anything like me, your purse gets an extra chair at the restaurant, if a bathroom doesn’t have a hook on the back of the door, you’re not going, and if someone scoffs at your bag, then you guys are no longer friends. Ok, maybe the last example was a bit extreme, but you certainly get my point with the first two; purses are a crucial accessory! Therefore, I can’t be more excited to summarize the new list of fall and winter 2022 handbag trends that will be making their way onto our arms this coming cold season.
Some of the designs are rehashes of the classics – think hobo bags galore and sleek front-clasp designs. Others take a more futuristic route, with geometric patterns and metallic materials leading the way with designers such as Michael Kors. These sleek new details on classic bags are what give us purse lovers something to lust after for a new season.
Along with these details, a shocking trend did weave its way into the 2022-2023 runways, and that’s comfort! Before I get sarcastic and make some snarky comment about form being better than function, this truly did come as a shock, given the last few seasons undeniably clung to party-ready looks that aren’t always easy or comfortable.
Now, let’s get on with the top fall 2022 purse trends from the runways!
#1. Not So Quiet on the Front
A basic fold-over bag can be the perfect go-to when you need to rush out the door, but designers didn’t want you to describe their bags as basic – that would indeed be a massive faux pas. And these purses would simply never qualify for that term! From snaps to buckles and massive logo clasps, Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, and Salvatore Ferragamo gave simplistic handbags a delicious appeal.
#2. Mad for Logos
Logomania may have left us for spring, but it’s back once more come fall! Fendi has never been known for subtle logo details, and there’s no reason for this to change now as their classic baguette bags were heavily monogrammed. Dior, Chanel, and Loewe also went all in for intense logo-ing. So don’t you dare be worried about saying where your new purse is from – the ladies purchasing Chanel’s new rainbow embroidered tote certainly aren’t!
#3. Flowers, for Fall?
As previously mentioned in our print trend report, flowers are seemingly captivating designers for fall and winter. So, while this might not be the biggest trend, there truly isn’t going to be a bigger statement piece than a floral printed handbag come winter. Just look at the embroidery on Fendi bags or the toile pattern on Dior’s stunning saddlebag if you don’t believe me.
#4. Saddle up
And speaking of saddlebags, it seems that they’re making a comeback as well, with the likes of Tod’s and Fendi creating many chic versions of this silhouette for their models to clutch. A timeless shape with a certain late ‘60s and early ‘70s flair, this is definitely a bag to invest in for the next few seasons!
#5. The Hobo Way
Yes! The hobo bag is back on the list of purse trends for fall and winter. From the classic shapes at Gucci, Givenchy, and Miu Miu to more half-moon versions at Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Emporio Armani, hobo bags are most certainly back to bring in the causal French girl chic to any outfit for a carefree day in the post-pandemic world.
#6. Geometry Class
There’s something absolutely delectable and picture-perfect when it comes to geometric bags. While the style was used in plenty of trending winter patterns, some bags came in stylish new shapes that made them look more like works of art than a handbag. Don’t believe me? Head to Prada, Fendi, or Gabriela Hearst for your new investment piece!
#7. All Ruched up
A cult classic of summer, ruched details will stick around for fall and winter if you’re debating on purchasing these frilly and feminine bags. An ‘80s staple, this eclectic look can’t come as much of a shock, considering that fashion is the perpetually remixing of old looks. For this reason, both Bottega Veneta and Balmain teased us with puffed and frilly details, proving that this style is just about to become a cult classic.
#8. Braid Train
From Chloe to Altuzarra, braided details popped up on many runways and certainly excited the masses. Giving a bit of a bohemian flair to the fall/winter 2022 bags, this detail captivates the ongoing nostalgia we all seem to have with the ‘60s. So, fling Joan Didion’s The White Album into your braided bag and head to the nearest music festival because the season of peace and love is coming back for us all.
#9. Buckets and Buckets
Bucket bags have been nothing if not one of the most popular handbag trends of 2022. Coming with great versatility, this bag can be either slouchy or structured, with many subtle designs thrown in for extra excitement. Louis Vuitton, Altuzarra, and Ulla Johnson all created fantastic purses in plenty of neutral tones.
#10. Raining Chains
An exciting and bold look, chain details came out on the runway with highly saturated colors, making their debut rather than the more common gold and silver metallic tones. This need to stray away from the common might have been modeled mostly at Fendi and Loewe, but given the adoration of this look, it’ll be sure to find its way onto our feeds and then onto the streets.
#11. Party-yyyy
If you need any more clues that this season was going to be a party season, this purse trend would be your final hint. Infinitely fun, designers played with glitter, sequins, and other flashy elements for your bag to be able to catch the strobe lights of whatever disco club you find yourself in. And if you don’t believe me, then take a glance over at Michael Kors’ recent collection because that man certainly knows how to make a good sequin purse!
#12. Perfectly Pettable
Sometimes it’s furry shoes that enter the runway or shearling-lined coats, but this winter, it seems that designers are most interested in soft handbags. Wool, fur, and shearling all found themselves worked into fall 2022 handbag designs for the houses of Chanel, Altuzarra, and Ulla Johnson. Perhaps snow muffs aren’t in, but slipping your hand into these pettable purses will certainly warm you up.
#13. Back-to-Back
Ulla Johnson and Gabriela Hearst led the way in creating backpacks that will certainly get in the ‘back to school’ mindset – not that many students could afford these luxurious backpacks. Far from new, designers upped the ante, adding plenty of trending details to this purse silhouette.
#14. Oversized and Ignoring Structure
If the title of this section didn’t give it away, yes, we are talking about hobo bags. Falling in and out of trending purses the last couple of seasons, this purse’s comforting lack of structure wooed many of the fashion set. While Chloe went completely into the look, adding braided details and no top closure so that your items inside could be shown off, Chanel veered into a preppier take on the bag, using tweed and a zipper with the brand’s signature quilted chain finishing off the look.
#15. Multi-Bagging
Do you have more than one statement bag you want to show off at the party or out and about? Be creative and go for two or even three bags, as multi-bagging is still going strong for the fall and winter months.
We especially loved Fendi’s way of multi-bagging – a tiny wrist bag served as a perfect accessory to a more elegant, structured bag. No. 21 added a small purse detail to their chain bags, Ulla Johnson combined three different sizes and different shapes of bags in the same color family to make a statement, while Dolce & Gabbana, Proenza Schouler, and Off-White all also offer unique ways of carrying more than one bag in a single look.
#16. Itsy-Bitsy Bags
Going for the opposite look of oversized totes, many designers opted to find tiny hands-free options for consumers this season. Whether the look came in the form of clutches worn on the wrist like Fendi and 16Arlington or zip necklaces like Max Mara, the trend took multiple options. Chanel, Sacai, Valentino, Jil Sander, Bronx & Banco, and Moschino are among the names that fell hard for tiny bags for fall 2022.
#17. Handheld Purses
The way you carry your bag also matters in creating the vibe of the look you have put together. For fall and winter, designers and fashion houses suggest carefree handheld purses, whether they do have a strap or not. It creates a kind of an elevated nonchalant atmosphere, perfect for different settings. Most of the bags were handheld at Fendi, Sportmax, Jil Sander, Simone Rocha, and Tory Burch, so you have plenty of sources of inspiration.
Photos via Vogue, Livingly
