This year, autumn’s biggest bag trends aren’t just covetable—they’re also about rediscovering personal style. The runway shows for autumn 2024 used accessories as love letters to functional style: Miu Miu’s overstuffed carryalls reflected how people actually use their everyday bags. Chloé’s studded crescents radiated boho glam and had enough room to hold a fall layer. Coach’s layered charms captured a collective vibe shift away from the pristine and toward the lived-in.
So while it’s fun to keep up with the latest fashion trends—and our editors certainly are—this season is all about you. Love details like extra-long straps, studs, and keychains? So do McQueen, Tory Burch, and Moschino. In the mood for burgundy? You’re in good company with Gucci and Armani. But whether you go for a designer purse or an under-£50 pick from eBay, wear it with confidence and purpose—that’s the most important bag trend this autumn.
1. Dark cherry
Yes, burgundy reemerges every fall—but the colour is poised to have a banner year. Just ask Ferragamo, JW Anderson, Fendi, and Gucci, among many other labels who showed dark cherry accessories for autumn. Moody and sultry, the colour pairs nicely with black, navy, grey, and denim blue, making these oxblood bags worthwhile investments that’ll get plenty of wear beyond this season. These are our favourite picks in every silhouette and price point.
2. Studded bags
Chloé’s fall-winter runway was perhaps the most talked-about show of the season, almost singlehandedly heralding boho’s grand comeback—and, by extension, the return of studded bags. Brands such as Acne Studios and Alexander McQueen showed similar accessories, and now everyone from Khaite to Mango is on board.
3. Crescent silhouettes
A few distinct shapes popped up this season, including bucket bags and east-west silhouettes. But we’re most excited about crescents, which walked at Loewe and Chloé, among many other runways. The relaxed, practical design lends itself well to everyday carry and fits nicely with the boho renaissance currently taking fashion by storm. (It’s also a nice alternative to your everyday tote bag.) While these picks won’t stow a laptop, they can handle most everything else—perfect for weekends or nights out.
4. Special straps
Exaggerated straps graced the catwalks at Prada, Tory Burch, Jil Sander, and Moschino, becoming one of autumn’s most unexpected bag trends. The details, some purely decorative and others at least semi-functional, are another nod toward individual style, proving that even if your bag’s shape doesn’t turn heads, the way you carry it can. Reformation and Bottega Veneta offer handles that turn standard silhouettes into standout handbags.
5. Bag charms
Coach kicked off the bag-charm trend at New York Fashion Week, and it’s showing no sign of slowing down after popping up at Fendi, Miu Miu, and Etro. (Seemingly every bag carried by editors and influencers at Copenhagen Fashion Week, which just wrapped up in August, featured charms.) It’s carte blanche to cosplay stylish women like Jane Birkin and the Olsen twins, who have long worn high-end bags personalised with charms and keychains (not to mention scratches and wine stains). Attach these charms—including a few mini-bags—to your straps to show off your personality. Meanwhile, Marc Jacobs and Coach have you covered if you’d rather leave the accessorising to the designer.
