Handbag trends 2022: The must-have styles to invest in now (2024)

The latest handbag trends 2022 will help to refresh your look in no time. As the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to think about your arm candy for fall/winter 2022 and give your everyday looks a much-needed boost.

While you might think the quickest way to get your wardrobe ready for the new season is to fill it with the latest fall 2022 fashion trends, savvy shoppers know that the key to embracing the new season in an instant is via a serious accessories refresh. From the fall winter shoe trends 2022, to the latest handbag styles, if you're nervous about wearing new silhouettes, updating your look through well-thought-out accessories will give your fall outfit ideas a directional feel. And this season the handbag trends 2022 really do deliver on wearability and style.

Texture dominates with furry fabrics and sparkly sequins making several appearances as well as edgy stud details. For something more refined, the sporty backpack has had a luxe update with buttery soft leathers and chic tan hues.

“In addition to the maximalist fashion trends we have seen across the runways of recent seasons, this fall we are also starting to see some classic styles in the mix. Much like the plain white tanks and classic loafers that we have seen across many fall/winter 2022 runways, timeless handbag styles such as leather and suede totes, backpacks and simple pouches are starting to join the party with their maximalist cousins," says Farrah-May Archer Boadi, Stylist Ambassador at Stitch Fix UK.

"Y2K influences are still coming through in handbag trends this fall, too. We are seeing miniature backpacks, fluffy clutches, sparkles and checks on handbags that would be welcome in the wardrobes of Cher and Dionne of Clueless fame."

9 handbag trends 2022

A good handbag is essential but the design and silhouette you choose will differ by occasion and personal taste. If you like to have everything to hand, you'll be pleased to find that the best designer tote bags this season have been supersized, offering plenty of room for all your essentials. Prefer the hands-free experience? Then you'll need to look out for the best designer crossbody bags - and while this isn't spotlighted as a key trend, don't worry there are still plenty to choose from.

For more budget-friendly options, use the handbag trends 2022 as inspiration, as it's not all about the best designer bags. Straight-to-market brands have designs that reflect the key looks we saw across the major fashion cities, producing trend-worthy styles at a snippet of the price.

1. Furry Textures

Fall outfits are all about getting warm and cozy and it’s not just the best winter coats that are getting the furry treatment. From fuzzy shearling to faux fur, fluffy bags were seen across the runways, giving every look a huggable feel. Spotted at the likes of Fendi and Loewe, these cute companions will add seriously snuggly texture to the simplest of outfits, adding a tactile finish.

From clutch bags to should bags, the textured, furry look is available in all bag guises this season, but of course, you'll have to watch the weather report before taking your new furry friend on a day or evening trip. Mix and match a faux fur bag with other wintery textiles such as rocking it with your best leather jacket or a cold weather-ready teddy coat, or a gorgeous cashmere sweater for a winter-worthy look.

2. Luxe Backpacks

The best backpacks for working women are practical, without compromising on style and this season they're looking sleeker than ever. While the backpack has always been seen as practicality over style, as women demand their clothes work for their lifestyle, not just 'a look', we've seen the best designer backpacks make their way onto the runway.

Spotted at the likes of Ulla Johnson and Gabriela Hearst - where they felt timeless and feminine. When it comes to the handbag trends 2022 for fall and winter, backpacks featuring luxe leathers and two-tone designs were enhanced with wearable neutral color palettes, ensuring that your rucksack can team with any look. Tapping into the fashion trends 2023 sports-luxe aesthetic, this hands-free style is one we expect to see for some time.

Lean into the polished aesthetic and wear your new season backpack with a tailored trench coat and a pair of androgynous loafers for the ultimate in back-to-school style.

3. Graphic Prints

While the most timeless of bags will always be those in neutral color palettes and classic silhouettes, there were statement bags aplenty on the runways, for those that want arm candy that will take a starring role. The handbag trends 2022 have embraced geometric prints, worthy of any modern art gallery with quirky, angular print designs at Prada and Gabriela Hearst. A look that might not translate quite as well as monochromatic iterations, graphic print bags will easily up the ante on a jeans and best sweater combo.

With a slightly shorter shelf life, this is a trend you might want to invest more sparingly in unless you already have your general bag basics covered. Alternatively, look to straight-to-market brands for more cost-effective interpretations of the trend to check if you like the bold look before investing.

4. Box Bags

A top-handle bag adds a ladylike spin to any outfit and this season designer’s upped their sartorial game with chic vanity cases that hit the runway in their droves. These boxy silhouettes were spotted at French clothing brands Chanel and Louis Vuitton, who injected their own unique design signatures into the look; including classic Chanel quilting and Vuitton's iconic monogram print.

While not the most practical day bag, the structured shape and luxe hardware make for a highly polished look and offer a fresh dimension to evening bags as we head into the party season.

This trend is all about keeping a micro profile and is a continuation of designer's fascination with making bags as small as possible. Roomier than some evening designs, look for styles that also offer the option of a crossbody or shoulder strap for a hands-free finish.

5. Slouchy Tote

One of the best designer bags for work, in terms of unbeatable capacity, for those who struggle to travel light, an oversized tote bag is a no-brainer and this season they have gone seriously supersized.

Learn from American clothing brand, Brandon Maxwell's runway and look for suede fabrics and a slouchy silhouette for a '70s spin, nailing what is boho style in the process. While this silhouette came in numerous colorways, tan hues keep the look timeless and make it a go-to choice for the everyday.

"Slouchy totes are a classic fall staple. These bags are big enough to pack extra layers, scarves and hats, which is ideal given temperamental weather. Brands stocked at Stitch Fix, such as Estella Bartlett and Fiorelli offer some great, affordable options. Opt for a warm brown, classic black or winter cool cream for maximum versatility and match them to your knee-high winter boots for an effortlessly chic look, " says Farrah-May.

6. Party bag

Party bags made a long-awaited comeback in the summer and it looks like they are still going strong for the fall/winter handbag trends 2022. After all, who can resist a bit of sparkle? A particularly poignant trend as we hurtle towards the festive season, highlights included the sequinned crescent silhouette spotted on the Off White runway, which made a nod to the Y2K trends dominating the fashion sphere right now.

When it comes to the party bag trend, more is more, after a couple of years with a serious lack of celebration, designers have (rightly) assumed that we'll all be looking to enjoy the next few months with all our hearts. So don't be afraid to mix and match your sequins and take advantage of shining bright in the months ahead.

7. Studded detail

Whether you opt for the heavy moto-style studs spotted at Italian clothing brand Gucci or explore what is Barbiecore with a burst of pink - as seen at Valentino, this trend has some serious attitude. A fast-track way of easing yourself into the biker fashion trend 2022 that dominated the runways, look to offset the tough aesthetic and team your studded bag with über feminine pieces - a silky slip dress or a tiered skirt will do the trick. Finish your look with a pair of the best winter boots - such as a biker boot, or a lug sole Chelsea boot design.

"The sparkly, embellished and studded handbags that have appeared across the runways of Off-White, Givenchy and Michael Kors are worth introducing to your wardrobe early this year. Team them with your fall outfits to bring some sparkle and shine to the darkening days and dress them up later in the season with sequin dresses and metallic skirts for all your festive occasions," says Farrah-May.

8. Puffy Pouch

Where there’s an XXL tote for the maximalist, there’s always a more compact counterpart for the minimalists and for the handbag trends 2022, there were plenty of luxe grab-and-go styles. Spotted on the runways at Jil Sander and Loewe, this understated silhouette is one that can slot effortlessly into everyday looks, as well as take you into town for an evening out.

The pouch designs are pretty spacious considering their small stature, and while some will have crossbody or shoulder straps included, some are clutch designs in the most literal sense, so make sure to consider whether you want the hands-free option. We love the buttery lemon hue from Jil Sander for a pop of color whilst the black iteration at Loewe will be great for eveningwear, all year through.

9. Check Prints

From Chanel’s iconic plaid prints to Dior’s houndstooth, there’s nothing like a check design, one of the most timeless patterns on the market, this is a look that resurges as a trend every few seasons but also never truly dissipates. Particularly strong for fall, for the handbag trends 2022, this look draws inspiration from both the '90s trend, as well as experiencing a growth in popularity thanks to those looking to discover what is Dark Academia. To give this look a modern and fresh feel, clash your plaid bag with a checked two-piece and some ladylike Mary Janes.

"Add some excitement to a simple outfit with one of these styles, or go full Y2K and team your checked handbag with a checked trousers à la Fendi AW22. Needless to say, your fall wardrobe need not be devoid of color, texture or print with these fun styles!" says Farrah-May.