Best Spring Bags 2012
Our Ultimate Spring Bag Guide!
We're trading Winter's heavier hardware for Spring's lighter fare — bags and all. We watched bags in every hue, print, silhouette, and style make their way down the Spring '12 runways, and now we're translating those styles to our own wardrobes with a closer look at all the options. From the oversize clutch to the sportier colorblocked styes, we zeroed in on this season's biggest bag trends — just consider this your Spring bag field guide. Whether you're ready to make a serious investment or just looking for a little fun, we promise there's something in here for everyone. Just click through to find your It bag for Spring.
Why we love it: The oversize clutch offers the sophistication of a classic clutch, but delivers unrivaled cool to your look. The effect is both polished and effortless all at the same time.
How to wear it: These clutches aren't evening-exclusive. Turn up the statement power of any everyday look with one of these in tow; tucked under your arm or right in hand they lend a kind of modern confidence to your look.
Photo: Phillip Lim Spring 2012
Why we love it: Structured styles have unmatched polish. The look is classic and cool, and lends that ladylike vibe we're after to nearly everything we put on.
How to wear it: Counter your more casual wear with a boxy, structured handbag for a styled contrast or add one to your prettiest dresses to further the sweetness.
Photo: Steven Alan Spring 2012
Why we love it: We love that the slouchy look of the '90s bucket bag is back with a fresh face. They lend an ease to your style — and we always love when we don't have to try too hard to get the look we want.
How to wear it: These will be your best friends on weekends — the perfect bags to stuff with your to-do lists and throw over your shoulder. In leather they have more of a classic feel, while embroidered or printed styles are just the thing to tote come festival season.
Photo: Timo Weiland Spring 2012
Why we love it: What's not to love? These bags make toting the stuff we need effortless — and hands free – and this season's options are endless and utterly cool.
How to wear it: While these are the perfect bags for an evening out, particularly in embellished or chain-strap versions, they also look fantastic for daytime in buttery leather or Spring's neoprene hues.
Photo: Michael Kors Spring 2012
Why we love it: The duffle or bowler has just a hint of the menswear vibe. They're the shape of the old doctor's bags we love, adding interest and polish — and they look even better held just in the crook of your wrist, soaking up all the attention.
How to wear it: These bags go anywhere and look great with just about anything. They dress up even our most basic looks, like our jeans and t-shirts, and look even better in worn-in leathers.
Photo:Victoria Beckham Spring 2012
Why we love them: The backpack is a no-brainer when it comes to functionality — but these aren't the ones you remember from middle school. These iterations are textured, streamlined, and made over in awesome color to feel infinitely cooler.
How to wear it: These will pair best with your casual looks. Try a woven style for a beachy vacation with a maxi skirt and a breezy tee; add Alexander Wang's sportier version to bold-hued trousers for a chic finish.
Photo: Tory Burch Spring 2012
Why we love it: Fringed bags are a favorite for their cool-girl, bohemian vibe. They have enough personality to transform our looks and dress up our basics and if even there was a bag fit for Coachella, this is it.
How to wear it: This bag does the work for you, but that doesn't mean you can't also have fun with the whole look. In bold, solid colors they look fantastic with complementary prints — we'd just steer clear of cowboy boots and hats to avoid a look that's too literal.
Photo: Matthew Williamson Spring 2012
Why we love it: Colorblocking is taking over our wardrobes and our accessories — and we love the splash of brights on our bags. It's an easy way to add interest and feels entirely modern.
How to wear it: These are perfect everyday bags. Don't let the colors distract you, just feel free to build up the color and print in your outfit to play off the colors on your bag.
Photo: Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012
Why we love it: We love the intrigue of woven textures — some feel entirely Spring and Summer-ready, while others have that great tribal quality we love.
How to wear it: Woven totes are well suited to be your everyday bag, but a raffia clutch or smaller woven bag has that special quality that's also event-worthy.
Photo: Proenza Schouler Spring 2012
Why we love it: The tote is our most functional of handbags. We keep everything in these guys and take them everywhere — so we want them to look good too. The part we really love: this silhouette's a classic. If you invest in a quality version, it's worth it — it'll never go out of style.
How to wear it: Your totes are your daytime bags. The one rule with these is: please don't bring them out at night. Otherwise, look for a great print, texture, or hue that sets yours apart from the run-of-the-mill tote bags out there.
Photo: L.A.M.B. Spring 2012
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