Fall 2016 Bag Trends
The Ultimate Guide to Fall's Hottest Handbag Trends
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
We're in a Fall state of mind. Our eyes are on the new school of handbag trends that bring fresh updates, plush fabrics, exotic flavors, and showstopping details to our Autumn outfits. With so many designers, shapes, sizes, and colors to sift through, our team handpicked the best and brightest of this Fall handbag class. Click on a specific trend to jump to those picks, or sit back and soak in all of our favorite Fall handbag trends for 2016.
1 Satchels
Chloé 'Kurtis' satchel bag ($1,716)
This classic book-bag shape is a serious source of inspiration for designers this season, as crossbody handbags of every shape and size lit up many major runways for Fall. Buttery leather, basket weave, studs, and minimalist — if there is one bag to invest in this season and transitions easily throughout the year, the satchel is it.
Welden Escapade Saddle Bag ($395)
2 Guitar Straps
Valentino Rockstud Rolling Medium Enchanted Guitar-Strap Shoulder Bag, Tan ($4,145)
Wide, embellished guitar straps headline the Fall handbag trends this season. Multicolored embroidery, appliqué, studs, and more — this flair is the statement maker for Valentino, Fendi, Prada, and Edie Parker. Draped across a breezy weekend denim skirt and ringer tee or a turtleneck and jumper, this showstopping It bag is the most buzzed about this Fall.
Marc Jacobs St. Marc Shoulder Bag ($1,995)
3 Fringe
Madewell Suede Mini Fringe Transport Tote ($158)
Bohemian continues to reign supreme this season with an impressive new lineup of fringe handbags. Everyday carryalls, bucket bags, backpacks, and camera bags are just a few of the fresh new ways we're seeing fringe this Fall.
4 Snakeskin
Chloé Faye Medium Python, Suede And Leather Shoulder Bag — Light brown ($2,675)
Things get wild this season with snakeskin, a designer darling for handbags and footwear. From timeless neutral combos to pop python, snakeskin handbags are chic for any occasion.
5 Embroidery
Saint Laurent Classic Medium Kate Monogram Embellished Velvet Shoulder Bag ($2,250)
Brocade, appliqué, and embroidery reflect the opulent spirit felt across the Fall designer collections, with detailed designs seen on iconic designer handbags from Saint Laurent, Gucci, Fendi, and more. Darling date bags and timeless totes reach new heights with florals, butterflies, animals, and emoji — we want it all.
6 Velvet
Gucci Gg Marmont 2.0 Velvet ($1,466)
Plush and luxe velvet is a Fall starlet across the board, and this season's velvet handbags have never looked better. The mix of this seasonal fabric with edgy chain straps, studs, and tassels feel fresh and cool with high-waisted denim, slim turtlenecks, and long and lean blazers.
Prada Velvet Shoulder Bag ($1,500)
7 Small Bucket
Prada Tessuto Mini Leopard-Print Bucket Bag, Tan (Leopardo) ($545)
The bucket continues to thrive into Fall, this time in a smaller mini pouch shape. Prada loves it in leopard and grommets, Loeffler Randall votes for rose-colored suede, and Alexander Wang sees it in studs. The perfect size for date nights, dinner parties, and weddings, the small bucket bag is definitely in our It bag lineup this season.
8 Belt Bag
Chloé Georgia Convertible Leather Belt Bag — Peach ($950)
The waist pack, fanny pack, belt-bag silhouette reaches designer levels this Fall. Chloé's nude leather and gold, Balenciaga's cool gray minimalist look, and Sonia Rykiel's sparkle are a few ways to rock the belt bag this season.
9 Backpack
ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Iconic Convertible Backpack ($395)
Backpacks have cemented their rightful place in the It bag rotation for Fall, with fresh new silhouettes and details from designers like Zac Posen, Elizabeth and James, and Marc Jacobs. Appliqué, plaids, and sleek flap-top shapes are some of the new ways we're loving the backpack this season.
Nylon backpack ($60)
Frye Chris Backpack ($458)
A.P.C. Clip Backpack ($250)
