I’m a Shopping Editor—I Recommend Avoiding These 6 Bag Trends and Buying These 6 Instead

Maybe it's predictable, but every year before spring hits, I like to do a little closet cleanout. I'm not saying I invented spring cleaning, but it's certainly an annual practice of mine. It's a moment to sit with my closet and see what needs updating, donating, or rediscovering. My bag rack always needs extra attention. As snow melts and the temperature rises, I've realized how weighed down I've been all winter by my oversized tote; I'm excited for the lightness and ease spring 2026 will bring. Just me, a clutch, and my Rhode Peptide Lip Tint on the town.

Thankfully, I work in fashion. I've got access to the best fashion insiders and style inspiration to help prepare me for the hottest spring bag trends of 2026. Spoiler: If you want your bag choice to feel fresh and new this year, look to the past. Vintage-inspired silhouettes are a top pick among the fashion set.

Looking to update your spring bag selection? I've put together a list of dated styles to avoid, and those to wear instead. Scroll on to see which dated bag trends made the list and the chic counterparts we're shopping.

Out: Sardine Motifs

In: Fruit Baskets

From sitting front row at NYFW to being used as a serving platter, I've spotted the Cult Gaia Grape Acrylic Clutch too many times to count. Food-theme accessories are always a common spring-summer trend. Last year, we saw the sardine and fish tin motifs. This time, the style set is looking to fresh produce as inspiration. Curious how to style this tactile still life? I recommend pairing it with a limited color palette and equally texturally intriguing pieces. Eyes should fall to the clutch. Questions should be asked: "Is that real?" And tummies should grumble. I expect this delicious spring 2026 bag trend to ripen and sweeten in the weeks to come.

Cult Gaia

Grape Acrylic Clutch Bag

JACQUEMUS

Poireau Fringed Textured-Leather Clutch

JW PEI

Elara Cherry Shaped Clutch

Out: Clunky Fastenings

In: Delicate Handlings

January 2026—fashion people swooned when the translucent Chanel Classic Flap walked the runway at the Chanel Haute Couture S/S 26 show. The airy construction, dainty chain, and hapasard confidence, sparked a demand for delicate handbags. Inspired by the romantic beauty of Matthieu Blazyabove, I scoured the market for similar pieces. My search resulted in the big three: sheers, sequins, and silks. Beaded embroidery, flirty feathers, and pretty bow detailing so sweet they're almost toothache-inducing.

ZARA

Sequin Mini Bucket Bag

SIMONE ROCHA

Bow-Detailed Leather and Chenille-Trimmed Vinyl Tote

Reformation

Valentina Mini Beaded Bag

Holiday 1 2025

Janie Feather Bag

Out: Zip-Tops

In: Vintage Closures

Likely driven by chic people's love of vintage sourcing, contemporary designers are producing more and more vintage-inspired silhouettes. Featuring kiss-lock closures and metal-frame constructions, the modern handbags resemble those hidden away in my grandmother's closet.

Reformation

Skye Mini Bag

Frances Valentine

Katherine Frame Leather Handbag

Coach

Kisslock Barrel Bag

Out: Crossbody Chaos

In: Top-Handle Ease

The Hermès Kelly, which remains one of the most coveted handbags among the fashion set, has a history of nearly 100 years. It achieved Hollywood sensation in the hands of Grace Kelly on the set of Alfred Hitchcock's film To Catch a Thief in 1955. Highly limited releases and an intense purchasing process make the Hermès Kelly not just a product of supreme craftsmanship but a lifetime achievement.

Don't worry, the top-handle ease can be found on plenty of chic handbags sans the Hermés insignia. I call it: The Kelly Effect. The elegance of the dispatch bag lies in its intuitive practicality. The structured top handle is easily accessible for the person on the go. The sleek, straight-line silhouette sits flush against the wearer, and the rectangular shape elevates any look, even a simple straight-leg jean and a white tee.

DeMellier

The Small Hudson

Toteme

Clip Polished-Leather Top Handle Cashew

VERAFIED

Espresso Suede Book Tote Bag 25

Out: Oversize Clutch

In: Drawstring Pouch

Following the vintage-inspired theme, the drawstring clutch is a prime example of how the 2020s take from the 1920s. It's wearable, highly ethereal, and never too posh. Though it might only hold the necessities (lip liner, loose Tic Tac, and debit card), you have the room's attention within your grasp.

Prada

Wish Silk Duchesse Pouch

ZARA

Sequin Ruched Bucket Bag

Reformation

Aphrodite Pleated Pouch

SOPHIE BUHAI

Teardrop Embellished Satin Drawstring Pouch

Out: Capacious Totes

In: Triangular Tubings

As seen on my IG feed and in NYFW street style, the East West bag is set to be a top trend for spring 2026. I'm not saying you can't indulge in a uicrislouy capcious clutch (say the new The Row Peddy Clutch), but I much prefer the slender look of its elongated counterpart. Bonus points if it comes to three points. The triangular silhouette looks best with a pair of straight-leg jeans, a boatneck top, and a metallic accent in the form of a collar necklace. I could also see it succeeding when worn with a poplin skirt and a TK.

VERAFIED

Silver Noir Éclair Bag

JW PEI

Mini Nova Baguette Shoulder Bag

St Agni

Minimal Pocket Bag

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders, and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Explore More:

Bags

Vintage