Nothing makes an outfit pop like a purse with pizazz. With a plethora of styles to accommodate every taste - and prices to suit every budget - handbags are more popular than ever. Each unique individual deserves a unique handbag that caters to their taste. Countless options are available for purchase, but how does one begin? Let's begin with some of the most popular purse categories. These include popular handbag styles, popular handbag materials and patterns, and popular handbag brands. Remember, what's popular isn't always in accordance with one's personal style. That's the beauty of contemporary fashion. Shop to suit your needs. The following categories are meant to guide and inform those who are looking to expand their handbag world.
Popular Handbag Styles
As far as popular handbag styles go, there are two basic options- classic and trendy. Classic handbags are those that never go out of style whereas trendy ones may ebb and flow in popularity. In short, a classic handbag works with every season, and a trendier piece may be dated.
One classic handbag enjoying universal popularity is the tote style. Whether it's an actual canvas tote or just a large purse with lots of storage space is entirely up to you. Oftentimes, these are referred to as "kitchen sink" purses- as in they contain everything except the kitchen sink!
While a tote may be best for lots of storage space, there are tons of other styles from which to choose. Larger handbags that are not totes can be either slouchy or structured. A structured handbag refers to one that will sit upright if placed on the ground as opposed to one that does not hold a shape.
The clutch is also coming back. Nothing jazzes up a LBD like a sleek clutch in a vivid color. Tiny purses- those that resemble a coin purse- are coming back in style Be sure to determine how you want to carry your handbag. Do you want to carry it on your shoulder? Across your body? By hand? Every purse is different and not all have adjustable or removable straps.
What's trendy right now can be summarized in a word: bright. After a global pandemic where everyone was stuck indoors, bold, vibrant colors are everywhere. 'More is more' describes post-quarantine fashion. Let your handbag get you noticed.
Popular Handbag Materials and Patterns
Most often handbags are associated with leather. Indeed, many purses and bags are made of leather and it's often considered the gold standard. Leather comes from animals and can get rather pricey.
However, as consumers demand sustainable and cruelty-free products, vegan leather is most definitely having a moment. It looks like the real thing and is 3x - 5x cheaper to produce. What's not to love?
Other popular handbag materials include canvas, denim, straw, and nylon. Be mindful of the function of your bag when selecting a material. You want something sturdy that won't get ruined with use. If you know things may get messy, opt for a washable material.
Popular Handbag Brands
Flip through the pages of Elle, Vogue, or Vanity Fair and prominent fashion magazines and you'll see the same companies advertising their handbags and other wares. These 15 popular brands consistently rank amongst the most coveted handbags. And with good reason- they all offer classic, timeless pieces that will never go out of style.
- Hermès
- Louis Vuitton
- Chanel
- Prada
- Dior
- Fendi
- Coach
- Michael Kors
- Gucci
- Chloe
- Marc Jacobs
- Valentino
- Versace
- Balenciaga
- Givenchy
A designer handbag comes with a designer price tag. It is a financial investment that should last you years to come. Choose wisely. If a luxury handbag is not in your price range, fear not. There are plenty of websites dedicated to finding affordable alternatives to high fashion. Some companies even pride themselves on making cheap (or at least not nearly as expensive!) designer knockoff purses.