The official verdict on spring/summer handbag trends for 2024 is in, and if your taste leans towards a blend of style and practicality, this season promises an array of fabulous bags tailored just for you.
When it came to the best designer bags on the runway, there was a feast for the eyes. From huge totes, capable of accommodating your every need to laidback bucket bags ideal for holidays or festivals. Designers have delivered what we all want - a chic means of transporting belongings from point A to B.
That’s not to say there weren’t some curveballs - welcome back micro bags that can’t hold more than a lipstick - but on the whole, the upcoming season unveils a collection of handbags that will undoubtedly become staples in our daily lives. If you're itching to embrace these handbag trends before the new year, you're in for a treat, as numerous must-have styles are already in the shops right now, the only decision left is which trend you'll be hopping on board with.
Spring/summer handbag trends 2024 - the key styles to note
While this spring/summer will see some unique handbag trends, many are classic styles that have been given a 2024 makeover, making them easier to slip into your existing capsule wardrobe. Stylist Lynnette Hecker, who also owns and runs Lovely's Vintage Emporium, says old styles will always come back into fashion.
“It is hard to reinvent or better the wheel and it is the same for handbags,” she says. “We now have so many classic styles that are still used and often re-issued that there is no need to come up with something entirely new.”
1. Double the fun
Mastered clothes layering? Now, you need to apply the same principle to your bag. Labels like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Coach, and Boss featured models with not one, but two. bags on the catwalk.
“I think it has already caught on in the real world,” says Lynnette. “Many of us are wearing a crossbody bag for our keys, phones, bank cards and lippie and carrying a large bag or rucksack for our tablets, gym kit and more."
While we can’t all go around layering two designer bags, Lynette’s advice for a polished look is to choose bags in matching or complementary shades, like pink and red or black and white.
RRP: £37 | If layering your bags seems like too much hassle, River Island has it sorted with this cute combo. The crossbody bag comes with a separate little pouch that can be clipped on in various positions. Stylish and handy for keeping your keys somewhere safe.
RRP: £159 | This simple tote is one of the best Michael Kors bags around. Not only is it timeless in style, but it’s roomy enough to pack all your essentials in. We love that the handles are long enough to sling over your shoulder, team with a smaller crossbody bag for a trending look.
RRP: £140 | Small enough to fit in all your essentials, this cute little satchel is the perfect accompaniment to larger bags. The off white shade also makes this very much one of our favourite quiet luxury handbags that can inject a touch of stealth wealth into any outfit.
2. See-through
Like the major spring/summer shoe trend for 2024, transparency is a must-have for handbags this spring/summer. Seen on the runway at the likes of Balmain, Armani, and Versace, models paired coloured or clear bags with everything from casual shorts to formal mini dresses.
“I love the idea of styling a see-through bag with a head-to-toe, one block, colourful or neutral outfit to really show it off,” says personal stylist Chantelle Znideric.
These bags aren't for the messy though as everything's on display. While Chantelle advises making this into a style statement, showing off bold notebooks or your best wallet, colour consultant and stylist Sandy Lancaster says a silk drawstring bag stashed inside your clear bag can be your saviour when organising your bag.
“I use one regardless of the type of handbag to move my essentials from bag to bag, so I never need to decant the contents and miss something when I'm changing my handbag,” she says.
RRP: £12.99 | For fun spring/summer handbag trends 2024 like this one, it’s not always worth splashing the cash. Choosing a transparent clutch is a great way to dip your toe into the trend, without having to commit too much. Super versatile, this bag will go with everything from your most flattering jumpsuit to a pretty evening dress, ideal for a summer wedding guest look.
RRP: £350 | Add a pop of colour to any outfit with one of these cute jelly bags. Jelly shoes were once the chosen flats of 90s kids and this material is injected into bags for the season ahead. Available in four pastel shades, they’re the perfect accompaniment for everything from denim outfits to floaty, alfresco dining summer looks, wear as a crossbody bag or con the wrist.
RRP: £160 | Influencer favourite Telfar has partnered with Melissa to introduce a holiday-ready iteration of its signature Shopper tote. Ideal for a travel capsule wardrobe, it's crafted from translucent Melfex material, this versatile bag has the added beauty of being water resistant, making it ideal for beachside getaways, just grab those sunnies and you're good to go.
3. Red hot
Some spring/summer handbag trends 2024 are more about the colour, as opposed to the shape, and one colour was still proving hot on the catwalk for next season.
“Red bags are here to stay for spring/summer 2024” says Chantelle, who says they’re a great way to dip your toe into the scarlet trend if you’re still unsure on how to wear red.
While some of the best Gucci bags were more of a berry shade, Bally and Chloe sent models down the runway toting cherry-coloured clutches and crossbody bags.
“I adore a pop of colour, so look to vibrant cherry tomato shades or deeper, richer tones, depending on your vibe," says Chantelle.
RRP: £395 | The Natasha bag is one of Kate Middleton’s favourite designer clutch bags - and we can see why. It’s simple enough to go with everything in your wardrobe and the ‘Candy’ red shade will take you from festive shindigs to summer weddings.
RRP: £55 | The best crossbody bag will be big enough to fit your essentials in but not so big it feels arduous wearing it. The structured feel of this one makes it smart enough for more formal occasions but also great for running errands at the weekend.
RRP: £105 | A vegan bag that doesn’t compromise on style can be tricky to find but this simple one makes it one of the best tote bags we’ve seen. It’s roomy enough to carry all your working day essentials but also stylish enough to want to tote around every day.
4. Larger than life
The oversized tote bag trend is going nowhere and this season it moved into a new, slouchy direction. Victoria Beckham showed super slouchy totes in bright blue and red, while Spanish clothing brand Loewe sent models down the runway with their XL muted bags worn over the shoulder.
“Large tote bags are versatile and practical, allowing you to carry all your essentials while still making a stylish statement,” says Sandy, who advises styling them with more streamlined clothing to balance out the bulk of the bag.
“If your tote bag has a smooth or sleek texture, try incorporating some contrasting textures into your outfit,” she suggests. “Chunky knit sweaters, faux fur jackets, or leather details can add depth and interest to your overall look.”
RRP: £128 | Made from soft nappa leather, this slouchy bag is the perfect spring/summer accessory. It’s so big you’ll be able to carry your whole life around in this beauty, while the laidback shape pairs well with jeans and your best white trainers or ballet flats.
RRP: £35 | A simple black bag like this one is essential if you’re looking to build a capsule wardrobe. The size means it can be used for a myriad of occasions - from weekends away to work - and the simple styling allows it to go with pretty much every outfit.
RRP: £250 | Marc Jacobs’ self-titled tote is one of the more affordable designer bags around, especially if you plump for the canvas iteration. Choose one in a light, neutral colour for the perfect addition to your spring/summer wardrobe.
5. Ultra mini
As mini bags dwindle in size and become micro mini this year, we’re questioning their practicality. Seen at various shows from Fendi to Staud, these pint-sized purses push the boundaries of functionality, surpassing even last season's minuscule counterparts.
Whether you wear these across your body or carry them, Lynette suggests, due to their size, you leave these micro lovelies for fun times only, for when you really only need your lippy and keys (you may need to carry your phone).
“Choose sparkly ones for parties or leather for festivals,” she says.
RRP: £49 | While wearing your handbag as a necklace may not be a big jewellery trend, this super cute mini version of JW Pei’s popular Gabbi bag has been fashioned to wear around your neck, cross body or even carried, it depicts the micro mini trend perfectly.
RRP: £395 | The Alexa is one of the most iconic and best Mulberry bags around and now you can enjoy it in a teeny form. While it might not be the best designer bag for work, it’s perfect for your cards and a lippie for evenings out or summer festivals.
RRP: £55 | This is one of those bags we can imagine as part of a Sex And The City outfit - impractical but oh so on trend. Whether you strap it across your body or use the chain to carry around, it will provide a great pop of colour to any spring/summer outfit.
6. Bucket list
Thankfully, next season is also bringing practical spring/summer handbag trends for 2024 – and you can’t get more functional than a bucket bag. Shaped like a bucket with a drawstring closure, this style was one of the original and best Louis Vuitton bags, created by the French designer company in 1932 as a way of transporting champagne bottles.
Miu Miu, Stella McCartney and Ferragamo all sent their take on this classic bag down the runways – bigger than perhaps previous incarnations – and it’s a style that’s easy to incorporate into any outfit.
“For a cool yet casual look, style your bucket bag with loose wide leg or straight leg blue jeans, a simple white tee or a slightly oversized shirt,” suggests Chantelle.
“Alternatively, team your bag with a chic trouser suit to achieve an effortlessly stylish look to carry you into the office.”
RRP: £50 | With brown being the colour of the current season, this bucket bag means you can tote it around now and still be stylish in 2024. The suede makes it ideal for more casual outfits and is the perfect finishing touch for any brown boot outfits too.
RRP: £335 | While oversized bucket bags reigned supreme on the catwalk, mini bucket bags work perfectly for events or for a night out. Choose one in a scarlet shade as an easy way to add red to your spring/summer wardrobe and start with a bang.
RRP: £23.99 | If you’re watching the pennies but still want a bag that looks designer, this one by New Look is a great investment. The embossed fabric belies the bargain price and will work well with any smart casual outfit ideas, we love the gold hardware too.
7. All the pockets
As cargo pants continue to dominate, especially when it comes to denim trends for 2024, it’s no surprise that bags are now also featuring extra pockets.
“This practical bag with pockets and compartments will come in all shapes, sizes, and slickness,” predicts Chantelle.
“With a desire to simplify our accessories - or perhaps this is just me - it is clearly a sign of the times as to why this everyday bag is so popular, reflecting our changing lifestyles.”
Simone Rocha demonstrated that this practical trend can also be feminine, incorporating bows, ribbons, and crystal adornments into her cargo bags.
RRP: £38 | Just like when it comes to how to style cargo pants, the cargo bag can be dressed up or down, especially if you choose a minimal style like this one. Dressed up with a blazer and slip dress, the mix of glam with utility makes the perfect pairing.
RRP: £99 | With plenty of pockets to put all your must-haves - from lipsticks to keys - this cargo bag is practical with a capital P. Sling it over your shoulder, carry it around with the top handle or make like a catwalk model and carry it underarm.
RRP: £550 | The beauty of this handbag trend is that not only do the extra pockets make it one of the best best weekend bag, but it's ideal for work too. This cargo tote even comes with labelled pockets, including stationary, glasses, first aid and earphones.
8. Chain reaction
Metal hardware stole the spotlight on the spring/summer catwalks, from Valentino's chunky chain handles to Rabanne's bags crafted entirely from sparkly chains. While not a revolutionary handbag trend for 2024, it boasts timeless appeal.
“Chain handles add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bag," notes Sandy.
“This timeless appeal resonates with style-conscious individuals who appreciate classic and enduring style elements and are less concerned with the latest trends and fads. They want to invest in a piece that will stand the test of time and still look great.”
Although it's a modern trend set to dominate the high street, Sandy emphasises that classic, vintage handbags can effortlessly embrace this trend.
"Explore websites like Vestiaire Collective and Hardly Ever Worn it for a classic bag that will take you to many events," she suggests.
RRP: £245 | Go big or go home with this bag, which brings a whole new meaning to a chunky chain. One of the best evening bags, it's versatile enough to pair with lots of outfits, but also has an eye-catching feature to make you stand out from the crowd.
RRP: £18.99 | You don’t need to spend the earth to buy into the major handbag trends 2024 - as this H&M bag proves. And it’s a double trend ticker - red with a statement chain, so you get more for your cash. Style it with numerous outfits from long skirts to baggy jeans.
RRP: £85 | As hybrid work becomes more commonplace, a good work bag is essential. But you don’t need to tote a briefcase or backpack to be professional. This one is perfect for your 9-5 - it’s a good size and the pleated details give it interest, making it look more expensive than it is.
What are the spring/summer handbag colour trends for 2024?
Red is going nowhere fast for spring/summer, says Lynette.
“In times of economic strife the fashion for all things red always pops up. Sales of red lipstick increase, nail bars get more requests for red polish and designers always showcase red dresses and bags.”
She suggests styling red bags with cream or white outfits: “The contrast will make a stylish pop,” she says.
If bolds aren’t your thing, Sandy believes more natural shades will also reign supreme with the handbag trends in 2024.
“Colour trends seem to lean towards a more natural spectrum, as indicated by early insights from Pantone,” she says. “Expect shades like pistachio and mossy greens, alongside powdery and navy blues, to take centre stage.”
What bags are in for 2024?
There’s a variety of bags to suit every taste for next year. From large, slouchy totes to handbags with lots of pockets, practicality was at the forefront, however, there’s still plenty of opportunity to have fun with your hand luggage. See-through, micro-mini and uber large chains all added modern touches to classic designs.
As these spring/summer handbag trends 2024 show, there’s enough choice to see you through many occasions over the coming year, whether that’s toting around your laptop for work or pairing with your most comfortable jeans for a day out shopping.
Chantelle Znideric is an award-winning personal stylist and shopper for successful female leaders experiencing the menopause. She is passionate about helping women rediscover their style and confidence, while building a capsule wardrobe they love for their lifestyle.
Fashion journalist and stylist Lynnette Hecker owns Lovely’s Vintage Emporium, a a vintage and preloved website, which won the 'UKs Best Vintage Fashion and Accessories Website' at The National Vintage Awards. Handbags are an obsession for Lynnette - in the ‘90s, she was all about the Nylon Prada bag, in the ‘00s she was gifted a Chanel grey jersey classic bag and in recent years, she has bought, sold (and kept) various 1970s Gucci bags.
