If you’re looking to invest in a bag, now could be the time. From Chanel to Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton, this season classic bags reinterpreted in electrifying styles were sprawled across the runway. Read on to learn more about the top 10 bag trends for 2022 and get ahead of the season’s most coveted styles.
During the fashion week, designers showcased tons of unique, cult favorite styles on the runway. From drawstring bucket bags to more structured trunk bags, no matter what your aesthetic is, there’s a trend for everyone to slay in 2022. And the good news is that now that the fashion season is over, all of the trends from the runway are going to be making their way to your favorite stores and are ready for you to shop.
To make all of this information more digestible, here are the top 10 bag trends for 2022 to be aware of. Bookmark this page or text it to your group chat because everyone deserves to know about these must-have arm candies for 2022.
Top 10 Bag Trends For 2022
1. Artsy Tote Bags
I don’t know about you, but whenever I buy a new bag, no matter what size, I know I’ll have it completely filled up within a week. Medium-sized bags suit me perfectly, but some people lead a more hectic life and require bigger handbags that can contain practically everything they own.
The rise of the carry-everything-with-you trend last year is a nod to incorporate more and more totes into our lifestyle. These bags are stylish on the outside and spacious on the inside, with space for your laptop, antibacterial wipes, and whatever other work essentials you’ll need.
Though tote bags aren’t always a glamorous choice, these ever-popular bags are getting a modern update and have secured the #1 spot in the top 10 bag trends for 2022. With handcrafted techniques and luxurious materials, totes in fun prints and colors will be the classic go-to choice.
Trendy tote bag choices straight from the runway include bold art prints, exaggerated rectangles, and textures such as woven leather and puffer quilting. Therefore, if you are looking for a spacious bag, unstructured carryalls that can flop, fold, and slouch to form a more fluid shape are the way to go for 2022.
2. Bucket Bags
While you may associate the humble bucket bag with the mid-2010s, thanks to Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Versace, it has returned to our list of bag trends for 2022. Yet again, it proves itself to be a solid choice for the next year.
These bucket bags were a hit on the spring/summer catwalks, but their timeless shape can be worn effortlessly all year round.
Additionally, their functional size and silhouette are super user-friendly. Wide, round tops allow for easy access to your belongings. Also provides significantly more storage space than a typical mini shoulder bag. Furthermore, it is easier to search for your keys in a bucket bag than in an oversized tote’s never-ending black hole.
A variety of brands have also interpreted this trend with woven leather, unusual lantern shapes, and dramatically tied handles. If you’re one of those fashionistas who love retro and bohemian chic vibes, then this is a must-have arm candy for you to flaunt in 2022.
3. Trunk Inspired Bags
The trunk bag, a wide rectangular bag with suitcase-like clasps is another one of the bag trends for 2022. It represents both nostalgia and a desire to travel.
On their runways, designer brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Versace chose to feature vintage-inspired trunk bags. These were sprawled across the runway in a rectangular shape, signature prints in various shades of brown, black and bright colors. Another popular element in this trend is medium-sized trunk bags with colorful floral motifs.
Trunk bags strikes a great balance between luxury and function with their traditional rectangle design, patent-finished leather, and luggage-like detailing. This iconic silhouette is timeless and suitable for every occasion.
4. Bejeweled Bags
Your new night-out bag has just gotten a whole lot cuter. With dazzling embellishments, dramatic elements, and patterns with the tiny bag silhouette, 2022 is going to be flashy and gorgeous.
Recently, cult favorites Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton displayed a sequin, rhinestone, and beaded affair on their runway. Whether the bag is covered with holographic material or all-over rhinestones, 2022 is surely taking the disco-ball flair to the next level.
While these bedazzled purses are perfect for a night out, they don’t have to be limited to special occasions. You can also make this your everyday purse by dressing it down with OTT accessories.
Therefore, with more places to visit and plans to make, it’s time to dust off those statement bags and celebrate the long-awaited comeback with one of the season’s newest and finest bag trends. Whether they’re bright, beaded, or bedazzled, you can’t really go wrong with these bejeweled bags.
5. Scarlet Red Bags
Wondering which color you want your next bag to be? Do you want to make a statement? If you answered yes, go with scarlet red. This vibrant, attention-grabbing color will make you stand out will definitely compliment your fabulous outfit every time.
Throughout the fashion season, we saw numerous designers like Givenchy, Balmain, Prada portray their version of scarlet bags on the runway. From mini clutches to baguette bags, this shade of red looks fierce in every style.
Having said that, there’s no better time than today to invest in a red bag. Whether you are enjoying the coldest seasons of the year or the warm air that descends in spring. Fashionistas from all over the world are on their way to swap their black or neutral-colored handbags with a scarlet red bag to create a snazzy ensemble.
6. Half Moon & Hearts Bags
Though classic bag shapes will never go out of style, designers are constantly attempting to break free from the mold and showcase bags in new and distinctive shapes. Bag trends for 2022 are no exception, with some very sophisticated new styles like heart and half-moon-shaped bags.
When summer arrives, we strive for lightness, which is exactly where half-moon-shaped bags come in. Just slightly different from saddlebags, this style is best worn as a sling bag or clutch. As it can simply be crossed over your torso or tucked under your arm. The bag’s form allows you to pack your belongings snugly without weighing you down.
Whereas, the adorable silhouette of heart-shaped bags as seen on Moschino and Chanel runway is ideal for all the carefree days of our post-pandemic life that lies ahead.
Style up for a more dressed-up look or wear it in a more casual way. Either way, this bag trend for 2022 is a great choice for someone who doesn’t mind adding a bit of flair to their fashion style.
7. Pillow Bags
A little birdie told us that pillow bags might be the most comfortable bag trend for 2022. On the runway, fluffy and airy pillow-style bags were all over the place. Whether used as everyday totes at Balmain or mini hand-held bags as seen at Chanel. Whichever path you go, this is the most simple and uncomplicated bag trend for 2022.
For a more casual look, pair it with similar soft pieces that are perfect for running errands or going out. However, if you’re looking to bring some structure back into your outfit, straight jeans and a blazer with a soft, pillow purse would be the perfect pairing.
If your New Year’s resolution for 2022 is to get more sleep and look fashionable at the same time, pillow bags are the one fashion trend that can help you achieve your goals.
8. Statement Chain Straps
An über-cool bag with statement chain straps that doubles up as a bracelet is a stylish must-have just like a classic perfume and a basic white t-shirt. We are charmed with this bag trend for 2022 thanks to its shiny embellishment that never goes out of style.
Maybe it is the bag’s understated style that makes it so easy to incorporate into our purse rotation. Or, it could also be the sturdy chain that shows no signs of wear. Whatever the reason may be, the statement chain strap handbag is an accessory we can’t seem to put down.
As seen on the runways of luxury brands like Givenchy, Chanel, and Versace, the chain cascades like a heavy-duty bracelet-cum-knuckle duster. Additionally, the boxy silhouette doubles as a shoulder bag and a clutch.
Thanks to its chunky gold accent, this style is more than a bag, it is a piece of jewelry. Whichever color bag you choose, the gold chain embellishment will leave the onlookers with no choice but to drool over this bag style.
9. Metallic Bags
A new year calls for a new handbag and that’s why we love shopping at this time of the year. While each season provides its own set of trends, the 2022 focus is on sheeny-shiny. That’s right, it’s time to retire your basic black bags in favor of something gleaming (literally) and new.
Metallics in colors ranging from basic silver and gold to a punched-up bronze all made appearances on the runways for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, indicating that designers are ready to party. The best thing about metallics is that they never go out of style while still feeling iconic.
Bag trends for 2022 would be incomplete without these. Metallic bags in whatever shade will prove to be the ideal way to spice up even the drabbest of ensembles. Can’t seem to get out of your favourite pair of jeans and tee? Then a burnished bag could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
While the most versatile colors are silver, gold, and bronze, don’t be afraid to experiment with other metallic colors as well.
10. Structured Bags
For 2022, the big bags will be returning, and designers are choosing boxy, rectangular designs. These large bags are a nice break from the teeny-tiny purses we saw on the runway in the previous seasons.
The Moschino, Versace and Fendi collections included large, structural rectangular bags with cut-out top handles. One of our favorite structured bags for this season is Versace’s monogrammed fuchsia version.
We like these structured bags because not only it provides enough space to be useful, it also exudes a strong dose of minimalism to complement any aesthetic. Whether it’s a dark pantsuit or a tiny red dress, incorporating this bag can take your outfit a few notches up.
We’ve already traded our slides for stilettoes and convinced ourselves to fit into those skinny jeans again. But with these bag trends for 2022, we also plan to break out big, bold totes and cute shoulder bags. Because we are ready to take control of our dreams again (fashionably, of course!).
Which bag would you choose to pave your way glamorously into the new year? Let us know your favorite among these bag trends by commenting below and don’t forget to share with us your OOTD pictures by tagging us on IG @shilpaahujadotcom!
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Shoe Trends for 2022: 9 Shoe Styles to Wishlist Right Now
Akarshi is a Fashion Journalist at ShilpaAhuja.com. She has completed her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Amity University, Mumbai, and is originally from Mumbai itself. Prior to ShilpaAhuja.com, she worked with an e-commerce fashion brand where she interned as a fashion designer and also led the social media marketing team for the company. She loves fashion, blogging, sketching, baking, and traveling. When she’s not writing, she loves to read about astronomy.