Handbags are accessories that have baffled straight men ever since they came into existence. “But why?”, I can hear confounded men ask, “Do you need a bag when you have pockets?” The answer to that question is simple: WE DON’T. Handbags evolved as a response to a lack of pockets in women’s clothing. Only kidding! But we do want more pockets, seriously. “But why,” I can hear more men ask, “do you need such a big handbag?” or another popular question; “But why do you need more than one?” The answers, once again, are straightforward: to carry around sunglasses and cell phones and the book that you read on the bus and the candy that comes with the check at restaurants.
Obviously, we need more than one handbag because they’re pretty. Handbags were functional, practical items for a long time. Over time, the humble handbag evolved into many forms, some of them meant to carry a load, and others simply meant to hold a credit card, lipstick, and the ability to enhance any outfit. Clutches, satchels, shoulder bags, bucket bags, evening bags, leather, pleather, crochet. The world of handbags is wide and deep, just like my bag of choice. Women’s bags say a lot about them: I’m practical, I’m staying the weekend, I’m fabulous. The trends sweeping the runways in 2022 reflect every aspect of a wide range of handbags suited to a wide range of personalities, so let’s take a look!
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The Bucket Bag
This versatile gem of a bag has been with us for quite some time now in different forms: solid chunky, blanket stitched versions as seen on the runway by Chloe Soft, snakeskin versions with a long smooth strap as seen on the Tory Burch runway. Matte, simple, hard-bottomed versions as seen on the Michael Kors runway. There’s a bucket bag for every taste and occasion: if you’re heading out for the evening, you may want to consider a smaller version, but if you’re running to work, you may need one that can hold a sweater.
The Clutch
The clutch, for me, is an “occasional only” bag, but I know many women who manage to function with nothing but a clutch every day. A literal “hand bag”, the clutch also comes in many forms: envelope, boxy, quilted, round, with a hand strap, without a hand strap. One thing is common among all clutches, though: they don’t hold a lot, so choose carefully. Hermes is showing simple, artistic clutches this season, thankfully mostly with straps. Chanel’s most recent offering is a quilted (but of course) black makeup case-shaped clutch, with a wrist strap for dangling artfully in front of non-Chanel-owning women’s faces. Loewe is embracing spring with a lavender-hued, silver embellished creation that calls to mind gardens bursting into bloom.
Crochet
Whoever said that macrame and crochet died in the seventies clearly needs to get their prescription checked. Crochet, in particular, is back as we step into spring. The wonderful thing about the crochet trend is that there are absolutely no limitations on size, shape, or color, so it’s a very inclusive trend. Chloe is currently showing a multi-hued, scalloped shoulder bag that could take you from class to the beach. Ana Sui, like many other designers, is presently embracing color and florals (yes, for spring) and is stepping into a playful season with a green crochet bucket bag adorned with crochet flowers in various colors.
Oversized
Nothing says 2022 like an enormous tote. The classic shapes that we’ve seen for the last few seasons are sticking with us through 2022: Chanel is doing a huge, minimalist tote emblazoned with only the Chanel logo. Vuitton’s latest offering takes us back to Y2K: a laptop or messenger style bag with a utilitarian feel. Kate Spade is here with the houndstooth with a hand carry only tote big enough for all your secrets.
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The Briefcase
While the definition of a briefcase is wide here, we’re seeing a lot of “workwear” inspired, stiff shoulder, and carry bags this season. Think of a bag that can hold your laptop or tablet and diary but also fit in smoothly at a trendy bar for after-work drinks. Most of what’s on the runway at the moment are in the classic Birkin bag mold: Dior is showing a gorgeous white number that your gran might have worn on her arm around town back in the 60s. Coach is embracing spring with an apple green number harkening back to the snap-close clutches of yesteryear. Prada is all function but no less stylish for it with a postbox red creation.
Wrap Up
Whichever one of these trends grabs your attention, make it your own! Embrace what’s trending in a way that makes sense for your style and your pocket, and enjoy what you wear. Whether it’s bright, intricate, simple, elegant, or classic, work with what works for you.
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