2023 Bag Trends: The Ultimate Guide to the Year’s Hottest Handbags

From oversized totes to glitzy embellishments, explore the biggest handbag trends defining 2023 fashion.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 2, 2025

From oversized totes to glitzy embellishments, explore the biggest handbag trends defining 2023 fashion.

The handbag has long been more than a mere accessory; in 2023, it’s a centerpiece of personal style, signaling everything from practicality to playful self-expression. This year’s collections have shown off radical reinventions of classic shapes, a fearless embrace of unconventional materials, and statement-making embellishments. Whether you lean toward maximalism or utility, here’s your all-inclusive guide to the paramount bag trends of 2023.

Oversized (Like, Really, Really)
Embellished Everywhere
Top Handles Galore
Quirky and Fun Shapes
Soft and Fuzzy
Studs and Metal Details
Throwback Nostalgia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Oversized (Like, Really, Really)

The oversized tote has taken center stage, injecting both functionality and drama into everyday dressing. Designers have responded to a resurgence of ultra-practicality, delivering bags large enough for modern life’s demands: think laptops, water bottles, gym shoes—maybe even a small dog!

Runway Impact: The notorious ludicrously capacious bag soared into the cultural lexicon, popularized everywhere from high fashion to TikTok sketches.
Styling Tip: Let your tote take the spotlight by pairing it with simple separates, or embrace the layer-on-layer look with voluminous coats for maximum effect.
Notable Designers: From Marc Jacobs’s signature tote silhouette to Ganni’s playful graphics and Cuyana’s minimalist staples, there’s a statement size for every personality.

What sets this trend apart? A blend of comfort, convenience, and chic—the more your bag can carry, the better. No more choosing between your tablet or water bottle; with this trend, you carry both (and then some) in style.

Embellished Everywhere

Shine, sparkle, and shimmer dominated bag design in 2023. Think lustrous rhinestones, intricate beading, metallic hardware, and even crystallized logos—the mantra is clear: if it catches the light, it’s in.

Celebrity Influence: Icons like Rihanna have championed the trend, leading designers to craft purses that move from day to night seamlessly.
Key Features: Dazzling embellishments, embroidered surfaces, and bags that read more like jewelry than just accessories.
Shape Matters: Embellished styles aren’t married to one shape—mini trunks, buckets, clutches, and top-handles all get in on the sparkle.

Styling Suggestion: Pair your embellished bag with understated garments to let it shine, or double down with metallic shoes and statement jewelry for a full-glam moment.

Top Handles Galore

Top-handle bags exude sophistication, timelessness, and a subtly retro energy. This year, the variety of top-handles expanded dramatically—think playful novelty shapes, sparkling finishes, and classic ladylike silhouettes.

Why the Hype: This style is easy to dress up or down and ergonomic to carry. It’s the perfect bridge between elegance and modernity.
Design Diversity: Choose sleek leather for professional events, crystal bows for parties, or logo-plastered statement pieces for trend-forward looks.

Inspiration: Channel royal energy by holding your bag in the crook of your arm, or swap out for a crossbody strap for hands-free functionality.

Quirky and Fun Shapes

The year isn’t just about reinvigorating classics—playful, unconventional bag shapes lit up runways and street style alike. Designers delighted in experimenting with clever silhouettes, geometric angles, and sculptural designs that turn purses into wearable art.

Shape Stories: Cubes, circles, cylinders, hearts, and even bag-in-bag or “meta” designs made appearances.
Visual Impact: Angularity, exaggerated proportions, and architectural influences contributed a sense of fun and irreverence to everyday style.

These pieces double as conversation starters—don’t be surprised if you’re asked where you got your bag at every outing.

Soft and Fuzzy

Plush, pettable textures have found a new home in handbags. Faux fur, shearling, and sherpa bags are as comforting as they are fashionable, inviting touch and sparking joy.

Sensory Appeal: The tactile nature of fuzzy bags makes them irresistibly playful.
Color Stories: Neutrals ground the trend for everyday versatility, but don’t shy away from statement hues—think bold blues or candy pinks that pop.
Best Season: While ideal for colder months, fuzzy bags have transcended seasonality, often appearing even in spring and summer collections.

Pair with equally soft fabrics like knits and cashmere for a textural feast, or clash with patent leather for an edgy twist.

Studs and Metal Details

Studs, grommets, and heavy-duty hardware cement the bag’s role as a vehicle for attitude. 2023 marks a return to grunge and punk-influenced detailing—think chunky metal, chain straps, and industrial flourishes.

Design Focus: Expect everything from subtle metallic accents to full-on studded surfaces.
Trend Influence: These elements bring a rock-and-roll edge to any outfit and pair especially well with leather jackets, denim, or tough boots.
Balance: Contrast hard details with feminine silhouettes or gentle fabric textures for a fresh take.

Throwback Nostalgia

There’s no denying that 2023’s bag trends are steeped in nostalgia. Designers revisited and reinvented old-school shapes, logos, and colors, blending ’90s minimalism with Y2K maximalism for bags that feel comfortingly familiar—but also brand new.

Popular Throwbacks: Saddle bags, shoulder bags, and baguettes have all seen a renaissance, while archival logos and monograms gained fresh visibility.
Color Palettes: Expect a resurgence of poppy pastels, jelly bag hues, and even retro patchwork.
Sustainability Move: Vintage bags and upcycled materials are also trending, as conscious consumerism influences shopping choices.

For a nod to fashion history, pair a retro mini-bag with current trends like oversized blazers or loose denim.

Bags to Watch: A 2023 Trend Comparison Table

Trend	Main Features	Vibe	Best For
Oversized Totes	Spacious, statement, practical	Everyday, errand-running	Office, travel, busy days
Embellished Bags	Crystals, beads, shimmer	Glam, evening	Parties, special events
Top Handles	Classic, chic, versatile	Elegant, polished	Day-to-night, work
Quirky Shapes	Geometric, playful, unconventional	Edgy, artistic	Fashion-forward outings
Soft & Fuzzy	Faux fur, sherpa, plush	Cozy, tactile	Casual, statement dressing
Studded/Metal	Grommets, chains, hardware	Punk, grunge	Concerts, edgy looks
Nostalgic Throwbacks	Vintage silhouettes, logos	Retro, playful	Y2K, 90s-inspired outfits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the number one bag trend for 2023?

A: Oversized totes have dominated both runways and street style, offering practical carrying capacity while doubling as statement pieces.

Q: Are embellished handbags practical for everyday use?

A: While typically associated with eveningwear, recent designs offer more durable embellishments, making certain styles suitable for day-to-night wear when paired with simpler outfits.

Q: How do I style a top-handle bag to avoid looking dated?

A: Pair classic top-handle shapes with contemporary silhouettes—like wide-leg pants or oversized suiting—for a look that’s both timeless and current.

Q: Are fuzzy bags just for winter?

A: Although fuzzy textures feel cozy, many designers have introduced lighter styles and bright colors suited for warm months, so don’t hesitate to use them year-round.

Q: Which nostalgic bag trends are making a comeback?

A: Baguette bags, saddle bags, and mini-shoulder purses with archival logos are all enjoying renewed popularity, especially among Gen Z and Millennial trendsetters.

Q: What colors are trending in 2023 bags?

A: Beyond classic neutrals, statement metallics, vibrant pastels, and playful primary colors are all in the spotlight, letting individuals customize their style statements.

Final Style Tips for 2023’s Bag Trends

Let the bag set the tone—start with your bag, then build your outfit around it for a trend-forward look.
Mix and match textures, sizes, and embellishments to add depth and dimension to your outfit.
Invest in one or two timeless shapes (like a top-handle or a practical tote), then choose a playful statement piece for special occasions.
Don’t be afraid of color or unconventional shapes this year—2023 is about making your own rules and expressing your personality boldly.

Blending function, luxury, creativity, and a dash of nostalgic fun, 2023’s handbags aren’t just accessories—they’re self-expression in motion.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete