Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Eve Dawes
What handbags are in style for 2026? Here’s what was seen the most on the runways & fashion editor picks
Trending bags and the handbag trends for 2026 are elegant, structured and more practical than the micro handbag trends of the past couple of years. They’re an easy way to update your 2026 wardrobe. These trending handbags are the ones I see the most often on Vogue, fashion blogs and influencers. It’s not just the runway shows that are shaping the popular handbag trends of 2026 but also TV shows and the ethical and sustainable movement that’s influencing some our bag shopping habits. Designer handbag trends 2026 like XXL oversized totes and East meets West bag iterations continue from Fall and the trending styles for the new year include classics like top handle bags bags, the Lady Dior, woven styles and bowling bags. It doesn’t have to mean buying something new but even bringing out an old style that you might have tucked away. However, if you like to change it up every season or year, there are also lots of chic trendy bags in this best purses 2026 edit. Keep scrolling for the top 2026 bag trends and handbag color trends 2026 to know.
This best purses 2026 post contains affiliate links.
The biggest handbag trends of 2026
A lot of this years bag trends were last years bag trends too which means no need to do a complete purse shelf overhaul. If you’re looking for a new piece to update your look this season, these are hottest purse trends for 2026 to have fun with this year that are shaping up to be the most popular handbags for 2026.
- Suede bags.
- Cobalt blue bags.
- Shoulder bags.
- Oversized XXL bags.
- Top handle bags.
- East meets West clutches.
- Ethical and sustainable brands and bags.
- Drawstring bucket bags.
- 00’s bags reimagined for 2026.
- Chain-handle bags.
Best purses, trending bags & handbag color trends for 2026
If you’re wondering what purses are in style for 2026 and what the trending bags and color trends are, these are the most seen on the runways and celebrities. A lot of these handbags are preorder so you can be the first to get your hands on them.
Shop the trending bags of 2026
The designer handbag trends 2026 are stunning but I’ve also included luxe for less versions that are more friendly on the credit card. As well as quiet luxury bag brands to embrace the stealth wealth fashion aesthetic and buzzword of the year!
Shop the IT bags of 2026
From designer to luxe for less, these are the hottest handbags of the year. If you don’t want to buy, you can always rent designer purses which is a more economical and eco-conscious way to go. Use code DawesEve22J at checkout for $50 purchase credit.
1. Trending bags 2026 – Suede bags
It’s not just clothing that’s got the soft suede makeover this year but suede bags are also one of the biggest handbag trends for 2026. If metallic bags were the bag trend last year, this year it’s all about soft, luxe, slouchy suede.
They’re an easy way to bring your outfit to life and are in keeping with the feminine fashion vibe this years bringing. As seen at Miu Miu, JW Anderson and Toteme Spring 2026.
Style this trending bag for 2026 with everything from jeans to boho summer dresses and cocktail dresses, just don’t forget a heavy dose of suede protector first.
From designer handbag trends 2026 to luxe for less styles, the styles above are the best purses to nail the suede handbag trend for 2026. The DeMellier brown suede tote bag might be the most stunning, practical and versatile designer handbag trend of 2026 bag but there’s lots of more affordable luxe for less versions around.
2. 2026 handbag color trend – Cobalt Blue
Move over brown! Cobalt blue is in style for 2026 in a major way from makeup to fashion. It came down the Spring Summer 2026 runways in all iterations from shoulder bags to tote bags.
If you’re not a fan of blue, other handbag color trends for 2026 include pink, red, cloud dancer, and if you’re doing quiet luxury, neutrals will always be in style.
3. Handbag trends 2026 – Shoulder bags
Shoulder bags have been everywhere at fashion shows for the last few years and are set to stay in style for 2026. Feminine shoulder bags were seen at so many of the 2026 fashion shows. It doesn’t matter with this 2026 bag trend if they’re slouchy or structured, boxy or round, logo or non -logo. They’re all in style and just because it has a shoulder strap doesn’t mean you just have to wear them on your shoulder.
As seen at Gucci, Alaïa and The Row. Bonus points for creating a monochromatic look with is as seen at Balmain and Hermès or going for details like gold handles as seen at Bally.
4. Trending bags: Size up with oversized Bags
This bag trend is still going for 2026 and I’m thankful for it as my bags always seem to be bulging. The oversized bag trends for 2026 are both structured and unstructured as seen at The Row, Ferragamo, Prada, Miu Miu and Balenciaga 2025 runway shows.
After years of impractical micro bags, the large bag trend is one trend I can get behind for daily life and everyday use that means no more overstuffed bag.
Whether it’s an oversized bag tucked under your arm or a shoulder bag, this practical bag trend can stick around as long as it wants to. Which is why it’ll probably continue to be one of the most popular handbag trends for 2026. If you’re looking for a designer bag, have a look at the Prada Bonnie extra-large leather handbag as seen on Bella Hadid, which I think is a steal for under $4000. If you don’t want to splash on a designer bag, check out the luxe for less leather totes by Radley London.
5. Classic style top handle bags
Top handle bags will always be a classic but this year they’re a trend again and one of the most popular handbags for 2026. They came in all sizes on the runways from Miu Miu to Louis Vuitton but it’s elongated bowling bags and archival bags we’re seeing the most in recent seasons.
So break out your classics from the Noughties or invest in something new. It doesn’t have to be rectangular or square, there are lots of other iterations around this year to play with this bag trend from mini to medium in all colors. Khaite, Hermes and The Row have some of the most trending bags this year to rock this handbag trend.
If you’re unsure what style of bag to invest in and want to splurge, classic top handles will always be in style and are one of the designer handbag trends of 2026 worth splurging on.
6. Trending Bags 2026: East meets West & Envelope Clutches
Long rectangular bags AKA East meets West clutches and envelope clutches are still in style for 2026. As seen at Max Mara, Tom Ford and Chloé Spring/Summer runway shows. Think more business and daytime such as Bottega Veneta’s woven leather version or Dries Van Noten’s denim envelope bag and less evening glam sequin iterations.
Structured, solid box clutches with and without chains in black, gold, red, white and green were seen at Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and Khaite.
7. Ethical and sustainable bags and brands
Ethical and sustainable brands like Atelier Madre are becoming more and more sought after and some of the most popular handbags for 2026. So although this isn’t a specific handbag trend for 2026, it is a trending way of shopping. Some of the best purses for 2026 just happen to be vegan and brands like Stella McCartney and Public Goods are great for finding sustainable and vegan leather alternatives.
8. Trending bags 2026: Drawstring bucket bags
Drawstring bucket bags in all sizes, materials, and held however you want are in style for 2026. From nano to XXL, drawstring pouches and bucket bags were seen everywhere from Loewe to Miu Miu and Toteme. Although my favorite might be the Valentino Mini VLOGO Leather Drawstring Bag in ivory on sale, or the classic Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bag.
Whether it’s neutral tones or something colorful, they make the cutest addition to your 2026 wardrobe.
9. 2026 handbag trend 2026: 00’s bags reimagined
If you loved the early 00’s bags, you’re in luck as they’re back in style for 2026 but reworked. Think the 2.55 Chanel flap bag, Jonathan Anderson’s bow trimmed Lady Dior, Balenciaga new Le City bags, Celine New Luggage (Phantom), or Chloé Paddington bag which all definitely count as trendy bags for 2026.
For practicality and sustainability, dig one of your classics out of hiding or shop pre-loved styles. For the most on trend looks,maybe stick to the shorter to mid length styles. They’re one of those bags that always make a statement and are perfect for Spring/Summer 2026. So if crystal bags aren’t your thing, you can still bring the drama with a fringe bag.
10. Chain handle and strap handbag trend 2026
Chain handles, straps and accents are very much back in style and a major 2026 purse trend. So if you’re looking for a new trending bag for summer consider one of these.
Chain handle bags are a classic but edgy, fresh, and perfect for everyday. If you’re into fashion at all you can’t have failed to have noticed this handbag trend.
Which purses are out and which purses are in style 2026
If you’re wondering which styles in your closet to put in their dust bags for this season and which to take out and about this year these are some of the styles that are out and the trending bag styles and purses that are in style for 2026.
Are top handle bags in style 2026?
Yes, absolutely! Some of the best purses that are in style for 2026 are top handle bags. They were at all of the 2026 runway shows from Versace to Chanel to Rokh and influencers like Leonie Hanne and In The Frow are always carrying them. They’re a classic style that never really goes out of fashion but are most definitely in fashion for 2026.
However, if yours has been gathering dust or you were thinking of buying one, now’s the time to bring it back out or go get the one you’ve had your eye on as they’re most definitely in.
What bags are staying on or coming back into rotation in 2026
Since top handles are in those will definitely be staying in rotation. I purchased the pink Versace Medusa bag as soon as it came out in Fall ’21 and am still going to keep wearing it in 2026 along with my top handle medium Lady Dior bag and brown leather woven bag.
I’m also bringing back out my gold studded Christian Louboutin bag that hasn’t seen daylight in a few years since metallics and studs are back in style.
Are bucket bags in style 2026?
They’re on pretty much all fashion editors bag trends lists for 2026. The last time I saw them on a runway was Dior’s fashion show back in June 2022 but they were all over the streets and runways at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, especially drawstring pouch styles. However, while they’re in for 2026, I’m not sure how much they’ll stick around going into the next year since they’ve already been around for a while.
What are the handbag color trends 2026
The handbag color trends for 2026 are bright or neutral! Some of the most popular handbag colors for this year are burgundy, pink, lavender, blue, all shades of green, browns, whites and black. As seen at Balmain, Loewe, Valentino, Ferragamo and Giambattista Valli Spring/Summer Paris Fashion Week to name a few.
More daily fashion and style inspo
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More bags from classic to trending styles
From more of the best purses for 2026 trending now to classic investment pieces, check out these bags and reviews.
