Suddenly, Everyone's Carrying Handbags in These Trending Colours

There are plenty of things to get excited about when a new season rolls around: updated routines, changing environments and, most thrillingly, fresh trends to sandwich into your existing—or in my case, overflowing—wardrobe. 

It seems to be widely acknowledged that autumn is a carnival for fashion enthusiasts. Perhaps it's that it is simply *impossible* to dislike knitwear, or maybe something in our physiological makeup draws us to the deep browns and warm red tones that traditionally make up the autumn palette.

This latter (completely unscientific) theory may be put to the test this year. Though classic hues are still welcomed, designers have gone all-out in the colour department for A/W 2022. From Valentino's Barbie pinks to Alexander McQueen's tangerine tones, "dopamine dressing" is in. If you're hesitant to embrace the rainbow wholeheartedly, take baby steps and start with the accessories. 

Looking at recent street style ensembles, I've noticed a particular range of colours slung over the arms of people who are clearly in the know. So, if you're going to invest in a new handbag this autumn, opt for one of these trending colours…

1. BRIGHT BLUE

Cerulean blue is key to livening up your autumn outfits, and wearing it in handbag form is a strong place to start—particularly if you're nervous about wearing bright colours. We're seeing it paired with black a lot, but creative dressers are also having some fun and teaming it with complementary clementine.

2. CHOCOLATE BROWN

Chocolate brown is the new black. This rich shade makes everything look more premium, and it works with pretty much every colour and palette—yes, even black. The dated idea that these two neutrals shouldn't be seen together has long been overruled.

3. APPLE GREEN

Moody hues are typically associated with autumn, but this time around it's all about vibrant and uplifting tones. This primary shade of green is super punchy paired with vivid orange, but it can also be inserted into an all-neutral look to zhuzh things up a bit.

4. HOT PINK

We see nods to the Barbiecore trend everywhere we turn. It might not be for everyone, but even the most minimal dressers can't deny that it's a whole lot of fun. If you want to dip your toes into the trend without going full-blown Barbie, a pink bag is a perfect way to do it.

5. COOL NEUTRALS

Putty shades are a nice contrast against the high-voltage hues we're seeing a lot of. Think cool-toned greys, pale beige and off-whites—in other words, the kind of tones that will never go out of style. Combine your new bag with a 2022-approved shape (crescent and supersized) and you've hit the trend jackpot.

6. METALLICS

If you hadn't already caught on, autumn/winter 2022 isn't taking itself too seriously. As a result, super-glitzy handbags have become acceptable for everyday wear. In fact, the shinier the better, as demonstrated at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Next: The 7 Boot Trends Everyone Is Eyeing Up for Autumn