You Need to See These 6 Chic Ways to Style This Season's It Bag

Every season, without fail, there's a handbag that becomes so popular among editors, celebrities, and fashion influencers alike that it receives It-bag status. For fall and winter 2020, my money (and apparently that of so many of the fashion people I follow on Instagram) is on Balmain's 1945 bag. I love so many things about this statement accessory, including the very on-trend gold-colored chain-link strap, the ultra-wearable black-and-white color scheme, and the iconic jacquard print from the Balmain archives that's been beautifully reinvented for the modern woman. There's also the versatility factor at play here, which is so important when deciding to invest in a luxury handbag. This fabulously oversize style can be worn in three ways—as a shoulder bag, a clutch, or opened up as a top-handle tote—making it the perfect accessory to style with just about any outfit for many seasons to come.

If you're in NY, you can also shop the bag IRL at Balmain's brand new Madison Avenue flagship store. (Trust me: It's very much worth a visit). Oh, and in the meantime, I recommend you peruse some of the really chic fall outfits I've already spotted featuring the heritage brand's in-the-know bag. I guarantee you'll need no further proof after seeing these six chic looks with the 1945 front and center.

Pro tip for anyone just dipping their toes into styling a printed, multicolor bag: Wear it with apparel in the same color family. Here, the black and white outfit really allows the geometric print on the bag to pop.

At a closer glance, it's clear that the bag's size alone adds an element of drama in the best way possible. While it does come in other shapes and sizes, all of which are shoppable below, there's something about this larger style that's so refreshing.

When I'm feeling a bit lazy, I tend to wear all-black outfits because they never fail to turn out chic. What better way to dress one up than with this printed Balmain bag—worn here as a clutch.

Brown and black make for such a luxe color combo, especially when the pieces involved are already quite polished on their own. I'm looking at you, leather blazer and square-toe boots.

Want to really make a statement with this bag? An all-white sweater dress allows it to be the focus of the outfit.

I like the idea of mixing edgier accessories like these lug-sole boots with more polished ones like the 1945 bag. The results feels very cool and effortless—I think Olivier would approve.

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