Tasteful Dressers in London and Paris Are Now Carrying This Classy and Understated Bag Style

If you've found yourself in or looking to any of the fashion capitals over the past few weeks, then you might have noticed a particular bag trend in the clutches of some of the city's best dressed. The style set's new travel companion, the bowling bag is the chic yet practical handbag shape that fashion people are reaching for day-in and day-out.

Originally crafted to carry bowling balls, the bowling bag design features a top handle and a capacious silhouette, and recently fashion brands have been serving up chic iterations of the style that can house your daily belongings comfortably.

Ideal for frequent wearing, the bowling bag buoys between smart and causal, offering a wearable silhouette that can see you through so many occasions. A large iteration such as The Row's Margaux, or newer Marlo, is a favourite amongst editors who often use the bag in place of a suitcase or weekender for any overnight stints. Smaller sizes can comfortably house a laptop for trips to the office, and micro styles stand in as an elegant alternative to a clutch for evening events.

The further into the new autumn/winter season we move, the more and more we're seeing this bag silhouette crop up around us. A style staple in the early 2000s, 2025's versions feature sleeker and more minimal designs in a rich range of hues.

Now that the weather has dipped and we're obliged to haul around a layer or two, the big bag offers ample room for squeezing in an extra knit.

Catering to the growing demand, brands including Reformation, Mango, and M&S all host versions of the trend, with sizes ranging from obnoxiously large totes, to smaller, evening-ready styles.

Perhaps it's the continued exposure to the nostalgic trend, or maybe it's the smart silhouette that's piquing my affection, but this understated bag is officially on my autumn wish list.

Freshly inspired to shop the style myself, read on to discover my edit of the best bowling bags to shop for autumn 2025.

SHOP BOWLING BAGS: