With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

As far as seasons go, autumn offers one of the richest colour palettes to mine for inspiration. From burnt siennas to spiced crimsons, there are a plethora of shades that signal the cooling weather and browning foliage synonymous with this time of year. Introducing them into your wardrobe, however, is a different matter entirely. If the recent runways are any indication, the key autumn bag colour trends offer a seamless way to inject vibrant tones into your ensembles.

Of course, there is an instinct to reach for warm mochas and rich chocolate browns the minute the skies begin to grey. After all, if the mood is darkening, shouldn’t our clothes too? Though this might’ve been the most logical choice in previous years, the current collections actually prove the opposite.

At Tory Burch, dominating primary tones rendered in more savoury palettes, like tomato red and mustard yellow, were fashioned into sumptuous knits and rich corduroy trousers. At Prada, bright yellows, octane plums and brilliant oranges punctuated satin skirts, scarves and lace-up boots. At Marc Jacobs, hot pink tights were layered under vinyl-style pencil skirts.

As for how this translates into the autumn bag colour trends, this expressive use of tone wasn’t just limited to ready-to-wear offerings. At Jil Sander, baguette bags appeared in icy turquoise and rich khaki shades. At Bottega Veneta, intrecciato leather styles were adopted in deep navy blues and decadent creams. At Chanel, the full colour spectrum was on display, from iridescent opals to deep burgundies.

All this to say, if there’s one season to embrace a more individualistic and saturated note in your personal style, it’s through the key autumn bag colour trends. Ahead, uncover the key shades that prevailed on the runways and are set to be on every chic person’s shoulder come September.

6 Key Autumn 2026 Handbag Colour Trends

1. Burgundy

Style Notes: As we inch closer to fireplace season, the perfect accompaniment to the warming embers is a glass of moorish red wine. Designers know this pairing is ideal for cool temperatures, which is exactly why burgundy bags are prevailing this season. Leading that charge is certainly Matthieu Blazy for Chanel, with the French-Belgian designer making this shade synonymous with his tenure at the helm of the maison. Following in these footsteps is Chemena Kamali at Chloé, who just released an oversized burgundy Paddington bag, and Johnathan Anderson at Dior, whose top-handle Cigale bag has been a favourite of Jennifer Lawrence, Sabrina Carpenter and Natalie Portman.

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2. Cobalt

Style Notes: A signature shade of prolific creatives, including French artist Yves Klein and British designer Phoebe Philo, cobalt blue is a hue that has continually commanded attention this year. It’s a shade that holds no bars in the way it commands attention, unwavering in its ability to make you appear more premium and thoughtful. However, for those wanting a softer touch, the cobalt bag comes in clutch. There’s the Celine New Luggage, of course, but also Givenchy’s Vouyou, which is Sarah Burton’s first bag design as creative director.

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3. Mustard

Style Notes: A colour that is surely underrated, mustard has proven to be one of the more prevailing autumn bag colours spotted on the runways. Completing this hat trick of winter-esque, Mondrian-inspired colours, mustard brings an opulent edge to dressing without feeling too obvious. It also perfectly lends itself to delicious fabrics like velvet and suede, as spotted in the Jacquemus Valerie and Prada silk pouch.

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4. Red

Style Notes: Traffic-stopping and blood-rushing, red is a shade that has always held cultural cachet. Still, it’s found new relevance this season as more people seek ways to add a pop of this tone into their wardrobes. Both Prada and Chanel are offering very chic croc-embossed styles, whilst Celine has introduced a very covetable new icon with the release of the tomato coloured Soft Triomphe Little Halfmoon. (How sweet is that name!)

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5. Olive

Style Notes: A common theme you’ll see throughout these autumn bag trends is the desire to take a conventional hue and dial down the saturation. That’s why you’ll see shades like navy replace turquoise and aubergine usurp lilac. Olive is another colour that follows this pattern. As autumn’s answer to the verdant and grassy colours that commanded the spring and summer, this shade brings a practical and utilitarian nature to cold weather dressing that very few colours can replicate.

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6. Grey

Style Notes: 50 shades of chic. Given how the renewed interest in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s workwear wardrobe thrust ‘90s New York back into the spotlight, it should be no surprise that grey bags are all the rage this autumn. Once a signature of iconic Manhattan designers like Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein, appetite for this in-between hue has ramped up, making an appearance at both heritage brands like Dior and Bottega Veneta and cult favourites including Marni and Acne Studios.

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With a fresh wave of newness arriving with the Autumn 2026 collections, it takes something special to break through the noise. Many of us have waited patiently since the autumn/winter runways at the start of the year for the latest collections to drop, and already one particular bag has set itself apart and nestled into some of the most stylish celebrity wardrobes around. With clean lines, precise construction and a subtle nod to its luxury origins, the Ferragamo Cara bag has quietly become the It bag of the moment.

For a bag to reach It status takes a harmonious balance of finer details. Immaculate construction, considered colourways, refined materials and an enduring appeal that allows it to transcend just a season. Since its first unveiling on the autumn/winter 2026 runway, keen-eyed handbag enthusiasts have quietly waited for the Cara bag to arrive. First presented alongside the brand's refined tailoring, slouchy knitwear and luxurious outerwear, the bag was a key feature of the show. Whilst autumn has only just arrived, stylish celebrities have shown that the Cara bag is already a proven hit.

True to Ferragamo form, the Cara bag is a clear example of design expertise. From the brand that brought us the iconic Soft Bag and the Hug, Ferragamo applies its eye for detail to this latest addition. Bringing together practicality and form, the bag is composed of over 100 individual components, meticulously assembled to create a sleek shoulder bag with a central pocket and two outer sections. The leather of the side components wraps around, echoing the distinctive feature also noted on the Hug bag, finished with the understated yet eye-catching Gancini closure.

From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, stylish celebs have shown that the refined appeal of the Cara bag can suit all style aesthetics. Rihanna sported hers whilst attending the World Cup Final, paired with cargo shorts and suede boots, whilst Emma Roberts carried the soft blue version alongside a colourful slip dress for the US Open. Both Anne Hathaway and Karlie Kloss reached for the Cara bag to complement tailored looks, and Jack Innanen showed the effective appeal of matching your bag to your tie. Evidently, it's a bag created to bring an elegant finishing touch to all occasions.

Whilst currently a celebrity insider favourite, this bag is sure to be the breakout star of autumn 2026, and if you want to add it to basket before everyone else does, scroll on.

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag XS

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag S

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September has only just arrived, but already autumn's hit bag has been unveiled. Dedicated to creating sleek, timeless and understated bags, DeMellier's new collection sees a new style in the spotlight. For now, the Brooklyn bag is the insider bag on every fashion person’s autumn wish list, and I’m snapping it up before everyone else does.

Named the Brooklyn, there are clear familial links to the brand’s iconic New York tote. It follows the signature metal closure across the front and spacious size, but distinguishes itself with an east-west silhouette and flap closure. As with each of the brand's creations, practicality and look are considered in equal measure when approaching the Brooklyn bag. Long straps allow the bag to sit neatly over the shoulder or be carried in the crook of an arm, whether you're wearing a light knit or bulky coat in the cooler months. A zip pocket and card slots keep treasured items close at hand, whilst the overall look of the bag is high-end, without the matching four-figure price tag.

The first unveiling of the Brooklyn bag sees two distinct sizes: regular and midi. Each is spacious and offered in a series of sleek colourways and various finishes, from suede to grained leather to croc-effect. Like all of DeMellier’s creations, this bag was designed to go the distance. The shape feels current yet enduring, the leather is high-quality, and the finer details of metal feet on the base support the longevity of the style. It’s the kind of bag that will induce compliments every time you wear it and encourage onlookers to ask, “Where did you get that?” as the understated appeal isn’t based on bold branding, but immaculate craftspersonship.

Already, some of the most stylish fashion insiders have added this to their autumn rotations, paired with soft knitwear and tailoring, smart blazers and capri pants and just about everything else. Whilst it remains an insider favourite for now, this bag is sure to be a sell-out success. Trust me, autumn 2026 will be all about the Brooklyn bag.

Shop the New DeMellier Brooklyn Bag

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There's no denying high-street brands have been upping their game lately, Gap in particular. In the last few months alone, Gap has partnered with the ultimate It girl, Hailey Bieber (hello, The Hailey Jean), revived the '90s classic Gap Beauty, released a fall 2026 GapStudio capsule, and is now launching its debut handbag collection.

The fall 2026 GapBag Collection is nothing short of iconic, designed by Reed Krakoff, Gap's executive director of accessories and a three-time CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year recipient. The brand has been influencing American fashion for decades, so I'd expect nothing less. "The GapBag Collection draws on that legacy: iconic American style, simple, never plain, built on the idea that form follows function and that luxury is the coming together of style, unity, and design," said Krakoff in the press release.

Launching today, September 8, the collection features five new styles that capture Krakoff's ideals: The Five-Pocket Tote, The Hoodie Tote, The Favorite Tote, The Crescent Bag, and The Shoulder Bag.

First impressions? The collection's denim incorporation should not be overlooked. After all, denim is what Gap does best. The Five-Pocket Tote clearly steals the show; it's an almost Birken-like silhouette poised to overtake the current tote I use for work. Not to mention the everyday style is perfectly in line with accessory trends we're eyeing for fall 2026 (ahem, the Alex Mill canvas tote). And despite the fact that this collection introduces five new pieces, pay close attention, and you'll recognize familiar motifs and fabrics synonymous with the Gap brand.

It's no coincidence that the collection launches at the perfect time for fall closet prep and just ahead of New York Fashion Week. Its reasonable pricing, ranging from $40 to $148 (with the exception of the limited-edition Five-Pocket Tote), is just a reminder of Gap's dedication to creating functional pieces that deliver on luxury and affordability.

Scroll on to shop the fall 2026 GapBag Collection designed by Reed Krakoff.

Shop the Fall 2026 GapBag Collection

The Five Pocket Tote

The Hoodie Bag

The Favorite Tote

The Crescent Bag

The Shoulder Bag

Bag Charms

Shop the Fall 2026 GapStudio Collection

In addition to the GapBag collection drop on September 8, here is a highly curated list of editor-approved new arrivals from the fall 2026 GapStudio collection. Below, you'll find elevated everyday basics (ahem, the Double-Pocket Denim Jacket) and fall hero items like the Printed Denim Terry Dress.

If you're someone who loves bags, you've come to the right place. My closet is overflowing with purses, from luxury splurges to consignment-store deals, basically making me fluent in purse-speak. That said, you can trust me on this: Not every rising bag trend deserves a spot in your closet. Sometimes, the bigger fashion win is skipping the It handbag for something a bit more niche—and that couldn't be truer this fall.

Fashion people are trading over-hyped silhouettes and tired designs for under-the-radar fall bag trends, including expressive colors, woven textures, and distinctive silhouettes. Still, each alternative trend is simple to integrate into your wardrobe rotation, making statement dressing easier than ever. But discovering these incognito handbags takes work, such as runway analysis, social media sleuthing, and in-store investigation. Lucky for you, I already did the heavy lifting.

Below, you'll find a handpicked edit of five curated fall handbag trends for 2026 that will leave people wondering where you found such gems. The lineup spans spacious, casual picks to petite, elevated companions, each effortlessly pairing with knit cardigans, polished loafers, and oversized scarfs.

Suede Chocolate

Is it even fall if you don't have a suede-chocolate bag? The secret is securing an iteration with a slouchy silhouette, giving your outfit a cozy, laid-back appeal.

Moody Merlot

Maroon is the definitive color of fall 2026—I don't make the rules. The sultry hue lands somewhere between brown and red, serving as a head-turning moment that's both chic and bold.

Pencil Case

The pencil-case purse is the micro bag's cooler, older sister. Made for carrying only the essentials, it's sleek, minimal, and unassuming.

Moto Satchel

Fall calls for a lived-in bag that's relaxed yet cool, perfect for pairing with oversized sweaters and slouchy denim. A bit of hardware and distressing takes the look to the next level.

Woven Carryall

Woven totes can easily transition into fall if secured in a warm, earthy hue. The artisanal aesthetic offers visual depth, playing off of texture and dimension.

Every season, it feels like there's a new ludicrously capacious tote for the fashion set to fall in love with. Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful designer bag, and yes, The Row’s Margaux is still sitting pretty at the top of my wish list, but lately, the bag I can’t stop noticing in New York isn't particularly precious at all. It's colorful, slightly slouchy, covered in hand-painted initials, and being thrown over the shoulders of some of the coolest women around.

Enter Alex Mill’s Perfect canvas totes. Available in Daily, Weekday, and Weekend sizes, the sturdy carryalls have quietly become an It-girl staple, spotted on everyone from Emma Chamberlain and Kaia Gerber to Gwyneth Paltrow. The real draw, though, is the personalization: Each can be finished with a colorful hand-painted monogram that makes an otherwise simple canvas bag feel entirely your own.

If you’re familiar with Alex Mill, the rise of the cool girl tote probably tracks. The New York brand was founded by Alex Drexler in 2012 with the goal of perfecting those deceptively simple wardrobe staples you actually want to live in. Today, with former J.Crew and Madewell designer Somsack Sikhounmuong at the creative helm, that same slightly preppy, slightly downtown, I just threw this on sensibility runs through everything it makes—including its totes.

Right now, it feels like fashion is craving exactly that kind of personality. After years of quiet luxury and anonymous, logo-free minimalism, getting dressed is feeling fun again. We’re tying scarves onto handbags, piling on charms, hunting down vintage keychains, and choosing pieces that look like they could only belong to us. A perfectly pristine bag is nice, but one painted with your initials, stuffed with your laptop and lip glosses, and a little beaten up from carrying it everywhere? Much, much cooler.

How To Style The Alex Mill Monogrammed Tote

On Celebrities

On The Style Set

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Long before the first leaf changes colour, designer brands start to slowly release their new autumn pieces, much to the delight of the members of the fashion crowd who have been anxiously awaiting them since they made their initial debuts on the runways and in lookbooks. It goes without saying that one of the most highly anticipated first of the autumn drops is The Row—the cult brand's bags and shoes, in particular.

Much to my delight, I just discovered that The Row has begun to quietly release new pieces, and I think we all know that every one of them is going to sell out. We live in a Row-obsessed world, so if you're in the market for a new investment piece from the brand, I highly suggest you place your order (or preorder) now, and I highly suggest it be for any one of the bags and shoes below. You can thank me later for bringing this to your attention.

Shop New The Row Bags

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After a long, hot summer, there's a back-to-school feeling in the air, and the fashion world is preparing for a reset. Whilst the languid days still roll on, slowly we're starting to compile our autumn wardrobes. Loafers are laid out to be polished, wool trousers ready to be pressed, and the first jacket is hanging by the door, in preparation for the looming shift in weather. Moving through the core updates that will ease us into autumn, next on my list is to brush the sand of my basket bag and nestle it into the back of my wardrobe, making space for something a little sturdier, a little fresher. And if you're currently considering which bag will take over from your raffia tote, a fresh wave of inspiration has rolled in as the first It bags of Autumn 2026 have been unveiled.

If you kept a keen eye on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, then you may already be familiar with the new season lineup. Whilst last year saw a focus on revived heritage bags, this autumn is all about subtle signatures applied to new releases, with each one feeling like an in-the-know discovery.

Bottega Veneta's Giorno reinforces the significance of an identifying weave through its clutch style and reminds us how the brand reinvented the clutch once before and is about to do it all over again. At The Row, silhouette and form still guide designs with the curved, clean lines of the Alma Baguette, whilst Miu Miu's playfulness comes through by way of the Vivant silhouette, nodding to the bowling bag with a soft trapeze shape and rich colourways.

The takeaway from the autumn It bag lineup is balance. House signatures are paired with fresh silhouettes; heritage is subtly dispersed alongside fresh colourways and new designs, working in tandem with practicality to cement the staying power of each. With autumn on the horizon, it's time to dive into the 7 designer It bags of 2026.

7 Autumn It Bags That Should Be On Your Radar This Season

1. The Row Alma

Style Notes: A new bag has joined The Row's stellar lineup, and already celebrities and fashion people are adding it to their baskets. Following the clean lines, smart proportions and understated design that have become a signature of the brand, the Alma Baguette is already a hit.

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2. Bottega Veneta Giorno

Style Notes: Following its name, this bag is designed to be a perfect everyday bag. The soft silhouette can be tucked neatly under the arm for a clutch, or you can secure the drawstring closures to create a strap to wear over the shoulder. Bringing together versatility, a sleek design and Bottega Veneta's signature Intrecciato weave, this feels like a 2026 update on the brand's iconic clutch bag.

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3. Gucci Horsebit Duomo

Style Notes: If polished and sophisticated are key desires in your autumn bag, then you'll want to take a close look at the Gucci Horsebit Duomo. The structured shape makes this bag feel like a heritage style already, with Gucci's iconic Horsebit motif serving as the closure. Adding a touch of versatility, the shorter strap can be swapped out for a longer version if you prefer to wear your bag crossbody.

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4. Ferragamo Cara Bag

Style Notes: From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, the Cara bag has already had a series of celebrity outings. Whilst the understated designs exude luxury, the nod to branding comes from the subtle Gancini buckle closure, nodding to the brand's heritage, along with the wrapped leather around the sides, which echoes the design on the Hug bag. Just wait, there will be plenty more sightings of this bag to come.

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5. Prada Buckle Bag

Style Notes: Since its unveiling on the 2024 runways, the Buckle Bag has cemented its place in Prada's permanent lineup. Whilst the original took on a bucket bag form, the new style is a tote shape, with a short handle to carry in hand or over the shoulder, and a longer strap for various ways to wear. For in-the-know people, the style is recognisable from the decorative belt around the top.

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6. Miu Miu Vivant

Style Notes: There's a vintage charm to Miu Miu's Vivant bag. Inspired by bowling bag silhouettes, the shape is incredibly striking, and the style has already been spotted on a series of celebrities and fashion people. The supple form adds to the heritage feel of the bag, and with the new season comes a host of new colourways, each of which feels exceedingly refined.

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7. Loewe Amazona 180

Style Notes: The Loewe Amazona 180 has spent the past few months settling into the chicest wardrobes around. The original Amazona was released in 1975, and to celebrate Loewe's 180th anniversary, the brand brought back the iconic style with an updated silhouette but still retaining the history of the original. Designed to be worn slightly open, even the inner lining is a key feature of the design, with the Loewe anagram on the lining to nod to the bag's origin.

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Is there anything better than handbag shopping? There's no queuing for changing rooms, no wondering if it'll fit, no praying that your size is still in stock, or going back and forth on whether to size up for a more relaxed fit. Handbags always get it right, but shopping for "the one" does have one major drawback.

Unlike the sequin skirt you bought for that New Year's Eve party, or the feathered shoe you wore to your friend's wedding, there's something about bags that can encourage us play it a little too safe. We put so much onus on them being "timeless!", "so versatile!" and "something I'll use every day!" that we all too often skip the punchier, more fun aesthetic in favour of a plain old classic.

For those of us who are just a little tired of the same-old, however, autumn's runways brought good news. If you thought summer was the season for fun, frivolous fashion, A/W'26 is here to prove that theory very wrong.

We've done the legwork and sifted through the endless classic black totes (no shade, we love them too) and found some of the most fun handbag trends for autumn 2026. Here are the ones that made it onto our wish list...

5 Runway-Approved Fun Handbag Trends for Autumn

1. Pendant Purses

Style notes: Jewellery aficionados, assemble. This season's handbag game is venturing very much into your arena. Just as pendant necklaces have begun taking over from simpler chains in recent months, pendulum-like vessels swung from the hands of several models during the autumn/winter 2026 shows. With everyone from Chanel to Chloé, Gucci and Christian Dior tapping into the trend, there was no denying that style was very much in favour over substance when it came to these party bags. Intricate design, beautiful detailing and light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek concepts? Absolutely. Space to fit your phone? Who needs one of those?

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2. Carpet Florals

Style notes: Have you ever looked at your Grandma's intricately floral, woven carpet and thought 'if only I could have a handbag made in that exact fabric'? It seems A/W '26 heard your call, and has served up these nostalgic florals in abundance when it comes to the season's top bag offerings. The perfect antidote to the neutral tones and fuss-free simplicity of recent must-have bags, these are statement accessories that pack enough of a punch to carry even the most basic jeans-and-a-tee outfit.

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3. The Great Unzipped

Style notes: If you've ever caught a glimpse of yourself on the Ring Doorbell looking frustrated and a little flustered after rummaging in your bag looking for your house keys, then screenshot it. Study it. Because that's the look. Bag hanging open, buckles unclasped, zips unzipped, contents threatening to make their escape. And if you think I'm joking you only need to look to the likes of Altuzarra, Balenciaga, Loewe, Chanel and Fendi for corroboration. With enough internal hardware and subtle fixtures to ensure that these intentionally relaxed silhouettes are in fact structurally sound, it seems that the more lived-in look loved by Jane Birkin (who famously carried her namesake Hermès bag with similar abandon) is going nowhere.

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4. Heavy Metal

Style notes: While we may not have made it to party season just yet, December's favourite arm candy is making an early entrance into the handbag rotation come autumn. Whether you're a millennial who can't let go of that yellow gold yearning or a Gen Z who's backing the resurgence of silver, as long as your bag game has a touch of metallic about it you're hitting the right notes. From Dior's crinkled, foil-like totes to Rabanne and Stella McCartney's more chainmail takes, heavy metal hit the season's top runways with unanimous enthusiasm, meaning that the high street's iterations won't be too far behind.

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5. Make a Fuzz

Style notes: For those whose love language is physical touch, we present to you the season's fluffiest offering. With faux fur and super soft shearling proving some of the more popular fabrics for your next handbag, the rest of it is very much up for discussion. Whether you're looking for something small and perfect for eveningwear à la Simone Rocha, something immediately attention-grabbing like Chanel's oversized flap bag, something fun and colourful via Fendi or something a little more fuss-free and monochrome like Bottega, the autumn runways' only stipulation is that there must be no scrimping on the fluff.

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There’s no shortage of ways to make a statement with a handbag in 2026. This year, designers are playing with proportion, texture, and a renewed sense of nostalgia, pushing the everyday bag far beyond its practical purpose. Sleek, flattened micro totes are replacing more traditional carryalls, embellished styles are bringing movement and personality, and soft pouches are offering a decidedly relaxed alternative to the structured bags of seasons past. At the same time, familiar silhouettes are being reimagined by fashion’s biggest houses, proving that the next great It bag may already have a place in the archives.

What makes the season’s biggest bag trends particularly compelling is just how different they are. An elongated east-west tote can lend a minimalist outfit an instant sense of polish, while an embellished bag does the opposite, turning an accessory into the focal point. The result is a handbag landscape that feels both nostalgic and entirely new. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of a flat tote, the personality of embellishment, or the renewed appeal of a beloved designer classic, 2026 offers plenty of ways to refresh your accessory rotation. Ahead, see the five biggest bag trends defining the year.

The Flat Tote

Forget anything overly structured: the new tote is all about a sleek, flattened silhouette that feels effortlessly chic. Kendall Jenner has already made the case for The Row’s Cecily in satin, while rising cult brand Valesque is giving the shape its own distinct appeal. While they're available in a range of sizes, the shrunken versions are winning out.

The New Classics

Some of fashion’s most recognizable bags are getting a fresh perspective. From Chanel’s reimagined 2.55 to Chloé’s return to the Paddington, the season is proving that an iconic silhouette doesn’t need to be reinvented to feel new again. Consider it a new era for the classics: familiar enough to feel timeless, but subtly transformed for 2026.

The Embellished Bag

Tassels, beads, and fringe are transforming otherwise everyday silhouettes into statement accessories, from Le Sundial’s richly trimmed designs to Reformation’s beaded fringe bag. The effect is playful and decidedly tactile, proving that a little ornamentation can go a long way.

The East-West Tote

The latest tote trend is less about height and more about width. Long, horizontally oriented bags from brands like Staud and Kallmeyer have emerged as the cool alternative to the traditional carryall, with their elongated proportions lending even the simplest outfit a fashion-forward edge. Consider it a subtle shift in silhouette with a surprisingly major impact.

The Pouch Bag

The pouch bag, with its relaxed, scrunched shape, has emerged as a cool-girl alternative to the everyday shoulder bag, with Prada and Celine leading the charge. It’s the kind of accessory that makes a strong case for carrying less.

As someone who works in fashion, it should come as no surprise that I have a pretty long list of designer items that I hope to one day invest in. And as we slowly move out of summer and into the transitional season, I’ve started to think about the It bags that will define the next few months. But as someone who prides themselves on their minimal and polished style that will stand the test of time, I have to be honest and say that I’m not really looking for ostentatious logos or easily identifiable shapes. In fact, I want the very opposite: an It bag that, of course, comes loved and coveted by the chicest dressers, but that also remains under-the-radar, pared-back and most importantly, timeless.

Well, after spotting one of minimalist fashion house The Row’s lesser-known bags on Kendall Jenner this week, I think I’ve found just that. Enter The Row’s Astra bag.

Spotted in LA wearing the brown hand-embroidered leather iteration with a classic black T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, Kendall proved just how much this bag lends itself to everyday styling, meaning you’re sure to get your money’s worth of wear out of it. With a soft elongated body and long flat handles, this understated bag has long been known by the chicest dressers as the "IYKYK" style to invest in. So much so that when I first discovered it, it was completely out of stock. However, now that a few of the colours have restocked online (with hopefully more to follow), now is the perfect time to snap up yours before it inevitably goes again. Its sleek yet effortless appeal makes it easy to dress up or down for any occasion, and in true The Row fashion, you’ll never have to worry about it going out of style.

And don’t just take it from Kendall; the bag is loved by both elegant dressers and editors alike, firmly proving its place as one of the it bags that will dominate autumn 2026 (and well beyond this, of course).

Keep scrolling to shop Kendall Jenner’s exact bag, and then take a browse at some other The Row it bags I currently have my eye on.

Shop The Row's Astra Bag

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Wicker bags: They're not just a summer fling. As the warm-weather season comes to a close, you'd normally start seeing fewer woven bags and more suede ones, but not this year. I have a strong feeling that picnic-like purses will continue to be popular well into fall—peaking on October 23, to be exact. That's when Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Colman's admittedly strange new film, Wicker, comes out in theaters. The movie trailer officially has the entire internet talking—oh hi, IKEA!—so we figured we'd throw our (wicker) hats into the ring too.

Skarsgård is no stranger to a risky and risqué red carpet look, but his intricately woven on-screen character takes the cake as his most daring look yet. What's the movie actually about, you might ask? "On the outskirts of a village by the sea," the official synopsis reads, "lives a fisherwoman; smelly, single, and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy, and chaos." Intriguing indeed.

This article might have started as a joke, but I ended up finding a bunch of cute outfit ideas for styling wicker bags for fall, so scroll to your heart's content.

7 Ways to Style Wicker Bags for Fall 2026

1. With Velvet Mary Janes

2. With Baggy Trousers and Pointy-Toe Flats

3. With a Loose Button-Down Shirt and Khakis

4. With Wood-and-Leather Wedges

5. With an Oversize Trench Coat

6. With Leather Shorts

7. With Snake-Print Boots

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