4 It Bags From the '90s and '00s That Are Way Overdue for a Comeback

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

What's old is new again. We don't have to tell you twice that the leading aesthetics of the past several years have all leaned heavily upon the nostalgia factor of the late '90s and more recently, early '00s. Simply open up any social media feed to see just how widespread the resurgence really is. Not only has this wave brought back trends like baggy denim and platform shoes, but it's also resurfaced a slew of designer It bags that celebs and fashion people were carrying during the era: the Fendi Baguette BagPrada Nylon Bag, and Balenciaga City Bag, just to name a few.

Since being ahead of the curve is just what we do, we're also reaching back into the archives to pull out a few more It bags from the era that were popular then but haven't quite made the same comeback—at least not yet. If you like to be an early adopter, then I suggest you get a head start on shopping these oft forgotten-about carryalls now before the hype (and prices) inevitably take off. You'll certainly be the first to do so.

Ahead, discover the four nostalgic designer It bags that have made a comeback from the '90s and '00s—and the ones that haven't yet (but should).

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Designers have been smart to create re-editions that bring back their older bag styles in new iterations for the modern day. As we've seen time and again with Prada, Fendi, Gucci, and so many others, it's a win-win. The value of the original bags skyrocket on the resale market and the new versions they're introducing are quick to reach sell-out status.

Balenciaga City Bag

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

No handbag managed to have quite the grip on popular culture in the mid-2000s like Balenciaga's City Bag did. The slouchy, convertible satchel featured the brand's signature edgy hardware that served as its only identifiers, without a single logo insight. The brand recently released two modern iterations, the Moto the Cagole, and both have instantly become popular.

Prada Nylon Shouder Bag

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Prada's nylon shoulder bags rose to fame in the early aughts and have been recently brought back by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid and their vintage versions. Wisely, Prada opted to reissue the bags. The Re-Edition 2000 Mini Bag (the most popular one) features the original fabric strap, while the 2005 version comes with a leather strap or a chain strap (which is a bit more expensive). Both come in neutrals and brights.

Fendi Zucca Baguette Bag

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(Image credit: @livvperez)

From the moment Silvia Venturini Fendi launched the classic Fendi Baguette bag back in 1997, it became one of the most coveted designer bags on the market. SATC fans know it as one of Carrie Bradshaw's most memorable bags and fast-forward to the present day, the baguette in all its iterations remains coveted by the fashion set. The brown Zucca logo is a classic, but the special edition baguette bags—like those that are embroidered or embellished—are even harder to come by.

Coach Tabby Bag

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(Image credit: @sarrjamois)

There's no doubt that Coach's leather goods are top-notch quality, so when you add on A+ marketing and design that still aligns with the aesthetic of today's consumer, you have a hit. Enlisting celebrities from Megan Thee Stallion to Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez for its campaigns, Coach brought bag its iconic Tabby shoulder bag to much fanfare. The bags come in both classic leather and a puffy versions and a range of neutrals and candy hues.

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(Image credit: Splash News)

Want to be ahead of the curve? Here are just a few designer bags that were popular over a decade ago. They have yet to make their splashy return, but we think it's only a matter of time until they do. You'd be wise to make a (relatively affordable) investment in one of these now.

Fendi Spy Bag

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(Image credit: Splash News)

WHO: Kim Kardashian, 2006

The mid-2000s were all about the Fendi Spy Bag. Everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Janet Jackson was obsessed with the hobo bag, which came in a range of colors and patterns. With oversize bags emerging as a key trend from the S/S 22 runways, I think this bag has serious comeback potential.

Kate Spade Nylon Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHO: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 1999

I don't think it gets any more early aughts than a Kate Spade bag. The boxy tote bag is delightfully minimalist with a single stitched-on logo and elevated satin finish. While it made its red carpet debut, the practical shape would make it perfect as an everyday accessory in 2022.

Chloé Paddington Bag

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(Image credit: Splash News)

WHO: Jessica Alba, 2006

Chloé certainly knows how to make a covetable It bag and has churned out some of the most popular versions of all time. During this time 15 years ago, celebrities from Jessica Alba to Mischa Barton loved the Chloé Paddington in particular.

Givenchy Nightingale Bag

Givenchy introduced the Nightingale bag in 2006, and the oversize leather carryall managed to remain a fixture on the arms of street style stars and celebs alike for the many years that followed. Notable fans of the satchel bag include everyone from Kendall Jenner and Keira Knightly. 

Next: Yes, Vintage Clothing Has Trends, Too—These 6 Are Popping Right Now

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.