There are a few key spring and summer events that help our editors keep an eye out for inspiration and trends, runways, of course, red carpets, after-parties and The Met Gala.

This year Hunter Schafer wore one of our team's favourite red carpet looks of the night, which was a custom Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt's "Mäda Primavesi." Then, for the Saint Laurent after-party at People's Bar in New York City, she changed into a custom dress by emerging British designer Steve O Smith and carried one particular accessory: Prada's Wish Pouch.

That made me think back to the Italian luxury house's spring and summer 2026 runway show, where the bag appeared multiple times throughout the collection, taking an essentials-only approach to dressing: phone, keys, wallet. The silhouette comes in three materials—silk, Re-Nylon, and leather—and in a range of shades including black, grey, orange and even pink.

Pouches also appeared at Loewe's, Miu Miu's, and Valentino's spring and summer 2026 shows and even at Celine's autumn and winter 2026 presentation—a nostalgic eveningwear aesthetic reminiscent of the dainty styles dating back to the late 18th century.

Below, shop Prada's It bag for summer 2026 along with more designer pouches from Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Saint Laurent, The Row, and more.

On Prada's Spring and Summer 2026 Runway

On Hunter Schafer

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After an afternoon spent street-style spotting at New York's Chelsea Hotel during yesterday's Prada Mode event, it became very clear that some of the chicest summer trends for 2026 aren't new at all. In fact, New York's best-dressed were making a case for many of the elevated classics already lurking in our wardrobes.

Chances are, at least one of these elegant staples is currently hanging in your closet. Read on to discover the blouse, print and shoe trend that New York's style set is backing for summer 2026.

3 Long-Standing Summer Trends New York's Coolest Are Wearing Now

1. Embroidered Sleeveless Blouse

Style Notes: A white cotton sleeveless top has long been one of summer's hardest-working wardrobe staples, and for 2026, New York's fashion crowd is gravitating towards delicately embroidered versions. Attending the Prada Mode event last night, Myha'la styled hers with straight-leg jeans, crafting an outfit that felt entirely polished, yet perfectly relaxed.

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2. Polka Dots

Style Notes: Whilst polka-dots will never go "out", there are certainly moments in time when the time-tested print feels more relevant than others. Judging by the looks on display in New York, that moment is arriving once again. Making a case for the enduring print, Ziwe stepped out in a coordinating Prada two-piece rendered in classic navy polka dots. Elegant yet unfussy, polka dots offer an easy route into playful dressing without ever feeling like too much.

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3. Satin Shoes

Style Notes: In truth, I've always found leather and suede shoes too heavy for summer styling, so when the warmer months roll around, my instinct is to reach for glossy satin styles instead. No longer the reserve of brides, this sheeny trend imparts all of the elegance of a classic leather heel, but with a certain freshness and lightness that far better suits the warmer months.

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There are a few ways an It bag earns its title. Some are slow and steady, gaining pace over the years to grow their popularity and earn their beloved status. Others burst onto the scene, immediately taking the fashion world by storm and nestling into great wardrobes instantly. That's exactly what has happened with the Prada Route bag, now the most coveted bag of summer 2026.

The first sighting of the Prada Route bag appeared on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, and overnight sightings of the bag in motion began to roll in. From London to Paris, fashion people swiftly noted the brilliance of Prada's latest It style, balancing poise and practicality like no other.

After years of subtlety and clean lines, the Prada Route bag is breaking the mould, placing practicality at the centre of its design. This return to maximalism comes in the most refreshing form, still void of bold logos but punctuated with exterior pockets to bring a utilitarian feel to the style, from the canvas to the leather iterations. Returning the focus to function has been slowly growing over the past few years, as elongated handles and spacious interiors demonstrated a shift away from micro bags and simply great design, turning back to the wearer themselves. Now, Prada takes it to a whole new level.

The functionality of the bag isn't restricted to simply the plethora of utilitarian pockets which punctuate the exterior. The Route bag is offered in leather and canvas iterations, along with a series of sizes to suit all preferences. Better still, the endless sightings of the Prada bag on the go have shown that it's a bag that can keep up with all aesthetics. In Paris, Julie pairs slinky trousers and a knit with her Prada Route bag, whilst London style icon Alexa Chung opts for a sheer lace skirt and cardigan. For a more sporty feel, Elsa Hosk's bold bag is paired with track pants and a camo Tee, whilst Aimee Song's canvas version paired seamlessly with a minimalist look in Seoul.

Now, the Route bag is set to join Prada's extensive It bag roster, from the underrated Buckle bag to the enduring Re-Edition 2005. If you're ready to add the style to your forever collection, scroll on.

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Prada Route Large Tote

Prada Route Medium Tote

Prada Route Large Bag

Prada Route Top Handle Bag

Prada Route Mini Bucket Bag

Prada is one designer brand that doesn't miss when it comes to chic new bags. Take its Route handbag, for example. This silhouette just dropped, and it's already on the arms of fashion people in Paris and NYC. The Buckle Bucket Bag is another that elegant dressers like Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Elsa Hosk also added to their collections. But we can't forget about the semi-new style that has quietly but quickly gained a cult following: the Bonnie.

This east-west silhouette, with slim buckle details and two long handles, debuted in the brand's spring 2024 collection and has since become an It-girl favorite, loved for its blend of function and style. It was first spotted on Bella Hadid, who wore the extra-large style, and on Sarah Pidgeon, who wore the medium size, both in Milan. Later, Selena Gomez was photographed in L.A. in the extra-large style. A few weeks afterward, Hadid appeared in the large suede version, solidifying the Bonnie as a go-to.

Initially launched in neutral shades such as black, dark brown, and tan—the core palette—the Prada bag has expanded its collection to include blush pink, muted blue, and white. Now, for spring 2026, it introduces fresh color options, including tan leather paired with beige linen and white leather paired with printed white linen. These two shades are available in medium and small sizes, with the medium featuring a cargo-style front pocket in place of the signature triangle logo.

While I could continue explaining the lore behind the Bonnie and its beautiful spring colorways, this is the type of bag you have to see for yourself. With that said, keep scrolling to discover it.

Celebrities Wearing the Prada Bonnie Bag

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If you haven’t been keeping up with the trend cycle lately, allow me to introduce you to the overarching mood permeating the season—the art of joy and dressing up.

From Matthieu Blazy’s rapturous rainbow-coloured skirts for his debut collection at Chanel to Jonathan Anderson’s ethereal and elegant designs that paid homage to the ladylike essence of Christian Dior, the dominant trend du jour encourages experimentation, playfulness and finding a sense of enjoyment through the clothes you wear.

If this sartorial pursuit is piquing interest, then allow me to introduce you to the most in-demand trend at the moment, which also serves as a shortcut to injecting more serotonin into your ensembles. Enter: the silver sequin fashion trend.

As the name suggests, this is a movement rooted in wearing mirror-like silver sequins. From chintzy paillettes to reflective studs and metallic eyelets, embellishments are taking centre stage for the spring and summer. For the majority of us, wearing something this ornamental would only feel fitting for an end-of-year festive party or during a sun-kissed evening out on some balmy island.

However, this trend is becoming increasingly popular among the more minimalist style savants amongst us. And during a period that prioritises adding gaiety and opulence to the everyday—especially through your outfits—what could be more appropriate?

For the uninitiated, the silver sequin fashion trend first rose to prominence during Prada’s spring/summer 1999 collection. Presented during Milan Fashion Week, the show featured a range of lightweight technical jackets rendered in airy nylon fabrics, pleated skirts in high-octane colour palettes and a range of mirror disc separates and coats made from buttery leather.

Earlier in the year, Jessie Buckley attended a pre-Oscar screening in London for the Academy Award-nominated Hamnet, wearing a piece from the range, proving not only her archival fashion kudos and know-how, but also just how timeless this motif actually is.

Other designers are backing this trend, too. In 2023, Tory Burch took inspiration from Mrs Prada’s design and offered her own interpretation of silver sequin dresses and skirts. In 2025, cult-favourite, Barcelona-based, cool-girl label Gimaguas launched a range of sensual minis adorned with these spherical accents, which instantly became a calling cry for beachy escapes upon its launch.

Even last week, Jennifer Lawrence was out running errands through Manhattan wearing a pair of bubblegum-pink Siedrés trousers finished with floral-print sequins. She completed the party-ready pants with a red cotton-jersey polo shirt and yellow suede loafers from The Row.

So, whether you’re in need of spicing up a tried-and-tested silhouette or are looking for a vintage-inspired piece that can see through the delightful weather ahead, the silver sequin trend is one that you can safely invest in. As Lorde said in her breakout single “Solar Power”, come on and let the bliss begin…

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There’s always something special about getting a front row seat to someone's star-making ascent. Sarah Pidgeon’s performance as Carolyn Bassette Kennedy in FX’s new anthology series Love Story has been nothing short of this. Every shot of her smirking, tousling her hair or seeking cover behind the lens of her Selima Optique sunglasses has propelled Pidgeon further into the spotlight, with the show’s costuming spawning countless replicas for those hoping to imitate her wardrobe filled with Prada knitwear, Yohji Yamamoto white shirts and Levi’s jeans.

On screen, she dazzles as the former Calvin Klein publicist who captured the heart of America’s Prince, John. F. Kennedy Jr., who is played by the equally captivating Paul Anthony Kelly. Off duty, the actress approaches fashion with the same effortless elegance and sophisticated insouciance as her character, quickly making her both one to watch and one with a wardrobe worth lusting over.

It’s a Hollywood template we’ve seen out before—a breakout star becomes an overnight sensation, with their runaway success making them a fashion darling in no time. And whilst the limited series has only just drawn to a close, she’s already curried favour with the likes of Chanel after wearing a series of new season designs from incumbent creative director Mattieu Blazy on the show’s press tour, tried her hand at method dressing by wearing custom Calvin Klein, including a clutch inspired by the CK One perfume bottle, to the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party and made a splashy fashion week debut after cropping up at Prada and Loewe’s shows.

Still, given the mystique that surrounds CBK, it feels as if almost her vein of understated coolness has transposed itself onto Pidgeon somehow. Call it some strange form of sartorial osmosis, but Pidgeon’s own street style has become the stuff of fashion fodder. One must wonder if the second she ditches this ‘90s minimalism and returns to her natural chocolate brown hair colour, the fantasy will wear off. Regardless, this conscious choice to marry her own career advancement with the styling of the role she portrayed is one that’s inspired and certainly influencing how many of us are dressing this spring.

Meticulously curated by her stylist Emma Jade Morrison, Pidgeon has come to embody the lightness and brevity of the season at hand. From coats brimming with personality to pencil skirts that add some movement to the moment, every ensemble is a masterclass in refined simplicity. I know I’m not alone when I say this is the exact way I want my spring outfits to feel, so I’ve taken it upon myself to break down the bare essentials you need to channel Sarah Pidgeon’s best street style looks thus far. From tailored jackets to slouchy knitwear, uncover her capsule wardrobe staples ahead.

See Sarah Pidgeon's Best Street Style Looks of 2026

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It’s a throwaway line so severe that it’s been seared in our collective memories, but from the moment Miranda Priestly admonished one of her editorial staff for suggesting covering florals for spring, it’s almost felt like we’ve second-guessed wearing them. Trite? Perhaps. But apt for a season that’s perennially in bloom? Completely.

This season, however, fashion’s most tasteful are rebelling against this authoritative decree and proving that, despite all the pretences and cliches, wearing botanicals during this time of year is genuinely groundbreaking. Of course, there are some brands like the nostalgic-laden designs of Doên and endlessly sun-seeking silhouettes of Faithfull The Brand, who have always known this. In turn, their perennial use of floral prints has made them synonymous with this period, let alone lucrative businesses that turn over millions of dollars in profit. Wearing florals for spring isn’t only appropriate, but for those in the know, an incredibly worthwhile move.

Luxury brands know this all too well, with the spring/summer 2026 season dominated by oversized petals, dusty peonies and ditsy baby's breath. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson paid homage to Monsieur Dior’s adoration for floristry—a passion that began growing up around his childhood gardens in Granville and has culminated in the house staging most collections in Paris’s Jardin des Tuileries—by rendering soft bouquets on bubble hemlines. Elsewhere, at Chloé, Chemna Kamali invoked the lurid essence of the eighties with a fluorescent colour palette and blown-up flowers that felt like something you would’ve seen worn on Tom Selleck on Magnum P.I.

On a popular cultural level, it seems that almost everyone is becoming a hobbyist horticulturist. From Harry Styles featuring a song titled “Coming Up Roses” on his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, to Zendaya referencing Carrie Bradshaw’s and Whitney Houston’s iconic hibiscus rosette white dress from Cachè at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, there’s never been a better time to have a green thumb.

Of course, wearing the motif can be as straightforward as throwing on a ditsy floral dress and calling it a day. However, those more astute will confirm that there are ways of wearing the style less predictably. From blossoms that take inspiration from the impressionist landscapes of Claude Monet to dimensional arrangements that prioritise artistry, these are the 5 key floral fashion trends that are sprouting for spring 2026.

5 Floral Fashion Trends That are Trending for Spring 2026

1. Watercolour Botanicals

Style Notes: André Leon Talley might’ve once quipped that fashion is not art—he said working in the industry was instead like being in the chiffon trenches, for the uninitiated—but this floral fashion is arguably worthy of a spot in the Musée d'Orsay.

With a muted, pastel colour palette that evokes the sensation of being made en plein air—which refers to a technique of painting outdoors to capture a sense of realism on the canvas—this is a style that favours blurry finishes, lighter touches and ethereal elegance.

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2. Pressed Petals

Style Notes: If the act of pressing petals is one that resonates with you, then this floral fashion trend is bound to tug on your heart’s strings. Rather than simply screen printing the print onto the fabric, this trend features a tactile element that makes the flowers appear like they’ve been etched into the very material itself.

This sort of jacquard effect was recently seen on the ornate-furniture-inspired collection presented by Hodakova during Paris Fashion Week, during Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights press tour and, perhaps most notably, on Jessie Buckley when she took home the Golden Globe for Best Actress at the start of the year.

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3. Stitched-On Blossoms

Style Notes: Another floral fashion trend that sits at the intersection of style and craft is chinoiserie. Emerging in the 17th-century as an applied art, the distinct floral landscape synonymous with this style is being embroidered onto everything from demi-couture fur-trimed coats by Conner Ives that are upcycled from antique textiles that date back to the Qing Dynasty to Jennifer Lawrence’s custom Givenchy dress designed by Sarah Burton.

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4. Gothic Nightshades

Style Notes: Hauntingly beautiful and devastatingly gorgeous aren’t phrases that are typically synonymous with floral fashion trends, but if the rise of gothic romances and Victorian mourning wear has got you carried away, allow yourself to be swept up by the darkly captivating, moody nightshade trend. These aren’t your grandmother’s botanicals, but something far more morose, like the gothic lace dresses seen at McQueen and the Edgar Allan Poe-approved styles at Prada.

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5. Lurid Blooms

Style Notes: They might’ve been the brainchild of the flower generation, but garish and brightly-coloured flowers were all over the runway, from Chloe’s vivid ranunculus dresses that were stylised in a Warholian colour scheme to Zimmermann’s blurry patterns, which feel as if the flowers were caught in a hypersonic freeze-frame. All you need is a swipe of M.A.C.’s Candy Yum Yum, the voice of Randy Newman blasting through your headphones and you’re set.

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Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Gucci, Fendi… when it comes to finding designer bags that get our pulses racing, we have no shortage of options. The phrase "It bag" is used so casually that it's often applied to any style that celebs are spotted carrying. Still, the truth is, there are only a handful of designers whose legacy includes eternally stylish handbags that never date, and Prada is one of the very best.

Even at a distance, you can spot the subtle triangular Prada logo and know that the carrier is someone in the know. In the post-quiet-luxury age of pared-back minimalism, those with an eagle eye will still recognise a Prada bag by silhouette alone, making the house's styles some of the most sought-after when it comes to investment purchases. Whether you fell for summer's crochet shopper, still covet the '90s nylon shoulder bag or are a sucker for the unbeatably sleek Cleo, the chances are, there's a Prada bag stored in your memory somewhere, and the latest style to hold my attention is a generously proportioned bucket bag that celebs and influencers alike are carrying on repeat this season.

The Buckle Bucket Bag isn't the latest handbag from Prada; in fact, it first debuted on the runway in September 2024, but it has been quietly gaining a cult following behind the scenes, whilst most people have been distracted by the newer Carry and Route totes. So, what makes the Buckle quite so good? In my opinion, it meets all the requirements of the ideal everyday bag. It's spacious (especially in the large size), durable (100% calfskin leather) and of course, it looks great. It was actually Prada that led the way with bucket bags, where so many other brands followed.

After collecting so many beautiful (but impractical) mini bags, the Prada Buckle is the first bigger bag I've added to my wish list, and should the regular bucket still not be big enough, did I mention it also comes as a top-handle tote, too? Curious about the bag that's still selling out two years after it was first shown? Keep scrolling to see how to style the Prada Buckle and to shop it yourself.

How Celebs and Influencers Are Wearing the Prada Buckle Bucket Bag

Style Notes: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's monochrome look is a minimalist dresser's dream. Ticking off just about every spring microtrend in one fell swoop (aviator sunglasses, pendant necklace, lace and wide-leg trousers). It's her choice of the bag in the matching white colourway that makes this whole 'fit feel so fresh and summer-ready.

Style Notes: Elsa Hosk is known for having one of the most enviable designer-bag collections on Instagram, so if you spot a handbag in her rotation, you know it's one to watch. Styling her Buckle bag to preppy perfection, this jumper, shirt and miniskirt combination is an easy look to re-create this spring until the weather gets warmer.

Style Notes: The only thing Marianne Smyth knows better than good denim is roomy, everyday bags with a little extra polish. From scrolling her profile, I've picked up a Little Liffner tote and a Dragon Diffusion basket, and her recently purchased Prada Buckle is the latest to make it into my Saved folder. Sure, it looks good with heels and smart tailoring, but it's just as cool with a baggy shirt and casual jeans for the weekend.

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Unlike other facets of our wardrobe, the accessories we carry with us throughout the year aren’t as susceptible to climate-related shifts and thermal changes as categories like jeans, jackets, and shoes. However, if the spring 2026 bag trends are any indication, it’s that parting ways with your dependable carry-all that’s served you dutifully for the past few years should be something you take seriously. Why? The influx of new styles available are simply too irresistible.

This is a message coming from someone who could count on one hand the number of bags they own. (Which, for the record, includes a woven leather St. Agni workhorse that doubles as my laptop bag, a supple bucket bag from New Zealand-based label Yu Mei, a vintage Jil Sander clutch and a Mini Kara silver shoulder bag from Tory Burch.) I know what it’s like to watch the seasons come and go and withhold from investing in a designer bag or partaking in a niche aesthetic by purchasing a novel piece of arm candy. Which is all to say that when I tell you just how covetable the key spring 2026 bag trends are, you would benefit from believing me.

So, why this exact moment to step off the sidelines and play the field by courting a fresh style? It comes down to a few factors, with the most important being that this is the season of the mammoth creative director reshuffle that saw numerous designers take the reins and present their debut collections for heritage houses back in September. For weeks now, I’ve been counting down with bated breath for the moment Jonathan Anderson’s new suede bags at Dior land in the French maison’s boutiques, or watched how everyone from Dua Lipa to Hailey Bieber tease Matthieu Blazy’s first It bag for Chanel, the dual handle flap bag.

I’ve had an endless amount of time to pore over every still, look and angle presented on the spring 2026 runways and really work out what bag trends will have longevity. And, for the most part, the key spring bag trends are new updates on archival silhouettes, meaning that these pieces are forged with a storied history and proven track record of desirability. Better still, the lag between when the collections were presented and when the designs hit stores has proved opportune for me to mentally compile a wishlist for shapes, cuts and colours I’ll be shopping once they’re available for purchase.

Thankfully, that time is nigh, with many of these trends already trickling in. In the immortal words of Addison Rae, I’ve always wanted more, so scroll on ahead for the 6 biggest 2026 bag trends to covet now.

6 Key Spring Bag Trends for 2026

1. Chain Reaction

Style Notes: Leather straps have somewhat become the handle du jour over the past decade. Now, a bevy of luxuriates are relegating this motif to ready-to-wear, making these black nappa straps exclusive to pieces like a Ludovic De Saint Sernin top or a Khaite belt. Usurping this traditional detail is the prevalence of shiny chains. From Valentino Garavani’s chevron-quilted Panthea shoulder bag to Loewe’s slouchy Squeeze tote, this is a trend that offers a soft and industrial edge to any look. Heavy metal and reflective, indeed.

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2. Open Book

Style Notes: On the heels of the quiet luxury aesthetic, discerning shoppers are using even rudimentary styling techniques, like the closing fixtures of their bags, to convey wealth. This trend first began after a herd of Hermès stalwarts thought it novel to wear their Birkins and Kellys with the straps and flaps unfastened. Now, designers are pre-baking this look into their bags, with this undone accent cropping up everywhere from Balenciaga’s Rodeo to Fendi’s new slouchy Way bag. A pickpocket's delight, indeed.

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3. Nouveau Suede

Style Notes: Fashion continues to hedge its bets on suede. But instead of the conventional rich chocolate or lighter latte hues, many designers are rendering the texture in a more tropical and botanical colour palette fit for the season at hand. From Ferragamo’s croc-embossed clutch that’s finished in a perfect clementine shade to Australian-based brand Rylan Studio’s royal purple gathered micro tote, these are styles that are bright, airy and indicative of the warmer weather on the horizon.

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4. Space Cadets

Style Notes: As a self-identified perennial schleper, I know the plight of lugging around all my worldly possessions in one single bag all too well. Much to the dismay of my already irritated shoulder, spring will bring in a new wave of extra-large tote bags—perfect for anyone who loves carrying everything-the-kitchen-sink at the bottom of their purse or wants to recreate that iconic photo of Ashley Olsen arriving at an airport in Mexico back in 2006 wearing a bag that’s literally half her size.

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5. Origami Edges

Style Notes: The Japanese art of origami has long been a source of inspiration for Jonathan Anderson. From Loewe’s Puzzle bag, which emulates the ridges of folded paper, to Dior’s newest Ciagle bag, a style inspired by a Monsieur Dior original dress from 1952, the Northern Irish designer has always found ways of incorporating pleats and clean lines into his accessories. Now, his cohort is taking note. From Prada’s new Passage, a shape that emulates a bag-within-a-bag with a doubled-over front to Saint Laurent’s dimpled Mombasa re-issue, expect to see more sculptural bag shapes come spring.

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5. Duchesse Pouches

Style Notes: Fashion has long been obsessed with ladylike purses. Now, they’re turning their attention to duchesse pouches. Most notably a fixture of Prada’s spring/summer 2026 collection, these dainty sacks are accentuated by a soft fabric and ultra-fine strap that’s designed to be worn around your wrist or clutched in the palms of your hands. Because as the winter layers start to shed, shouldn’t the bags we carry get breezier, too?

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Whether worn in the offices of investment banks, the corridors of preppy private schools or on the feet of off-duty supermodels as they wander through the avenues of Manhattan, there’s no denying that loafers have become one of the most universal footwear trends over the past decade. Because what other shoe could take you from the boardroom to the bar as seamlessly as this pseudo-yuppie staple?

“Loafers sit at a rare intersection of ease and authority,” explains Chili Palmer, the founder of London-based footwear label Lili Curia. “They’re practical and unfussy, but they still carry a sense of polish and intention,” she adds, acknowledging that they “move fluidly between menswear and womenswear, formal and casual, which gives them an alluring flexibility.”

When it comes to investing in a pair, it’s not just a matter of heading down to the high street and picking up the first style that piques your interest. With countless options to choose from—penny! tassel! backless! horsebit! heeled!—it’s important to contemplate the exact effect you want these popular flats to have when wearing them. But, as the likes of Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz can attest, gathered loafers are the most in-demand variation and, by direct correlation, really the only category worth considering.

Whilst items like Gucci’s slip-on Princetown mules or Prada’s chunky Monolith stomper once reigned supreme, our collective shift towards more streamlined and minimalistic shapes has allowed the gathered loafer trend to flourish. For the uninitiated, the shape refers to a low-profile style that features ruching around the toe box and a slim upper. Decisively simplistic, this is an iteration that is elevated in its commitment to a well-crafted and exceptionally sophisticated design.

“Gathered loafers soften what is traditionally a structured silhouette,” Palmer notes. “That tension between formality and delicacy feels very current—there’s an appetite right now for shoes that feel expressive, tactile, and a little romantic, without losing functionality." In fact, the style has become so coveted that it’s quickly becoming conflated with what a conventional loafer should look like, with many luxury brands adopting this shape as their default choice.

Indeed, designers like The Row and Miu Miu are reaping the benefits of gathered loafers becoming incredibly popular in the mainstream through the success of their own versions, including the Soft Eel loafer and the Buffalo loafer in leather, respectively. And you only need to look at these labels’ adherents for evidence of how chic and polished the best gathered loafers can be.

A perennial street style fixture, Hailey Bieber can often be seen sporting a pair of gathered loafers as the finishing touch to her sensually tailored wardrobe, whilst Kendall Jenner always makes a point to complete her jeans-and-a-nice-top silhouettes with a pair, too.

More recently, whilst attending a promotional event for Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi eschewed all forms of method dressing for a typical ‘East London creative’ ensemble that featured an Arc'teryx windbreaker, pleated white wide-leg trousers and, as the pièce de résistance, Saint Laurent’s well-adored Le Loafers.

Ultimately, as Palmer points out, “a well-made loafer doesn’t belong to a specific era or style, I find that you can be quite free in how you wear them.” Ready to slip into something a little more stylish? Stitched to perfection, cut to be trim and well within the zone of comfort, uncover the best gathered loafers that have earned Who What Wear UK’s tick of approval, ahead.

The 19 Best Gathered Loafers of 2026

• The Overall Best Gathered Loafer: The Row Soft Eel Loafer, £1250
• The Best Designer Gathered Loafer: Saint Laurent Le Loafer Supple, £880
• The Best Leather Gathered Loafer: Reformation Francine Ruched Loafer, £268
• The Best Suede Gathered Loafer: H&M Loafers, £32.99

When it comes to finance and fashion, most of us would agree that our knowledge begins at being able to tell you what the initials IPO stand for, the designers bags worn by Marisa Abela when in costume as Yasmin Kara-Hanani on Industry and being able to quote Carrie Bradshaw when she wrote that “a Prada dress should always be worn with an investment banker”.

However, in the accelerating cost-of-living crisis, there’s certainly been a discernible increase in the valuation of little luxuries, whether it be the Chanel Le Vernis nail polish we buy to save on monthly manicures or the Layla’s Bakery pastry we sweetly treat ourselves to every Saturday morning after a hard week. As a result, there’s been a renewed interest in the best entry-level designer accessories—small leather goods, pouches, bag charms, sunglasses and so forth—as a way to satiate our appetites for luxury items at a more affordable price point.

“These are pieces that allow first-time luxury consumers and customers that have been purchasing for some time who are investing heavily into designer collections to both be a part of the brand, and be a part of the world that that brand creates at a much more attractive price point,” explains Gab Waller, the Los Angeles-based personal shopper and luxury product sourcer.

Having made her reputation in obtaining out-of-stock, incredibly hard-to-find and exceptionally archival designer pieces for the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge, Waller has established herself as a pre-eminent resource for identifying, seeking out and supplying the latest must-have piece. (Chanel purses, Phoebe Philo jackets and Hermès bags, to name a few.)

When asked about the rise in popularity of entry-level designer accessories, Waller tells me that it comes down to two things. “It allows you to be a part of the world of the brand, and it also allows you to create a relationship with that brand,” she adds. “It is very well-known that relationships with your sales assistants will certainly help you get access to the more highly requested and in-demand pieces down the line, so investing in entry-level designer products allows you to tap into the brand whilst also creating a relationship.”

For London-based brand founder and CEO of luxury resale platform Sellier, Hanushka Toni, she tells me that entry-level designer accessories are “a smart and low-pressure way onto the luxury ladder.” Speaking over email, she acknowledges that “whether it’s your first designer treat or a thoughtful add-on to your collection, these pieces deliver craftsmanship, instantly recognisable design, and a touch of brand heritage—all without the scary price tag.”

Of course, it would be remiss for me to boast in such broad strokes about the affordability of products that will still set you back hundreds of pounds. It’s not to say that these pieces are inexpensive by any means of the word, but more accessible than the higher end of the spectrum, which can sometimes reach into the thousands. Better still, these are pieces that will still hold their investment for years to come, knowing that you can invest a small amount of money in and still reap the benefits should you ever choose to part ways with the item later down the line.

So, where to start? “Belts, small leather goods, and compact bags from brands known for their materials and construction tend to age beautifully and hold their appeal,” explains Toni. “Scarves and costume jewellery can be fun entry points, but they’re far more trend-led; well-made leather pieces in timeless shapes simply have more staying power.”

Ready to put your money where your mouth is? From coin purses woven in buttery soft intrecciato leather from Bottega Veneta to saccharine bag charms from Miu Miu that will instantly give any tote Mrs Prada’s stamp of approval, uncover the best entry-level designer accessories, ahead.

The Best Entry-Level Designer Accessories, Categorised by Price

Under £250

Under £500

What to Look Out for When Buying Entry-Level Designer Accessories?

“Look to the brands that have built their reputation on [artistry] first and trends second,” explains Toni. These entry-level accessories are often styles that epitomise the DNA of the designer brand, weaving both its personality and market positioning into one singular item that holds its weight, often becoming signatures of the label by direct consequence. For this reason, you should always consider pieces that embody the values and visions of the luxury brand you’re investing in, whether it be Celine’s unfussy French girl attitude, Prada’s cerebral and intellectual approach to Italian design or Loewe’s balmy approach to craft that has been honed over 180 years.

“Miu Miu is a great example for this,” Waller notes. ‘The brand has skyrocketed in demand over the past couple of years, and they really have created a universe in which my clients, in particular, want to be a part of.” By offering signature pieces like its cowboy hat, satin slippers and librarian glasses, at a more attainable level, it allows the everyday, albeit discerning, shopper to partake in this world without spending thousands of dollars.

“It also allows you to wear those highly-coveted pieces on repeat and get your value for your money, as opposed to continuing to save and splurge on a bigger ticket item,” Waller says.

This last point is something that Toni echos, too. “Entry-level accessories let you grow your wardrobe thoughtfully, without the splurge anxiety,” she remarks. “Over time, those smaller investments often get far more wear (and pleasure) than a single high-ticket item that feels too precious to take out of the house. It’s so satisfying to see your little luxury edit come together, filled with pieces that aren’t just pricey but genuinely reflect your style and personality.”

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I’m known as a bag lady among my family and friends because I always have at least two bags on my person at all times. One fun, the other practical—usually a capacious tote to house bigger essentials like an umbrella, with enough space for a spot of impromptu shopping. So I follow emerging It bags with interest, ready to make switches and invest in the replacements I think are worth it. On one side of the most-wanted tote bag spectrum is the cult Trader Joe tote (IYKYK), which I already have, and on the other, designer side, according to my fellow Who What Wear UK editors and social feeds, is the Prada Dada bag.

First spotted swinging by its skinny straps down the Autumn/Winter 2025 runway, the Prada Dada has managed to challenge the monopoly that DeMellier’s Stockholm bag, The Row’s Margaux and Marlo bags, and Hermes’ Birkin bag have as the trophy luxury totes to track down (or get on the waiting list for). While these refined designer bags all share impeccable craftspersonship and discrete logos that make them timeless and seasonless, the Dada deviates from clean lines and rigid boxy structures with a soft, dumpling-like shape. Which would be charmingly subversive and so very Prada even without the narrow cinched belt detailing to harness the volume formed by the elegant folds. Or the aforementioned straps that allow the bag to be carried over the shoulder or be neatly tucked in altogether to create a conversation-starting clutch.

Miuccia Prada is renowned for her ability to reset fashion’s agenda, to cleverly straddle the lines between good and bad taste, and the Prada Dada bag is no exception. Elsewhere, totes are expanding and oversized but the Dada has shrunk, comparatively, so it’s not too big or too small, making it the perfect size for everyday wear. Though it comes in only one size, small, it’s still spacious enough not to look bulky when full. As for colourways, there are many: early adopters, including Alexa Chung and Elsa Hosk, embraced the granite gray colour and teamed theirs with eye-catching jackets and unexpectedly complementary colours, tapping into a bigger AW25 neutral trend.

However, the classic black, sand beige, ivory, powder pink and white editions each have their fans and, judging by the way influencers are currently styling them, the polish the Prada Dada bag can add to a daytime look is unmatched. On top of that, it’s the sophisticated plus-one you can rely on for any occasion. We’ve lined up all the colours below so you can scroll through and take your pick.

Shop Prada’s Dada Bag:

Contrary to popular belief, trends don’t just come into existence out of nowhere. They’re conjured up months in advance of when you actually see them cropping up on the streets and in stores, decided upon based on shopping insights, consumer data, media engagement and the magic that is a designer’s intuition. In the case of the satin trainer trend, however, it almost did feel sprung upon us.

Or, at least that is my own experience after spying them in the flesh on a whim in a scenario that feels ripped right from the pages of a Richard Curtis screenplay. Indeed, during a winter’s stroll in central London, I wandered into Selfridges' luxury floor and came face-to-face with a shoe trend that truly took my breath away. It was something right out of Love Actually, but instead of Emma Thompson’s mindless perusal through the boutique racks, I found myself staring down a pair of satin Miu Miu trainers hidden away inside the iconic department store.

It felt kismet, like everything I had ever done had led me to discover this secret gem. So, you can only imagine my surprise when I suddenly saw the same pair crop again on the feet of a stylish content creator the next day when I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram. And again, when I was perusing the new in section of leading online fashion stores like MyTheresa and Farfetch.

Now, I don’t usually believe in love at first sight, especially when sartorial affairs of the heart were concerned, but the act of seeing these sumptuous satin trainers in quick succession after never noticing them previously felt like no coincidence.

Was this the admiration people talk about when they feel like they’ve found a forever piece? I’m usually one to be more pragmatic with my investments, deciding to bite the bullet and purchase something only after I’ve undergone the tedious mental arithmetic of working out the cost per wear and the precise number of pieces they could be paired with. But as a fashion writer who has made their passion for shopping and love for identifying covetable and nascent styles, you can surely sympathise with how besotted I became with the style.

It’s a desire that my chic colleagues can attest to, after rushing back to my desk to share my eureka moment and proclaim that this exact fabric and shoe shape would soon be everywhere. Which brings us here; explaining to you, dear reader, not only my logic, but the rationale for why satin trainers are the latest shoe trends to back.

Of course, part of this harks back to what I was saying about trusting someone’s gut instincts. As someone who has worked in the industry for over half a decade, it takes a lot for me to feel genuinely excited about something bubbling up on the horizon. This is especially as I know what it takes to manufacture a trend, with celebrity endorsements often paid for and never an accident.

And when it comes to trainers, I hate to say it, but I’ve always found the practical silhouette somewhat dull as a category. I can admire how sneakers have become a fashion staple in their own right. Still, I’d much rather covet something more charming or beautiful. Therein lies part of the appeal of satin trainers. Whilst retro, low-profile and technical iterations have reigned supreme in recent months, this style feels like the antithesis of the functional versions that serve as prototypes for the genre. They’ll still provide orthopaedic support and enable you to clock in thousands of steps, but the delicate satin finish offers a darling and saccharine element that sets them apart from their competitors.

Who else but Miuccia Prada to show this best? As a stringent acolyte of hers, it doesn’t take a lot to convince me that her subversive and intellectual approach to fashion is superior. In fact, on a recent trip to Florence, I resolved to spend a day at the Prada outlet instead of exploring the Tuscan city’s rich art galleries and cathedrals, imagining the sprawling discounted store as my own personal wardrobe to shop from.

For the uninitiated, Mrs. Prada is truly one of the most cerebral creative directors working today, meaning that everything she produces to be incredibly considered, pondered over and refined. Offering up a pair of satin trainers is by no means an accident, but a thoughtful successor to Miu Miu’s viral satin ballet flats that debuted on the brand’s autumn/winter 2022 collection all those years ago.

Again, I say this to stress the point that there is no twist of fate when it comes to style, as at the same time Miu Miu was gearing up for the style’s release, Prada was also offering its own version of the trend on its orange-coated spring/summer 2026 runway. Alongside utilitarian silhouettes that distilled the brand’s more artistic side into a palatable look at conservative fashion and purposeful clothing, the legendary Milanese designer was offsetting these restrictive totes with darling sneakers that offered a lightness and elegance.

Another view is that satin, after a period where suede and leather dominated, was just the next logical material to utilise and make popular. Sure, there’s that too, but I’d rather take a kinder look at the trend and argue it injects an ethereal and glamorous element into ensembles during a time where dressing feels entirely ascetic. With this trend, we need not compromise on comfort for the sake of wearing something beautiful. Our austere uniform of funnel-neck jackets and straight-leg jeans can remain; it’s just about swapping out a stiffer shoe for something soft and polished.

Researching this piece, I’ve already noticed quite a lot of brands take up this mantle, with Dries Van Noten producing airy and glossy iterations of its viral trainer, to Grace Wales Bonner embracing this smooth texture in her latest collaboration with Adidas. Call it what you want, but there is no denying that satin trainers are on the precipice of having a big moment. Intrigued to follow suit? Ahead, I’ve compiled the best satin trainers currently available to shop for you to embrace this trend yourself. And when you see them out and about, remember that love, or a love for style at least, is actually all around.

Shop the Satin Trainer Trend:

Ever since Matthew Macfadyen’s cunning interloper character Tom Wambsgans introduced the conception of a “ludicrously capacous” bag in the final season of HBO’s Succession, fashion insiders have been embracing the merits of an oversized tote bag more than ever before.

Inherently cavernous and celebrity-approved—you only need look at Jacob Elordi’s hoards of oversized intrecciato-leather Bottega Veneta carry-alls for proof of the shape’s popularity—these supersized utilitarian accessories have become a symbol of the effortlessly elegant aesthetic that’s currently reigning supreme.

However, for 2026, a more specific mode is emerging in the way that a certain occupation is inspiring the trendiest bag silhouette. Now, it’s not secretarial top-handles or bourgeois lawyerly briefcases, but a doctor’s bag.

When I first heard murmurs about the rise of the doctor’s-bag trend, an image of a old-fashioned, clinical design containing medical devices like stethoscopes, thermometers and that incredibly silly reflex hammer for knee-hitting sprang to mind. After first spying this trend in cult pre-loved fashion platform The RealReal’s annual luxury resale report, I couldn’t really comprehend exactly the style that was being outlined as the next big thing. Was the data really telling us to carry something that Meredith Grey or Nurse Ratched would wear to work? Not quite.

What Is the Doctor's-Bag Trend?

Speaking to Noelle Sciacca, associate director of fashion and strategic partnerships at The RealReal, she explains that doctor’s bags are "a structured style with a true rectangle shape and usually include a zipper closure and shorter double strap handles." Certainly less sterile and far more sophisticated than I had pictured. Sciacca told me that the shape of the doctor’s bag is the common thread that ties some of the most popular rising styles together, with "average selling prices and searches up 25% and 24% this year, respectively."

In a world where wellness culture prevails—the industry is reported to hit USD $9 trillion by 2028—it’s fitting that a style with medical origins soars to an all-time high demand. If you look at the designers who are pioneering the trend, you’ll also notice that this is a notion they’ve mined for a while now.

"I credit the release of Miu Miu’s Beau bag with sparking the doctor’s-bag resurgence,” says Sciacca. “The brand has a knack for presenting accessories in ways that create viral demand for specific styles."

However, even long before the spring/summer 2023 collection that delivered us the bag, Miuccia Prada had been exploring the concept of uniform dressing through the codes of healthcare. For instance, Prada’s autumn/winter 2023 show, which was aptly titled Take Care, saw nurses' skirts flipped into something visually poetic thanks to the addition of embellished rosettes.

Though I’m not suggesting that the adopters of this trend are necessarily consciously subverting the GP dress code, I can’t help but draw parallels between the doctor’s bag becoming a thing and the post-pandemic world that we live in today. After all, aren’t we more hygiene-conscious than ever? Especially living in London, I think this is the perfect bag style for someone who methodically rubs anti-bac gel into their hands after commuting and drinks a daily gut-health shot to ensure their immunity is boosted to max capacity.

So, without further ado, keep scrolling through for the best doctor's bags to shop now without having to take the Hippocratic Oath.

Shop the Doctor's-Bag Trend

How to Style the Doctor's-Bag Trend

Now that you have your doctor's bag sorted, we're not expecting you to walk around town wearing it with a matching stark white lab coat or candy-stripe uniform. Instead, the outfits that proponents of the trend are wearing actually embrace the more austere motifs associated with the bag's origins.

Take Kendall Jenner, for instance. For an appearance at The Row's Paris Fashion Week runway show back in 2023, the reality star and supermodel sported the brand's famed Margaux bag, a cropped trench coat and a tailored pencil skirt, which evoked the pure lines and clean palette associated with the trend.

Sciacca tells me that the Margaux style itself is also one of the most prominent examples of the doctor's bag trend. "Whilst the style isn’t particularly new, it reached peak popularity the last few years, even selling for 108% above its original retail price on The RealReal," she notes. "It sparked a renewed desire for top-handle bags in clean, streamlined silhouettes."

This softer shape also appeared in the Olsen Twins' recent spring 2025 collection, as seen on Italian model Mariacarla Boscono alongside a lace-trim silk skirt, pinstriped shirt, cashmere knit and mesh boots.

Elsewhere in London, content creator Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks sported her doctor's bag with a more contemporary outfit, including an on-trend windbreaker, barrel-leg trousers, flannel shirt and retro suede trainers.

Of course, you can also throw caution to the wind and take a page from Sydney-based influencer and writer Ali Whittle's style playbook. These glittery mesh flats might be a violation for the operating room, and you certainly won't see them allowed in any surgery, but given the bag's more architectural shape, the juxtaposition between the silhouettes feels right to bring a sense of individuality to a more sombre bag.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

I spend my days digitally digging through runway shots, scouring new-in sections, and dissecting the ebb and flow of trends with renewed enthusiasm every morning. So at this point, I feel fairly confident in saying that I can spot an emerging It bag a mile away. Since its debut on the autumn/winter 2025 runways, I’ve had a strong hunch that the Prada Dada bag (£2150) would become something special.

Now that it’s officially hit the market, my instincts seem to be paying off. Both Alexa Chung and Elsa Hosk have been spotted carrying the slouchy, belted design.

With its soft, dumpling-like shape and cinched belt detail running through the centre, the Dada feels at once relaxed and refined, the kind of tote that feels apt for everyday use, but can also hold up against the most formal parts of your wardrobe.

Both taking theirs out for a test drive, I couldn't help but notice that the two fashion mavens skipped over the beige, sand and black iterations of the new designer bag, both selecting a sleek slate grey style instead.

This tonal choice feels particularly on point. Slate grey is shaping up to be winter’s breakout neutral—soft enough to lighten a cold-weather wardrobe, yet grounded enough to maintain sophistication. It brings a certain freshness that black can’t match, adding dimension to a deep winter look, without detracting from it.

Inspired by the silhouette you can count on seeing everywhere very soon, below, discover the Prada Dada bag in all its forms, plus my edit of the best grey bags to shop now.

Shop the Prada Dada Bag:

Shop Grey Bags: