And Now, the 7 Most Important Handbag Trends for Winter

While the world of fashion constantly lures us with an array of tempting styles, there's something particularly enchanting about handbags. Unlike shoes, which can sometimes leave us in doubt about their fit and functionality in our daily lives, handbags offer a straightforward promise—what you see is precisely what you get. In the realm of shopping, they're a reliable and steadfast choice. Once a handbag captures our hearts, it's a rare occurrence to be swayed otherwise. This unwavering commitment mirrors my sentiment towards the captivating winter handbag trends of 2023 we're seeing come through.

These trends made their debut on the runways back in February, showcasing an array of fresh bag styles and silhouettes. From the multitude of choices, seven truly stood out as exceptional and, rather than fixating on individual styles, we've chosen to spotlight

overarching trends, shopping out the originals that sparked them wherever possible. This approach allows us to present an array of handbags that gracefully embody these trends at varying price points, meaning everyone has the chance to give their looks current flair. 

From textures to silhouettes to colours, scroll on to see the dominating handbag trends of winter 2023, as dictated by the fashion runways.

1. SLOUCHY SUEDE

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF MICHAEL KORS)

Style Notes: Big bags have been a reigning theme this year but, for winter, we're seeing the spotlight focus in on those with suede fabrications. Not only do they look luxe, but they look incredibly chic with leather outerwear, softening the thicker textile beautifully. 

Shop the Trend:

2. TOUCH-ME TEXTURES

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF LOEWE)

Style Notes: Shearling jackets might be all the rage thanks to Toteme and Mango but now, we're seeing teddy textures make the leap onto bags, too. From Max Mara to Mango, there's a cuddly tote or top handle to suit every budget this season. 

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3. SHARP OBJECTS

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF PRADA)

Style Notes: When it comes to handbags, silhouette plays an integral role. A counter to the soft shapes seen above, Prada debuted chic trapezoid handbags that the fashion crowd have since zeroed in on. 

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4. WELL ROUNDED

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF BOTTEGA VENETA)

Style Notes: Another key handbag shape for winter 2023 is the crescent. Whether you look for structured styles or bags with more room to give, there's no denying that shoulder bags with curved lines are enduring right now. 

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5. FRINGE BENEFITS

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF MICHAEL KORS)

Style Notes: We've seen the revival of many western-inspired trends this year and, get this, there's still time for one more. Fringing cropped up everywhere, from Michael Kors to Ralph Lauren to Stella McCartney and, now that we've pointed it out, you're about to see it all over the market, too. 

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6. PACKABLE POUCHES

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF MIU MIU)

Style Notes: Clutch bags always make a comeback for party season but, this time around, they look and feel a little different. Now, it's all about pouches you can genuinely fit all of your essentials into. Bonus points if you snap up COS's faux-shearling style to tick off two of our trends in one go. 

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7. GOOD CROC

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF VICTORIA BECKHAM)

Style Notes: Mock croc textures never fail to look elevated. Sure, the styles on offer at Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent command higher price points and, in turn, should look as expensive as they are. But if you're working to a budget, rest assured you can get the sleek look with more affordable options too. 

Shop the Trend:

Next Up: The Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter

Opening Image: @anoukyve

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.