8 Spring/Summer 2018 Bag Trends to Covet Now

Your search for this season’s most-wanted bags starts here.

From any of your favourite bag styles, from top-handles to extra-long slings:

1. Top-handle

One of the staid styles in handbag designs, the top-handle detail can be both functional and dainty at the same time. At Gucci, creative director Alessandro Michele revisited the Italian brand’s heritage with an snazzy update on the iconic Bamboo bag, while Nicolas Ghesquière transformed Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag by way of borrowing inspirations from the classical doctor bag.

2. Body bags

Whoever said convenience and easy access couldn’t look stylish? From Gucci’s fanny packs to Valentino’s sporty harness styles, as well as Balenciaga and Alexander Wang’s boyish cross body pouches; the new chic is to – you’ve guessed it – go hands-free!

3. Clutches

The beauty of clutches is its cool, devil-may-care insouciance. These days, clutches are no longer just tiny carry-alls reserved for evening looks, they also come in a myriad of styles (and sizes) for meeting all your everyday needs plus personal style. Some of the season’s showstoppers include Louis Vuitton’s not-so-petite Petite Malle, in addition to Chanel’s oversized Classic 2.55 rendered in a sparkly wash of sequins.

4. Embellished bags

Call this every girl’s go-to for that special occasion but decorative bags (like clutches) are quickly becoming stylish daywear staples, too. Pair them with fancy dresses or dress them down with off-duty ensembles of a classic tee and blue denims, the rules are simple – there are no rules.

5. Classic bags

These are the bags fashion editors would deem the ultimate investment pieces. Fashioned in a sensible, every day-style size, they were spotted at Prada in the form of the brand’s signature Galleria model, as well as at Hermès (in the style of a large Constance bag with an updated and geometric “H” buckle).

6. Extra-long slings

Styling can make all the difference, sometimes. From Céline to Loewe, flat bags with slings that were long enough to be worn cross-body were instead, slung effortlessly on one shoulder; at Gucci, the Ophidia range and several other styles were brazenly transformed with super-long slings that lent its wearer the child-like appeal of having stolen mum’s bag.

7. Waterproof bags

Not your regular plastic bags, these tongue-in-cheek renditions saw designers consider bags with built-in measures to weather nature’s harsh elements. Chanel and Balenciaga each score 10 points for their whimsically-cute bag raincoats, but it was Céline’s irreverent offering that put vogue into the sass of grocery shopping.

8. Tote bags

What is a spring/summer season without a brand new tote? This is the bag that will see you sail seamlessly through to swimsuit season. The off-the-cuff, oversized options at Céline and Balenciaga are strictly for the brave, but fans of styles more conventional/conservative may take their prudent picks at Chanel, Fendi and Dior.

Related links:

14 Spring/Summer 2018 Trends to Wear Now

8 Great Beauty Looks from Spring’s 2018 Runways