Winter is finally over and spring is finally upon us. While it signals a finer and warmer climate, it also unfolds a new season in what perhaps is the holy grail of women’s fashion—bags! As you hang up your coats and put on your sheer dresses, linen trousers, cotton tops, denim shorts, and bikinis, make sure to accentuate your look with the hottest bags this season.
Let’s look at the 16 bag trends to watch out for during spring and summer 2016. Some are outlandish, bold, graphic, and fancy, while others are chic, classic, and sophisticated. But one thing’s for sure, these bags can make your summer wardrobe sizzle with style.
- Fringed and Tasseled
Fringes and tassels are reminiscent of the 1970s era, and has been a hot trend from 2015 to today. For spring and summer 2016, bags adorned with fringes and tasseled are expected to be a hit among many because they can add a laid-back, cool, and quirky flair to a summer look.
Some of the tasseled and fringed creations for this season come from Diane von Furstenberg, Roberto Cavalli, and Balenciaga.
- Structured and Squared
Boxy bags seem to be a thing this season, because they bring out a statement all on their own. Structured and squared bags have a solid form and corners, which makes them edgy and iconic. These bags come in different solid colors, graphic patterns, and embellished with metals and other materials.
Zimmerman and Dolce & Gabbana created some of the structured and squared bags you should watch out for this season.
- Chain Straps
Chain straps are still in this season. Aside from added aesthetic appeal, chains are also sturdy enough to carry the weight of the bag and its contents. If you’re into this type of bag, check out Burberry, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton for their latest versions of a timeless classic.
If you’re looking for a chain-strapped bag for your wardrobe, check out this Beige Leather Chain Purse from Bottega Veneta or the coveted Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap Bag in Bronze.
- Bold Statement Bags
Spring can be equated to fun and some designers bring the playfulness of summer in their bag creations. Some unique forms that you can expect this season are bags taking the shape of animals, food, items, and human faces, most of which come in bright and bold tones and hues.
Kate Spade and Gucci are among the designers who rolled out fun statement bags on the runway.
- Metallic Bags
A metallic bag is another timeless classic that can add a sparkle to your outfit. Metallic bags that are to make waves this season come from Badgley Mischka and Diane Von Furstenberg.
Other bags that can add glamor and shimmer to your wardrobe are the Chanel Sac Class Rabat Quilted Tote or Vintage Whiting & Davis Silver Mesh Rhinestone Purse.
- Fanny Packs
Fanny packs or hip packs are no longer the bane of fashion, because designers have elevated them to be chic pieces that most people grew to love.
Fanny packs are in this season because they’re easy to wear, can carry essentials, and allow ease of movement. They come in different designs and materials, such as fur, fringes, patterns, and a wide array of colors.
Kenzo and Maison Margiela showcased fanny packs in their spring/summer collections this year.
- Tote Bags
Another classic bag that’s hot this season are tote bags.
Tote bags are cult favorites because they’re roomy enough to haul a lot of things without compromising on elegance and chicness. Talk about functional and fashionable at the same time.
Tote bags grace spring summer collections this year, and are paraded in different materials, patterns, and decorations. Ralph Lauren and Altuzarra designed some of the tote bags that you need to anticipate this season.
Tote bags are timeless, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a few of them in your fashion arsenal. Some of the tote bags we love and wouldn’t mind to use all year-round are the Monogram Vernis Gold Brentwood Tote from Louis Vuitton and the Celine Mini Luggage Tote Bag.
- Graphics and Patterns
Spring is the season to go playful and bold in fashion, so make a statement wherever you go with bags donned with patterns and graphics. This summer, consider giving your classic and monochromatic bags a break and go for prints if you want to stand out and add more spice to your look.
Louis Vuitton and Gucci are among the fashion houses that released graphic bags that can make you go wow this season. Meanwhile, if you want a bag with a floral flair, the Multi-Colored Floral Print Crocodile Shoulder Tote from Nancy Gonzalez can do the trick.
- Loop Straps
Move over top handles and slings, there’s a new way to carry around the most coveted handbags this spring, and that is through loop straps. If you’re tired of the usual clutch or shoulder bag, give loop strapped bags a try this season.
Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton included bag with loop straps for their spring/summer 2016 collection.
- Suede Bags
Suede bags are also in this season. While they are reminiscent of 1970s era, they still have a new flair of their own, making them very chic and very now. Balmain, Chloe, and Michael Kors created suede bags for this season that one can’t simply ignore.
- Backpacks
Backpacks are also expected to be in demand this season, because not only do they carry your essentials, they also add character to an outfit—whether you’re going for a sporty or dainty look. Some of the backpacks to watch out for this spring are from Alexander Wang and Michael Kors.
Meanwhile, if you want a backpack with a pop of color, check out this Red Leather Backpack from Gianni Versace.
- Clutches
Clutches don’t seem to go out of style and seem to be always part of the latest trends. This spring, it’s no different and clutches are still as hot as before.
Clutches come in different designs and forms. Some are embellished with pearls, others are designed with patterns, while others are accentuated with metals. Valentino, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Balmain all created clutch bags for their collections this spring.
Other clutch bags you should check out are the Altair Monogram Leather Clutch from Louis Vuitton and the Paisley Clutch Purse from Judith Leiber.
- Saddle Bags
We’re seeing some really Western designs this season, and one of the bag styles expected to make waves this spring are saddle bags. Saddle bags can be a great alternative to tote bags. Some are made with straw, others come in classic leather, while others are crafted in suede and accentuated with fringes.
- Furry Bags
Furry bags are pretty and fun and a statement all on their own, and they’re one of the reasons why you should be excited this summer. Whether it’s a clutch, handbag or a hobo, you can never go wrong with the added playful element of fur.
One of the furry bags we adore is the Chanel Limited Edition Black & White Chinchilla Fur Handbag.
- Folded Over Bags
Folded over bags deviate from the usual zippers and buckles used to open and close a bag. It offers convenience, enough room, and a unique statement, which makes it popular this season. Lacoste and 3.1 Phillip Lim have fold over bags in their collection this spring.
- Halfmoon Bags
The charm of halfmoon bags come from their simplicity, chicness, and minimalist look. Victoria Beckham and Michael Kors have halfmoon bags in their spring collections that would make you swoon.
How about you? What are your favorite bags for spring and summer? Please share with us in the comments.
