Bags are trying out for the role of your outfit’s main character this fall. No, they don’t want to just *recede* into the background—they need the spotlight! And applause!
Make way for fuzz (so pettable, your dog might feel jealous), studs (yep, grunge is back in more ways than one), angles (sharp enough to kill a man 🎶), and bags that get a bit weird. Size matters too—on your next flight, you may need to buy an extra seat for your ludicrously capacious tote, so start saving up.
Like the rest of the fall 2023 trends, these bag designs are all about having a ridiculously good time. Let your freak flag fly, wear your baggage with pride, give your fluffy fur purse a nickname—we won’t judge!
Psst: Straight-A students may also want to take a spin through our full fall 2023 trend report, which features individual investigations into the biggest trends in clothing, shoes, and jewelry.
Oversized (Like, Really, Really)
Okay, okay, I’ll stop it with the Succession jokes, but let’s be real: Tom Wambsgans is responsible for the resurgence of the tote—in particular, the oversized variety. And honestly? It’s about damn time because I’ve been out here wearing a crossbody, and carrying, like, half of my other necessities between each finger. Thankfully, in fall 2023, designers don’t want you to have to live like that. Throw it all in your tote—there’s plenty of room!
shop the oversized trend
Luar The Brooke Python-Embossed Leather Top Handle Bag
Isabel Marant Warden Striped Nylon Tote
Marc Jacobs The Large Tote Bag
Fuzzy Wuzzy
When we’re not fully setting up camp inside our bags this season (because they’re so huge—get it?), we may just be…snuggling them. Truly, your purse could and should cosplay as your family pet this fall because faux fur and shearling and other fluffy materials are claiming this space. These styles are much less of a responsibility than an actual puppy, I might add.
shop the fuzzy trend
Ugg Edalene Shoulder Bag Sherpa
Now 30% Off
Blumarine Pink Faux-Fur Bag
Simon Miller Puffin Mini Faux-Fur Top-Handle Bag
Coach Pillow Madison Fluffy Shoulder Bag
Now 50% Off
Marc Jacobs The Teddy J Marc Curve
Novelty!
Listen, things are about to take a bit of a turn for the weird and you’re going to have to just lean in. Purses shaped like dinosaurs, bags decked with cookies that look real enough to eat? Those are just the tip of the iceberg, my friend. What you carry is about to say a lot about who you are as a person, so you might as well signal to your adoring fans that kooky doesn’t scare you. Hey, at the very least, these unique bags will be great conversation starters.
shop the novelty trend
Kate Spade Pitter Patter 3D Heart Crossbody
Puppets and Puppets Small Cookie Velvet Top Handle Bag
Now 40% Off
Poppy Lissiman Pet Bowling Bag
Sandy Liang Milano Bag in Blush
Coach Rexy Bag In Signature Canvas
Embellished Everywhere
Like her majesty Rihanna ordained, it’s time for your accessories to sparkle. Everything shiny is having its moment in the handbag world right now, so you’ll want to get in on the action. From rhinestones and crystals to beaded appliqués, this fall bag trend is all about making your purses into the diamonds they really are.
shop the embellished trend
Brandon Blackwood Kendrick Mini Trunk Embellished Top-Handle Bag
BruceGlen Blue Denim Bucket Bag With Blue Crystals
Nina Crystal Embellished Minaudière
Clio Peppiatt Quartz Nylon Bag
JW PEI Abacus Artificial Crystal Mini Top Handle Bag
Top Handles Galore
We are dainty, we love tea, we are doing our best to make the Queen of England (RIP) proud because top-handle bags are here and as posh as ever. There are so many reasons to love this style of purse (first of all, it’s chiiiiiic), but, IMO, the most important is this: Whether you’re into novelty, sparkles, flashy logos, or understated solids, there’s a top-handle bag for you. Pinkies out now.
shop the top handle trend
Charles & Keith Koa Push-Lock Top Handle Bag
Olga Berg Sasha Top Handle Bag
Tory Burch Small Robinson Spazzolato Top Handle Bag
Mango Rectangular Bag With Flap
Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Bow-Detailed Leather Tote
Oversized (Like, Really, Really): Coach coat, pants, heels, and bags. Fuzzy Wuzzy: Gucci sweater and bag. Novelty: Puppets and Puppets dress and bag. Embellished Everywhere: Luar bag; Aquazzura heels. Top Handles Galore: Alessandra Rich
sweater, skirt, tights, and heels; Louis Vuitton bag.
Senior Accessories Editor
Andrea Zendejas is the Senior Accessories Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she has worked for 5+ years. Andrea handles fine and costume jewelry, shoes, and bags for all cover and fashion stories in addition to overseeing the front of book shopping pages. She also styles beauty well stories and various fashion stories for digital. Andrea previously worked at CR Fashion Book, SELF Magazine, and Women’s Health and has contributed to digital sites Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. Follow her on Instagram.