I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the arrival of summer 2022 coincides with the demise of several outdated handbag trends. I don’t make the rules—I’m simply here to observe and report back with my findings. But in case you’re curious, you’re about to find out which bags are on the chopping block this season. After doing plenty of research and looking at the runways, social media, and what’s currently on the market, I couldn’t help but notice five previously popular bag trends were more or less MIA.
On a more positive note, this summer promises an influx of some truly exciting new carryalls, like sleek ’90s shapes and elevated raffia styles that promise to level up your style this season. Trust me. Once you see all the cool options on deck for summer 2022, you’ll realize that letting go of those outdated styles has never been easier. Ahead, discover the everyday shoulder bags, beach-ready totes, and party purses that aren’t resonating as much anymore and their modern-day replacements.
Raffia bags are a closet classic, so they never really go away, but this summer, the woven carryalls are an especially cool pick with designers like Loewe and Cesta Collective elevating the simple totes with luxe leather detailing. On the contrary, I’ve noticed that flimsy market totes aren’t as much of a thing as in past summers, perhaps because of their netting.
Fashion people will always love a more out-there trend, and while that used to mean fanny packs and belt bags, they’re now dabbling in a new bag trend: color. We saw bags in all manner of candy colors throughout spring, but the trend is reaching a fever pitch this summer. It seems like every It bag of the moment, from the Balenciaga Le Cagole to the Burberry Lola Bag are all offered in a range of bold and bright hues, and they add a pop of color to even simple ensembles.
Sorry to all my Jacquemus-obsessed friends, but all signs are pointing to the demise of the micro-mini bag. You know the kind: the impossibly teeny purses that hardly held more than a tube of lipstick. (Fret not, the beloved French label still has plenty of incredible—and proportionately sized—bags.) In contrast, the style set is reaching for far more practical purses. Sleek ’90s shoulder bags are bubbling up a lot right now, and they have plenty of longevity.
Let’s talk party bags. Every season, it feels like there’s a new novelty bag trend, whether it’s pearl adornments or feather trimming. For summer 2022, we’re seeing a notable decline in the former, and although they’re not “out” by any means, fashion folks are instead reaching for crystal-embellished bags en masse. The slouchy shoulder bags from Benedetta Bruzziches and Cult Gaia are early season favorites.
Even though woven bags are a summer classic, the trend of boxy shapes with top handles seems to be a woven style that’s cooled off recently. In its wake, fashion people are putting renewed emphasis on a year-round staple, the classic leather satchel. Of course, adding the iconic Hermès Kelly to your closet is the goal, but the polished silhouette can be achieved no matter your budget.
