The hobo bag is back! Yes, I am serious! I know, I know, for the past few years I have been telling you that hobo bags are coming back; but seriously, they are finally here! This is an important handbag trend for 2021, and well into the next few years.
Hobo bags slowly began to re-emerge as a handbag trend a few years ago when designers began to take inspiration from the 1990s. Everyone in the 1990s owned a black hobo bag; big or small. As the new millennium came in, hobos bags continued for a few more years, even presenting themselves as extremely oversized. Watch out for that on the runways in the next couple seasons. But I digress. . .
Last year, we started with the Coach Swinger, a classic from the 1990s, and the new Prada Cleo. These structured hobo bags offered a retro vibe, and took us back to the end of the grunge era when minimalism was king, and hobo bags rested upon our shoulders.
Fast forward to 2021, and designers are giving us classic and chic renditions of the hobo bag. These modern hobo bags could easily have been pulled from the archives of designers in the ’90’s. They are chic, simple, and timeless. Love!
If you still have your favorite hobo bag from 20-30 years ago, pull it out of the back of your closet and rock it! If not, it’s time to invest in a new bag! There are small hobos, micro hobos, medium hobos, and large hobos. Pick the size that works for your life. You can also be like me, and invest in more than one! Why not? This is a classic style you can wear even when it’s not on the runway.
As you know, I love the Coach Swinger and the Prada Cleo, but I do have my eyes on a slouchier style too. One can never own enough handbags I always say!
Which type of hobo do you like? Are you a structured hobo fan? Do you prefer a soft and slouchy hobo? Are you like me, and want both?
Summer officially starts on June 20, 2021, but the season always begins Memorial weekend. You may find yourself already putting together summer outfits from your closet, and rocking them on the streets. I know I am!
Last summer, there were trends, but did anyone really wear them? You may have purchased a handful of clothing and accessories last year, but did any of it get worn? Most of us didn’t get out much due to the shutdowns. Chances are, your summer clothing from last year is in pretty good shape, and can be re-worn this summer. Of course, some of the trends have changed! That’s ok, you can still make those pieces work. Let’s chat about what to keep for this summer, what you can store in your closet for the future, and what you should just clear out.
Here is a recap of last year’s trends, and which ones still work, and the ones that are over.
Clothing
All-white is a common trend during the summer season, but did anyone wear their all-white looks last year? Chances are they barely got worn. Pull them out, and place them front and center in your closet. This is a hot summer look you can pair with your square toes and pouch bag. Love!
Bold lines were everywhere last year, but not so much this year. I would place these to the side in your closet. They may return soon, and can be worn if you have nothing else to wear. Otherwise, bold lines didn’t seem to hit the streets this year.
Power Suit: The power suit was huge last summer, but did anyone have a chance to wear it? Probably not. We were all working from home. Rock that power suit this summer! You can also split it up and wear the blazer with jeans or shorts. The pants will look great with an understated summer top, square toes, and a pouch. Love that!
Lace and eyelet fabrics are still hot! Keep those pieces front and center. If you don’t have any, invest in at least one eyelet piece or lace trimmed piece. They add a fun texture to your look.
Puffy sleeves are a huge trend this summer! If you started wearing this trend last year, keep it up! No flat and boring sleeves allowed! Only puffy, or you can’t sit with us.
Bermuda shorts appear to have bombed. Where did they go? How did they last only one summer? I miss them already. Ugh, keep them in the back of your closet. Let’s all pray they return soon. I am not a huge fan of shorty-shorts. If you are like me, we can all find solace in a pair of cut-off denim shorts this summer. Those can be any length above the knee; thankfully. Also, shorts which hit mid-thigh are on trend for summer 2021 too. So not all is lost.
Wide-leg pants are still here! Keep those flowing trousers from last year, and rock them again this summer. This trend is here to stay! Yay!
Handbags
Phone case handbags: Keep these for amusement park outings, the county fair, and events where you want to lighten your load. The trend is over, but they are still functional. I would place this style in your closet where you can reach them, but not front and center.
Oversized bags had a moment, but no-one actually wore them. I assume you don’t have one, but if you do, store it in the back of closet. I have a feeling this trend will re-emerge soon, and you can pull your oversize bag back out.
Straw bags are still hot! If you bought one last year, perfect! You can rock it all summer long. If not, what are you waiting for? This is a hot summer bag trend you will want to be a part of, and invest in.
Soft pouches: this trend is still heating up! If you didn’t invest in a pouch last year, grab one this year! You have plenty of choices which range from large pouches, to mini pouches with straps. Pick one to suit your lifestyle and taste. Love them!
Chain details were just getting started! If you notice, chains are everywhere this summer on handbags! If you didn’t jump on this trend last year, and you love an edgy little chain, jump on it now! I did. I couldn’t help myself! Chains are a little bit rock n’ roll, a little bit Chanel-y, and a little bit edgy. Love that!
Shoes
OK, by now you own at least one pair of square toe shoes. Last summer the square toe really started to make it’s debut as a serious shoe trend. This summer, your toes must be square! If you bought some square toes last year, rock them now! If not, buy at least one pair! They are waaaaay more comfortable than round or pointy toes. Seriously, square toes are everything.
Sneakers: Are sneakers really a trend? Well, they are! If you bought designer sneakers last year, you can still wear them now. Sneakers aren’t going anywhere; and some would argue fashion sneakers are a classic look which is here to stay. Don’t be afraid to buy designer or fashion sneakers, they are a classic look which transcends season. Invest in a pair you love and rock them all the time!
There you have it! Last year’s summer trends which are still relevant this summer. Hopefully you have some great pieces from last year, then you don’t need to buy as much this year! Love that!
Can you believe we are close to halfway through 2021? Where does the time go? Since we are almost at the halfway point, I thought this would be a good time to talk about the hottest selling IT bags of 2021 from January 1, 2021, until May 21, 2021. (Those are the dates evaluated as of writing this post) Knowing what’s hot, helps us plan our IT bag purchases for the summer and fall seasons!
While we can speculate about which bags will be hot before a season begins, we really never have the data to back things up until the season has passed. That being said, knowing what sold well, and what hit the streets, in a recent season, tells us what to expect for the upcoming season.
During the winter and spring seasons of 2021, handbag fans hit the streets with both classic IT bags, and new IT bags. The top selling IT bag of the year, thus far, is a classic! The Chloe Marcie has proved, once again, that casual and classic are what makes an IT bag sell well; and enjoy longevity. After all, the Marcie has been around for years! If you don’t already own one, what are you waiting for? This bag sells the most in the original, double top handle style; but the cross body version is also a hit on the streets, as it comes in at the number four spot. You can check out my review of my Chloe Marcie here.
The Givenchy Antigona Soft is proving to be a hit this year! It comes in at number two as a top selling IT bag of 2021 so far. This beautiful bag sells well in all size variations, so if you are looking for a daily bag, or a larger travel tote, this is “IT” for 2021! I can see this bag having longevity. It is practical and beautiful. Love that!
The pouch clutch is a hot street style staple in 2021, and Mansur Gavriel’s Cloud is the perfect mix of affordability and IT bag designer recognition. This beautiful clutch is priced well under $1000; which is rare for an IT bag! It’s also sturdy construction, and can be easily dressed up or down. While Bottega Veneta’s version might end up on more wish lists, Mansur Gavriel’s version ends up in more closets. It’s hot on the streets! It’s worth mentioning the mini version of Mansur Gavriel’s Cloud clutch came in at number six. The mini version offers a strap which can be worn over the shoulder, cross body, or tucked in. Love that!
Lastly, the Loewe Basket Bag has been around for a few years, but it is proving to be a classic summer staple on the streets. This cute little straw tote comes in at just under $500 which makes it an affordable IT bag. It’s a great bag for beach days, summer vacations, or just looking summery on a daily basis. I love it paired with espadrilles!
Shop the top selling IT bags of 2021 so far online:
There you have it! If you don’t already own one of these IT bags of 2021, what are you waiting for? These are the hottest bags of the year so far!
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO Cathy
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