summer 2026

Handbag trends 2026

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged cruise 2026 / fall 2026 / spring 2026 / summer 2026 / winter 2026 by

Handbags from top left: chain strap bucket bag / caramel top handle bag / drawstring bag / belted tote / east/west bag / retro IT bag /

Welcome to 2026 and all the new, and continuing, handbag trends! Well, as we move into 2026, there are a few slight tweaks to what’s trending in handbags, but all-in-all, investment bags and the anonymous handbag continue to reign supreme.

The overall handbag in 2026 is anonymous. Logos are out and high quality, timeless style is in. Handbags should have high quality fabrications, clean looks, and no loud logos.

There are several handbag trends continuing from last year into 2026. We are continuing to see east/west bags, belted totes, drawstring bucket bags, hobo bags, timeless shoulder bags, and classic chain strap shoulder bags.

One of the new and emerging trends includes going back 15-20 years to the IT bag era. The Balenciaga City Tote is exploding. If you already own one, pull it out from the back of your closet and rock it now. If you don’t own one, but love the soft, slouchy, moto look, snap one up for your investment collection. In addition, we will see other former IT bags make a resurgence. So, if you own an IT bag from that era, pull it out and wear it. Think lots of pockets, mirror finishes (silver and gold), Fendi bags, and the Chloe Marcie.

What’s new for 2026? In addition to retro IT bags, look for bags in shades of white, pops of color, soft and slouchy drawstring bags, more exaggerated east/west styles, chain details apart from a functional strap, and larger sizes.

Thankfully there isn’t one IT bag, must-have. Those days are over, for now. Handbags under $1000 convey just as much an IT vibe as bags over $3000. So, rock those anonymous handbags and continue to invest in timeless styles you can wear forever. Love that!

Some of my favorite handbags from around the web which are right on trend for 2026:

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for more in 2026!

XOXO
Cathy

The return of the drawstring bag

 in Handbags / Trends  tagged fall 2026 / outfits / spring 2026 / summer 2026 / winter 2026 by
drawstring bag trend 2026

wearing: sunglasses / earrings / peacoat / sweater / drawstring bag (old, similar here) / spring nail polish / jeans / sneakers /

The drawstring bag is back! It went on a hiatus for a few years, and in 2025, it crept back into style and is now showing up in almost every designer and brand collection for 2026. Get ready for it!

If you already have a drawstring bag, whether pouch or bucket, it is time to bring it back out from the back of your closet and into the rotation. In addition to the drawstring style, look for brighter hues plus classic neutrals. So, if you are like me and own a colorful drawstring bag, it’s back in style! Rock it now and for the next few seasons. Love that!

One rule though, no logos! Your drawstring bag should be beautiful leather or faux leather or canvas or fabric. No logos. Sorry LV girls! Keep that logo bag in the closet.

One thing to remember with drawstring bags, they are open at the top. So be sure to secure your smaller items inside your bag so you don’t experience spillage, especially in the car.

If you don’t already own a drawstring handbag to pull out from your personal archives, I recommend investing in a fun one! Choose a color or neutral you see yourself wearing a lot this year. It’ll be a fun alternative to your belted totes, east/west bags, chain shoulder bags, and hobos.

Enjoy the drawstring bag trend. It’s fun yet understated; and offers a fresh alternative to the rest of the continuing handbag trends in 2026. Love that!

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more in 2026!

XOXO

Cathy

Cloud Dancer inspired handbags for 2026

 in Color Trends / General Fashion / Handbags  tagged cloud dancer / cruise 2026 / fall 2026 / spring 2026 / summer 2026 / winter 2026 by

Cloud Dancer inspired handbag from top left: tote bag / east/west belted clutch / top handle bag / east/west bag (on sale!) / pouch / hobo bag /

Shades of white are hot for the new year! This fresh neutral is the color of 2026, and I am loving this! While Cloud Dancer is a specific shade of white, you can really wear any shade of white in the new year, so there are a lot of options allowing you to rock this hot color trend now! Love that!

Shades of white are being paired with both pastel color palettes and vibrant hues. You can also pair it with shades of brown for an earthy look. Also, as we moved into the new year, handbags are softer, slouchy, and more carefree. Continue looking for hobos, belted totes, the pouch, east/west styles, and soft silhouettes.

Handbags are an easy way to incorporate shades of white into your wardrobe. You can easily wear this handbag color with anything and everything on a daily basis. The temperature outside doesn’t matter and the color combo you are wearing won’t matter either; the white handbag will match and be perfect with your outfit. Love that!

Shop Cloud Dancer inspired handbag around the web:

What do you think of this hue for 2026? Will you rock it on a handbag?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy