8 Top Handbag Trends 2025

Handbags have always dished out main character energy, serving as the standout star of outfits. Don’t expect anything else as we move into 2025. In fact, this is your cue to go ahead and retire some of your old bags and treat yourself to a new piece of arm candy. To inspire your purse shopping, we asked personal stylists to share the biggest handbag trends taking center stage in 2025 and beyond. 

1. Soft, Neutral Tones

You can expect more of the soft, neutral tones we’ve been seeing in 2025. Think shades of brown (like creamy mocha mousse), off white, beige, and warm chestnut. Also trending right now is pale pink shades—especially as we head into the spring and summer months. “Spring 2025 runway shows in September showcased a plethora of soft pink shades, accentuating this trend,” says Nina Miner, designer and stylist. 

2. The ‘East/West’ Silhouette  

The East-West silhouette is named for its shape, which stretches longways horizontally and has a strap that runs across the middle. It’s a super trendy look right now, says Ari Rosmarin, professional stylist. 

“At this point, you can purchase a slim bag at any brand or retailer that offers handbags—from Amazon to Bergdorf Goodman,” she says. “These bags are long and slim—giving dachshunds, if you will—and can range from day to night with varying handle lengths.”

3. External Pockets

Pockets have always been a purse staple, but what’s new about this trend we’re seeing is that the pockets are showing up on the outside of bags. Think dedicated pockets for your phone—Bandolier is a great example—and multiple exterior pockets that add some flair. “It creates a unique structure that also has an added convenience factor,” notes Rhonda Marinoff, a New York City-based personal stylist.

4. Mid-Price Luxury 

Plan on luxury bags becoming much more accessible as we move deeper into 2025.  

“We have seen classic luxury brands skyrocket in price, and new brands are coming in hot on the market and offering quality and style—without the price tag that comes along with it,” Rosmarin says. “I’m still referring to luxury, real leather, and well-made bags, but they land in the $500 to $1200 price range.” 

This is still a splurge, but far more affordable than the classic brands that easily dip into 5-digit price tags. A few brands doing a great job of this are DeMellier, Toteme, and Polene. 

5. Girlish Embellishments 

In recent years we’ve seen a rise in ultra-feminine styles via Barbiecore, coquette aesthetics, and bows galore. We’re still seeing that in 2025 handbag trends, but in a much more refined and tapered way. Think pearls, florals, and subtle feminine color palettes. Miner says, “We’ve seen pearl treatments emerge recently on clothing and accessories and the customer has gravitated to these items. The trend will continue to get stronger as we move through 2025.” 

6. Bag Charms 

While handbags trends for 2025 are quieter in terms of silhouette and style, we’re seeing bursts of personality via bag charms. From tiny accents to loaded layers, they provide a fun way to express yourself while adding a pop of color, texture, and charm. Whether it’s a playful tassel or a retro-inspired trinket, these accessories are a fun way to dress up an otherwise simple bag.

7. Fringe 

Fringe is back in a big way in 2025, offering a fresh dose of texture to handbags. What’s really taking off right now is long, flowing strands of fringe cascading from the bottom of handbags, but it’s showing up in all sorts of ways. And it’s not just about visual appeal; the movement of fringe adds an interactive, almost playful quality to bags.  

8. Top Handle Totes 

Referred to as “doctor bags” or “medicine bags,” this silhouette is a major 2025 handbag trend. “It’s any [bag] that is a structured tote with a top handle that may or may not have a long strap, too,” Rosmarin says. “They typically have gold hardware. I’ve seen them in leather, suede, and shearling, and some of my favorites are the Ferragamo hug bag, Balenciaga Bel-Air, and the JW PEI Hana Medium Faux Fur Tote Bag.”