The 5 Hottest Bag Trends of Spring

best bags for spring

KCM

And how to wear them without emptying your wallet. 

Fashion trends are hard enough to keep up with, but staying on top of the subcategories within said trends is seemingly impossible. When it comes to handbags, arguably the most revenue-driving accessory in the fashion industry, trends reveal themselves on the runway every season. This spring, designers sent models down the catwalk carrying everything from sleek leather shoulder bags to wicker crossbodies. But one standout style took shape: rounded bags are the new “it” accoutrement. 

We admit that while it looks cool, a spherical bag may not be the most practical investment. For those of us who hope to fit more than a single credit card and tube of chapstick into our purse, the silhouette may not be realistic. (Our deputy editor Maggie Parker tried fitting a water bottle and an umbrella in one this week, and had to ditch both ideas — sometimes we sacrifice for fashion.) That doesn’t mean you have to entirely write off the look, or any trend for that matter. There are plenty of ways to take inspiration from high-end designers without looking like a knock-off.

Besides, the most important thing you need in a bag is functionality. What’s the point of donning a purse or tote if you end up with your hands full of items that don’t fit in it, anyway? Thankfully we scoured the web for bags that are stylish, versatile, and wearable so that you can update your wardrobe without having to sacrifice fashion or function.

The Best Round Bags for Spring 2024

Dagne Dover Luna Shoulder Bag

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover makes some of the smartest bags out there, literally, somehow packing the most functional, tech-forward features into unique, trendy designs. This one is spot-on for the sphere trend, but it boasts a surprisingly roomy interior and features — like a leash to keep your keys easily accessible, four interior pockets for maximum organization, and a zip closure to keep everything secure. 

$50 at Dagne Dover

Hyer Goods Luxe Cinch Bucket Bag

Hyer Goods

We’re suckers for anything made sustainably, and every single bag from Hyer Goods is created with either deadstock or upcycled leathers that are just as gorgeous as virgin ones. We mentioned that round bags are in this season, and a bucket bag is a nod to the circular trend without being on the nose. The base is curved, but the bag itself is a cylinder with a cinched top, giving you tons of space inside for whatever you need to carry.

$310 at Hyer Goods

lululemon Pleated Shoulder Bag

lululemon

In the same way that lululemon makes our favorite clothing for when you’re on the move, they also make some of our favorite everyday bags. This one has a playful, half-circle shape, but it’s expertly designed with a hidden exterior pocket, water-repellent fabric to keep your goodies safe, and lots of pockets on the inside to keep everything where it belongs.

$88 at lululemon

3-in-1 Wildrose Vegan Leather Handbag

lambert

This purse checks a lot of boxes. It’s on trend because of the round shape and bright color (although it comes it neutrals, too), it’s practical because it’s roomy and can be worn three ways (crossbody, wrist, and backpack), it’s affordable, and it’s made of vegan leather. We’re smitten.

$135 at lambert

Best Practical Yet Pretty Bags for Spring 2024

Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote

Madewell

For the days when you know you’ll be out of the house for hours, having a simple, yet elegant bag you can wear daily is necessary. Not only can this Madewell tote hold your laptop, water bottle, notebook, wallet, and more, but its chic, woven leather exterior means it easily functions as both a work bag and a day-to-day tote. Reviewers say that it’s stunning right out of the box, and it doesn’t easily lose its shape or stretch out with regular use. They also say that the straps don’t dig into or slip off your shoulders easily, which is always a plus. 

$188 at Madewell

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Baggu

Lightweight? Check. Roomy? Check. Adjustable strap? You guessed it, check. Unlike some nylon bags, this one isn’t crunchy or slippery, and it bounces back into its original shape even if you flatten and fold it to stuff it into a suitcase. Commerce editor Katie P. uses this as her everyday bag in NYC because it easily holds a water bottle, wallet, phone, keys, and a book, and the adjustable strap allows her to wear it across her chest or as a cute shoulder bag. 

$52 at Baggu

The Row Margaux

Mytheresa

Smooth calf leather, impeccable construction, and classic design collided to create The Row’s latest creation, the Margaux. We’ll admit that the price point made our jaws drop, but if you’re someone who wants to invest in an extremely high-quality bag that will most likely appreciate in value, this is the one for you. Some are calling this “the new Birkin,” and it’s already selling out in stores and online. 

$4,290 at Mytheresa

3-in-1 Lavender Vegan Leather Handbag

lambert

This bag sits squarely between large and in charge and itty bitty. It’ll fit all your essentials, plus an umbrella and/or water bottle. Like other Lambert bags, it’s vegan and can be worn many ways: as a backpack, crossbody, or shoulder bag. The fun color means it’s extra on trend, too.

$145 at lambert

Best Beach-Inspired Bags for Spring 2024

Rebecca Minkoff Edie Crossbody Bag

Nordstrom

If perfect chic beach vacation were a bag, this would be it. Similar to other designer handbags, this one can be worn as a clutch, as a crossbody, or with the strap doubled for a shoulder purse that nestles perfectly under your arm. We love how the luxe chain contrasts against the woven straw, and the inside is lined with luxe leather to keep your belongings, well, where they belong. Plus, there’s both a magnetic and clasp closure, for twice the security. 

$298 at Rebecca Minkoff

Marc Jacobs Small Saddle Bag

Nordstrom

Another straw option that can be worn in spring and beyond is this one from Marc Jacobs. It’s on the smaller side, but it’s still spacious enough to contain the essentials, like a phone, small wallet, and chapstick. The red lining is a fun pop of color on an otherwise neutral bag, and we can’t get over how amazing the matte black hardware looks. 

$425 at Nordstrom

J.Crew Como Woven Straw Tote

J.Crew

Just imagine, you’re strolling down a cobblestone street along the edges of Lake Como, taking in the scenery, carrying this perfectly on-theme bag. A great vision, right? That’s probably where the wicker tote got its name. The roomy interior can hold a farmer’s market haul or all the essentials for a beach day, and it’ll look equally as chic in either location. 

$100 at J.Crew

Best Colorful Bags for Spring 2024

Anima Iris Zaza Lizard Embossed Bag

Nordstrom

Now that spring is here, it just feels right to add some color to your life. Despite its micro silhouette, this structured handbag is roomy enough to hold your phone, a few cards, keys, and maybe a lipstick. We’ll admit it won’t be your everyday bag that fits your work laptop, but if you’re on the hunt for an evening bag for weddings or upscale dinners, this is it. Katie herself is on the lookout for a small, colorful bag for spring, and we’re sending her the link to this one as a recommendation. 

$425 at Nordstrom

Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Leather Shoulder Bag

Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Leather Shoulder Bag

Nordstrom

For an everyday bag that will hold all your essentials, allow us to nominate Tory Burch. This pocketbook’s simple square shape will never go out of style, it’s structured enough to stand on its own (because who doesn’t hate picking up a flopped over bag off the grimy ground?), and the strap can be adjusted to fit across your body or to sling on your shoulder. This bag comes in a ton of colors, but this icy blue hue is living in our minds rent free right now.

Kate Spade Knott Colorblocked Top Handle Crossbody

Kate Spade

A surefire way to inject color into your outfit without feeling overwhelmed by it? Add a bright accessory. Greens reminiscent of sea glass stand out against the white sides and bottom of this bag, and it can be worn in a number of different ways thanks to the removable and adjustable shoulder strap. 

$298 at Kate Spade

Best Mini Hobo Bags for Spring 2024

Coach Payton Hobo Bag

Coach Outlet

The hobo shape is one of our favorite bag shapes to date. But unlike past seasons, when it came in oversized blobs, we spotted a fresh, mini version that perfectly fits under your arm. And if you haven’t heard, florals are still in for spring. We love Coach for sturdy leather purses that age like fine wine, and this one is no exception. The bag itself looks unstructured and slouchy, but it won’t deflate if you set it down or don’t stuff it full of all your earthly belongings. Chain detailing on the strap adds a bit of bling, but the extended version is leather for easy wear. If all that pizzazz is more than you can handle, this shape comes in neutral colors, too.

$109 at Coach Outlet

Mini Hobo Bag

Amazon

Let’s face it, you don’t always expect a bag to be an investment, and that’s OK. Instead of dropping hundreds for a similar style, snag this classic shape from Amazon for under $20. Reviewers say it’s a major steal for the quality and that it’s easy to pack in a suitcase for trips, holds plenty, and doesn’t easily scratch. Plus, it comes in 30 different colors, so there are plenty to choose from.

$17 at Amazon

Madewell Sydney Hobo Bag

Madewell

Despite its petite size, this hobo bag can carry the necessary items for a quick errand run. It’s made from smooth leather and has fun knotted straps, and a magnetic closure keeps everything from falling out of the bag if it tips over in the car or anywhere else. 

$110 at Madewell