As fashion editors, we’re often asked what the latest ready-to-wear trends will be, but as quickly as we can suggest balloon jeans and red tights, the season has shifted and we’re already having to look ahead to the next big thing. One category that moves a little slower is accessories. After all, an exceptional handbag is the difference between a good outfit and a great one, and when you’re paying a little extra for something like a designer bag, you want to know that your investment will go the distance. So, if you’re interested in refreshing your look at the start of a new year, I’m not going to suggest a long list of “must-have” pieces; instead, I want to focus on the big one that will actually make a difference to your wardrobe: a new handbag.
Unlike shoes, whose reliability changes from season to season, bags are a year-round necessity. Hence, the bag you buy now deserves some careful thought as it will become a wardrobe staple for the next 12 months and beyond. The chances are that you already have an “old faithful”—probably a black leather bag you’ve been using for years and still dust off for any and every occasion—but should you be interested in something a little buzzier, it’s time to turn your attention to the handbag colour trends that are set to be very big in 2024.
