If you spent a few minutes scrolling through social media, you’d surely spot something going viral—such as a new album, a celebrity street style look, or simply a buzzy new bag. All of these things may or may not make a lasting impression, but the latter often lingers in the minds of the chronically online fashion crowd. Even after we’ve logged out of TikTok, handbags carry as much weight in real life as they do online. After all, no other accessory has an impact on pop culture quite like cult-status handbags over the last century. Refer to Fendi’s Baguette and Gucci’s Jackie Bag. Whether beloved by a fictional character or inspired by a style icon in American politics, some of the most popular purses give us a glimpse into what’s happening in the world. Therefore, we’d argue that trying to discern which bags are going viral isn’t vapid. It’s a vehicle to understand what’s happening around us or, at the very least, be a part of it. It might be an unconventional take, but securing some part of fashion history will always be our favorite pastime.
Although there are plenty of purses that give us a peek into the past, none are as popular as studded bags presently. Embellished bags aren’t an entirely new trend, as they’ve been reported to be around since the Victorian era. However, we’ve seen them emerge again thanks partly to luxury fashion houses releasing some of the most sought-after styles, including Khaite’s Elena Studded Bag. In many ways, the return of this formerly dated trend speaks to this moment in fashion and broader pop culture. For example, the bag style reflects how the boho revival was brought about by the appointment of Chemena Kamali to Chloé, and its return has happened in tandem with the rise of alt-girl fashion, which was further popularized by Charli XCX’s viral Brat album this summer. In short, studded bags speak to this moment sublimely, so there’s no better item to secure for fall.
If you’re not sold yet, keep scrolling to see our curation of the 30 best studded bags based on quality, functionality, wearability, brand recognition, and price point. Trust us when we say that studded bags are the moment, period.
KHAITE
Elena Small Studded Suede Shoulder Bag
The cult-status studded bag from Khaite is cool, and it’s big enough to fit your phone, keys, and sunglasses.
Coach
Studio Baguette Bag With Rivets
Coach’s studded suede bag can be styled as a crossbody, clutch, or compact shoulder bag.
ZARA
Embellished Shoulder Bag
Zara never fumbles the bag.
ISABEL MARANT
Oskan Studded Leather Shoulder Bag
With boho-inspired fashion making a comeback this fall, this studded shoulder bag is the perfect long-term investment.
Rebecca Minkoff
Milan Crossbody
The color! The gold hardware! The slouchy shape! Ten out of 10.
Chloé
Small Bracelet Studded Hobo Bag
ICYMI, bracelet bags are making a comeback.
A.L.C.
Simone Bag
Just think of all the essentials you can fit in this bag!
Silence + Noise
Mona Studded Shoulder Bag
It’s cute and cheap. Consider us sold.
THEMOIRè
Olimipa Studded Vegan Fabric Shoulder Bag
The shape of this tote is so stunning.
Jacquemus
Le Bisou Rond Carre Shoulder Bag
If you want a grown-up studded bag, look for options with grommet hardware, such as this Jacquemus bag.
3.1 Phillip Lim
ID Petite Soft Shoulder Bag
We’re suckers for a soft-leather bag with a slouchy shape.
Walter Baker
Hendrix Shoulder Bag
If you can’t afford a designer bag yet but still want a high-quality leather option, this style will do the trick.
Poppy Lissiman
Snapper Spike in Cherry
Touch at your own risk.
SIMON MILLER
Snap Studded Zip Shoulder Bag
The different-sized studs on this vegan leather bag are very mid-century mod.
JW PEI
Gabbi Crushed Ruched Hobo Handbag
It’s giving mid-aughts in the best way possible.
Sonia Rykiel
Domino Medium Bag in Suede and Studs
Sonia Rykiel’s studded Domino bag was the must-have style throughout the ’90s.
& Other Stories
Studded Leather Clutch
It comes with a detachable strap, so you can style this studded bag on the shoulder too.
MANGO
Stud Leather Bag
It doesn’t get more Y2K coded than this cute shoulder bag.
Balenciaga
Le Cagole XS Shoulder Bag in White
The fashion crowd can’t get enough of Balenciaga’s Le Cagole bag.
LADO BOKUCHAVA
Mars Bag
Forget belly piercings. We love this pierced bag so much more.
Valentino Garavani
Duffle Rockstud Leather Bag
When it comes to studded bags, none retain as much value over time as Valentino’s Rockstud offering.
STEVE MADDEN
Randyy Bag
The chain strap makes this style even edgier.
Marge Sherwood
Soft Baguette Bag
With suede bags also trending, this is one of best options to buy for the season.
Madewell
The Essential Medium Bucket Tote
Give your everyday commuter bag a cool update.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Raimonda Kulikauskiene)
COS
Valley Eyelet Shoulder Bag
It’s a need, not a want.
Na-KD
Studded Mini Crossbody Bag
Such a steal!
By Anthropologie
Studded Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag
The shape of this shoulder bag is so good.
Núnoo
Apollo 2 Eyelet New Zealand Bag in Olive
Núnoo’s leather bags are a favorite among our editors.
B-low the Belt
Georgette Hobo Moto Leather Bag
The quality of this leather shoulder bag is great for the price point.
FP Collection
Embellished Slouchy Carryall
You can also shop this eyelet-hardware bag in black and olive green, BTW.
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