From the distinctive, unstructured, and oversize clutches on Khaite’s runway to the larger-than-life, boho-chic tie-dye tote bags at Altuzarra, the New York Fashion Week runways have served as endless accessory inspiration for the upcoming spring/summer 2023 season. While certain brands stayed true to traditional themes and colors – we can always expect the playful appliqués that came with Kate Spade New York’s series of floral purses – others took a more subversive approach to the warmer season’s typical palette of colors, textures, and materials.
No Sesso’s collection, for example, explored an edgier side with the brand’s evolution into “Black Punk.” When it came to bags, the shape of choice was a Y2K-inspired barrel shoulder bag in a slew of metallic shades that helped in proving the longevity of early-2000s accessories. The decade’s famous baguettes also made an appearance on multiple runways, including Altuzarra, Raisa Vanessa, and, of course, Fendi, where the fashion house celebrated the It bag’s 25th anniversary, inviting Sarah Jessica Parker to sit front row to commemorate her time carrying the design as Carrie Bradshaw.
Curious as to what other bag trends took center stage at New York Fashion Week? From polished top-handle bags to giant carryalls, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of all the shapes and sizes the spring/summer 2023 season has to offer. Whether you’re a diehard 3.1 Phillip Lim follower hoping to get the scoop on upcoming releases or you’re just trying to revitalize your wardrobe, the following looks are all designer approved.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
Though these bags are typically smaller, this season breathed new life into the traditional accessory. From large, unstructured silhouettes to boxy designs that are more compact, spring is calling for clutches that are equal parts fashion and function.
From left: Proenza Schouler, Carolina Herrera, Khaite
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Michael Kors spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Khaite spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Jonathan Simkhai spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Bronx and Banco spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Carolina Herrera spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Retrofête spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Proenza Schouler spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Clutches
A bag from the Gabriela Hearst spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
These larger-than-life bags can fit just about anything, making them the perfect carryall for you to construct an outfit around. Colorful finishes and sharp details make the new season’s lineup total conversation starters.
From left: Marni, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Altuzarra
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Michael Kors spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Marni spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Proenza Schouler spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Alice + Olivia spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Glemaud spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Peter Do spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Oversize Totes
A bag from the Gabriela Hearst spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
Perfect for a stroll in the park or a brunch with friends, the top-handle bag was a staple on many runways this season, offered in everything from mini to midsize shapes, and many with textured finishes, such as croc effect or woven leather. This dynamic bag is both easy to style and versatile.
From left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Christian Siriano, Kate Spade New York
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the Tory Burch spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the Christian Siriano spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the Jonathan Simkhai spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
Bags from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Top-Handle Bags
A bag from the Simon Miller spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
If you’re looking for a chic spring bag that has more of a defined shape, this season has plenty to offer in the way of boxy bags. Although they take a more rigid shape, many come with playful updates like appliqués and soft, colorful quilting.
From left: Kate Spade New York, Gabriela Hearst, Carolina Herrera
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Oscar de la Renta spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Retrofête spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Carolina Herrera spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Khaite spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Carolina Herrera spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Boxy Bags
A bag from the Kate Spade New York spring 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
From cylinder-shaped barrel bags to baguettes, early-2000s accessories continue to be all the rage. The spring/summer 2023 season shows no sign of this trend slowing down, so live out your Y2K years to the fullest extent with these designer takes.
From left: No Sesso, Altuzarra, Private Policy
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Fendi spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Private Policy spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the No Sesso spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Simon Miller spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Raisa Vanessa spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Private Policy spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the No Sesso spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Y2K Shoulder Bags
A bag from the Altuzarra spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
If you’re a fan of more elegantly minimal bags, you’re in luck, as wristlets made a resurgence on many runways this season. Standout ones include rectangular leather designs with a zipper closure and thin strap on one side, which could be appropriate for evening, along with small pouches with delicate chains.
From left: Peter Do, Dauphinette, Marni
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Peter Do spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Fendi spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Khaite spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Dauphinette spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Marni spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Khaite spring/summer 2023 collection.
Spring 2023 Bag Trend: Wristlets and Minaudières
A bag from the Dauphinette spring/summer 2023 collection.