It may feel too soon, but we're already seeing a few key handbag trends emerge in 2023.
Some we predicted based on the spring shows last September, while others are a response to viral aesthetics and other off-runway influences. But all have numbers to back up that they're already defining the year in accessorizing.
Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson says that right now, "shoppers are looking for accessories that spark joy and spotlight their individuality — so it comes as no surprise that many are turning to purses with personality as a form of self-expression." That's why we're seeing instant smile-inducing trends like rhinestone and heart-shaped bags as frontrunners in the 2023 "it" item race.
It also explains the continuing power of throwback silhouettes, according to Isom Johnson: "In an increasingly technology-filled world, many people are opting for nostalgia-inspired aesthetics that are reminiscent of decades past, and Y2K bags have especially spiked on Etsy — up 51%, in fact."
Ahead, check out the six handbag trends that are already winning 2023 — and one we believe is on the come-up.
According to Google Trends data, queries for "large tote bag" nearly doubled in January 2023. Meanwhile, Etsy has seen 15% increase in searches for large shoulder bags and a 7% increase in searches for oversize bags in the last three months.
Shoppers are into it. "Heart shaped" was the top trending bag shape in the U.S. in January 2023, according to Google Trends, while interest in "heart shaped bag" went up 200%. Etsy also saw a boost in heart bags (26%) in the past three months — part of a growing desire for novelty bags (up 18% on the platform).
RHINESTONE BAGS
Rhinestone bags sit at the intersection of Y2k revival and our desire to wear things that make us happy — so, no wonder they're trending right now. On Etsy, searches were up 15% in the last three months, as Y2K bags spiked more broadly. Meanwhile, Shopstyle saw interest in metallic bags increase 100% in January 2023.
TEXTURED BAGS
According to Isom Johnson, "shoppers are embracing all-things tactile and opting for textured bags that add dimension and originality to their ensembles." Some specific textures trending on Etsy: sherpa (which saw a 73% increase in searches in the past three months), teddy (66% increase), puffer (64% increase) and woven leather (34%). Shopstyle, for its part, reports a 33% bump in interest for mesh bags in January as well.
Beyond those, you can find tinsel and even faux-leather raffia fringe options on the market right now.
PEARL BAGS
Within the textured bag category, Etsy flagged pearl bags as an up-and-coming trend, with a 15% increase in searches on the site in the last three months.
DENIM BAGS
Another bag trend on the rise — also buoyed by nostalgia — is denim. Shoppers are responding to the aughty styles being put out by designers like Brandon Blackwood, Amina Muaddi, By Far and more: Shopstyle saw a 98% increase in searches for denim bags in January, while Etsy reported a 5% bump in the last three months.
BONUS FASHIONISTA PREDICTION: BUMPER BAGS
Call it the Jonathan Anderson effect: With the success of J.W. Anderson's signature bumper shoulder bag — which comes in both moon and baguette shapes, in a variety of colors, materials and prints — we're seeing more and more brands add a soft, plushy outer rim to accessories. Don't be surprised if you see more of them as the year goes on.