The Handbag Trends You're About To See Everywhere
If you've been watching the style sphere over the past few months, handbags are having a standout moment. No longer regulated to the backburner of fashion, accessories - and more specifically handbags - are taking center stage. There isn't a luxury or premium fashion house that didn't showcase a line of colorful, unique, or nostalgic handbags this spring.
We're seeing this time-tested accessory go through a sort of transformation, akin to the spring awakening, right before our eyes. Whether you're looking to start your coveted handbag collection or looking to mix up your personal style, here are 10 handbag trends to hold you down all year.
1.Cushion Bags
The message is loud and clear: cushion is here to stay. A trend that started with Bottega Veneta's Lido sandal and picked up momentum in the coziness of the pandemic, cushion accessories are exploding this year. The handbag is a nod to the early 2000s and exudes a sophisticated comfort akin to a 2.55 Chanel quilted bag. Given its luxe texture, you can effortlessly dress this up with a more structured aesthetic or opt for a slouchy version with athleisure.
2.Belt Bag
While you might have kissed your fanny pack goodbye, don't get too comfortable with leaving your waist purse-free. In the place of the coveted nostalgic fanny-pack comes the belt bag; an ultra mini attached to your waist in a utility belt fashion. Styled over a maxi dress to give a bit of shape or hooked through your favorite high-waisted denim, the belt bag is this year's answer to being hands-free in a post-pandemic world.
3.Crescent Shape
If you need any more confirmation that the nostalgic 00s are saturating our runways, look no further than the comeback of the iconic crescent-shaped handbag. Aptly nicknamed the moon bag and debuting on runways a few years ago, the IT bag of yesteryear is officially having a moment. This chic staple nestled delicately under your shoulder comes in a wide range of silhouettes, colors, and prints that effortlessly complement any style. Whether you gravitate towards the modern slouchy pouches at Bottega Veneta, the whimsical canvas-printed bags at Staud, or the seminal black Prada top-handle, there's a moon-shaped bag with your name on it.
4.Soft Leather
The category for 2021 is stylish comfort, and nothing embodies that more than the soft and delicate leather goods we saw on the runways. Doubling down on soft indoor textures, pillowy-to-the-touch handbags are already on every street block and coffee shop.
5.Logo Totes
Apologies at the top if you were expecting large handbags to fade discreetly into the archives of street style. Oversized but functional tote bags are populating Instagram feeds and spring/summer runways alike. While the Dior Tote has been coveted for a few years, the success with brands like Telfar has skyrocketed the logomania of it all. Easily styled on the white sandy beaches or in the masked city streets, the logo tote is a staple that every person should have in their wardrobe.
6.Unique Design
From Christian Dior in the 50s to Gianni Versace in the 90s, there are few moments in fashion where we see the debut of a new trend. Luckily for us, as consumers become more fashion-conscious, there's a surge in silhouettes that aren't traditional. An interesting combination of a bucket bag, the ultra-miniature, and a crossbody, this new variation of handbag is youthful and luscious.
7.Miniature
Ever since Lizzo donned a miniature Jacquemus bag with the caption, "...big enough for my fucks to give", the ultra-mini bag has exploded on the style scene.
8.Crossbody Bags
A style trend that's been around for years but still extremely relevant, the crossbody is the quintessential in-between bag. Adorned with chain straps, metallic embellishments, and delicate jeweled emblems, the crossbody is one of the most replicated handbags this year.
9.Filing Folders
A more youthful trend on the scene, two-dimensional arm candy is bound to be all the rage during the warmer months. An emblem of counterculture to maximalism, this silhouette screams feminine and professional without sacrificing elements of style. There's something about the sleek nature of the handbag that exudes a 90s IT-girl vibe immediately. The color palettes are ranging from neutrals to prints to the bold neons that are everywhere this season. The razor-sharp bag is the perfect accessory for the minimalist girl on the go.
10.Raffia Totes
Another fun and fresh trend that has its roots in traditional beachwear, the raffia tote, or commonly referred to as the 'wicker basket trend', has transitioned into more everyday wear for spring and summer. Whether it's a top-handle, a long-line chain, or crescent-shaped, the netted style is a funky and casual way to step up your everyday style.
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Featured image courtesy of @amber.richele/Instagram
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty