Handbags That Will Take Over 2026

This year is about handbags that feel intentional, timeless, and wearable without trying too hard. The era of “look at my bag” is fading. The era of this just works is fully here. So let’s start off strong with everyone’s favorite designer, Hermès. The Hermès Tablier, is a classic shoulder bag, but not in a nostalgic or throwback way. This is a refined return with classic proportions, clean lines, and a shape that feels permanent. The Tablier doesn’t beg for attention. It assumes it already has it. This bag is proof that timeless styles always wins.

On the trendier side, designers are pulling from the past, but not every revival hits the same. The Chloé Paddington is resurfacing, and while it has its fans, it’s personally not for me and I’m a die hard Chloé girl, but the paddington is slightly too trendy for me and almost costume-like. A moment bag, not a lifetime bag.

Now the Céline Phantom is also taking the spotlight. A classic “blast from the past” vibe, but functional and elevated and totally “celebrity coded”. Céline did it right with this bag, it’s practical without looking practical, cool without looking styled. A forever favorite for many. I also can’t help noticed the slightly East-West shape the phantom has taken, and not just the phantom, but many other handbags.

The East-West shape is everywhere (and not just in our pear shaped diamonds). If there’s one silhouette dominating 2026, it’s the east-west look. Long, horizontal, and incredibly chic. The Chloé spin tote fits right into this shift. It’s modern but not aggressive, polished but still relaxed. This shape feels fresh without trying to reinvent the wheel and that’s exactly why it’s sticking around.

Another subtle theme showing up across collections is the tie or belt motif. Less hardware, more movement. The Prada Nappa bag leans into this with buttery leather and a soft, cinched feel. It’s luxurious in a tactile way. The Moschino Tie Me bag echoes a similar idea…wrapped, restrained, and focused on form over logos. These bags feel styled without being loud.

Last but not least, there’s the Chanel 26 bag, one of the most anticipated releases heading into 2026. Early impressions suggest a return to a simple shoulder bag silhouette with a clean shape and minimal detailing. No gimmicks. No excess. Just Chanel doing what it does best when it’s not trying too hard.

Shop some of my favorite 2026 handbags on LTK.

xx

Rana