The Best of the New Chic Designer Spring 2020 Handbags

It may be hard to believe at the moment, but spring 2020 is nearly here. And you know what that means: time for a new bag! If you’re in the mood for a spring refresh (and who isn’t?), our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy is on the case. Here are the top trends and best new chic designer handbags – insider tips on what to buy and how to wear the styles this Spring Summer 2020.

designer handbag trends channel the spring summer 2020 zeitgeist

We are solidly into the new year and the new decade and we gotta say: there’s room for improvement. It’s hard not to feel slammed with the election year, a spreading global virus, and looming predictions of the next great recession. And it’s only February! Jeez!

What does all this have to do with handbag trends? Did you even click on the right link? Dear reader, as we all well know, fashion trends anticipate and reflect what’s happening in our culture and society. Though it might seem like a purely personal medium of creative expression, trends catch on because they capture the zeitgeist. Think of the nipped waists and full-skirted ensembles of the 50’s, mini-skirts in the 60’s, big shoulders in the 80’s. And most recently, the embrace of athleisure – which surely says something about our penchant for personal optimization, multi-tasking, and wellness.

If you believe that, then being smart about the latest key trends in designer handbags for spring summer 2020 is not just a frivolous exercise in mindless consumerism. It’s a divination of the mood of artists and their followers, and perhaps a trenchant commentary on the state of the world circa spring 2020.

See, this is deep, right?

key trends to know in designer handbags for spring summer 2020

So what can the world of handbags tell us about where we are as a culture right now? Well, for starters, you need to know this name: Daniel Lee.

This season’s top handbag trends cannot be knowledgeably discussed without an check-in on Bottega Veneta. The brand’s creative director, Daniel Lee, created last year’s ‘It’ bag and his influence cannot be overstated coming into Spring Summer 2020.

His creation has been called a puffy cloud, a pillow, and a dumpling. This season, it has exploded into more than ten new and different color ways.  And now there’s a version with a chain, so wearers can go back to being hands-free. The clutch and the pillow, both once reserved for night, are wholly out to play during the day right now.

And we can see why. What’s more comforting than facing our day (and year) with a big, soft, smooshy pillow in our arms that also happens to be made with luxurious, nappa leather? We need something tactile to cuddle and hold as our lives are increasingly conducted in cyberspace. A literal cloud that stores our earthly belongings while Google Cloud does its job out there. Not to mention, it gives us something to do with our hands in all those Instagram pics.

For more Spring 2020 handbag trends and styling tips, read on. We can’t help but feel a bit more lighthearted knowing that whatever this year brings, at least we’ve got the arm candy to sweeten the deal.

The Best of the New Chic Designer Spring 2020 Handbags

Here are the trends to know and how to wear the standout bags of spring.

1. The Perfect Pouf

The puffy clutch has added an unexpected contrast of softness and volume to fall-winter’s androgynous tailored jackets and utilitarian jumpsuits. For Spring, the silhouette pairs beautifully with classic warmer weather outfits, like jeans. Or your favorite over-sized sweater with a pretty floral skirt and booties.

This one is courtesy of Isabel Marant, the eternally cool French indie brand. Choose from non-boring neutral colors like Studio Ameila’s ruched army green clutch ($420) or Mansur Gavriel’s version in blush ($595). If you live by the motto, ‘More is more,’ then Maison Margiela’s tufted faux leather clutch ($1,590) in gray lends an edginess to a traditionally feminine ensemble.

Metallics, as we all know, are our favorite neutral. And Bottega Veneta’s crackled clutch ($2,700) looks like liquid gold. And finally, Volon’s two-tone leather clutch ($780) is a study in contrasts- both soft and architectural at the same time.

2. Crazy for Croissants

With all due respect to the FENDI baguette, there’s a new “It” bread bag in town. The evolution of the dumpling-shaped bag? Why, the croissant, of course! And some of us, who need both hands free, are grateful. You still get the pleated, voluminous goodness of the puffy clutch – but with an elegant chain strap or top handle.

To avoid looking twee, we think this style complements well with an authoritative look, like this Prada high-neck blouse and crisp, tailored trousers ($690). The Row ($990) fabricates the croissant style in a sumptuous silk which is big on shine and luxury.

Bottega Veneta’s all black ($2,800) is pretty well perfect. The pleated trend is perfect for Miu Miu ($1,950) who mixes it with their trademark mattelisse technique. And Staud’s Felix Bag ($295) in a fun kiwi color has spring written all over it.

3. Simple Shopper

There’s been a slow phase-out of single use plastic bags across retail stores and in certain states as climate change awareness increases. This loose and unstructured tote style draws its inspiration from disposable bags but their style is anything but.

Here, we style it with a timeless t-shirt and cargo-inspired skirt from 3.1 Phillip Lim ($495). Stella McCartney’s knotted tote bag ($925) has a leather look made from 65% recycled polyester. Bottega Veneta’s casual knotted sack ($2,200) is given the house’s iconic intrecciato weave treatment for an elevated luxury. In true Marni fashion, this season’s tote ($1,190) is thoughtfully designed with an earthy but vibrant color block of citron, gray and tan.

Nothing says spring and summer like crochet and Clare V’s lightweight Sandy tote with leather handles ($119) is perfect for the farmer’s market and beach. Finally, from Jonathan Simkhai’s inaugural handbag collection, comes this gorgeously slouchy sling ($695) made from pebbled Italian leather.

4. Bucket Babe

The bucket bag silhouette has been a staple among the street fashion crowd for a few season now and shows no sign of abating. It’s a strong geometric shape that looks sharp but is totally wearable. Add in the potent nostalgia quotient and you’ve got yourself a winner. For Spring, we love the structure it gives to a flowing floral dress, while maintaining an easygoing, casual look.

Prada ($2,200) updates the shape this season with a large woven motif that gives it eye-catching dimension, along with some romantic, picnic basket vibes. Loewe’s canvas and leather Balloon bag ($2,250) has amazing lines and picture-perfect construction details fit for the true handbag aficionado.

We love this Chloe bucket ($1,750) for its classic good looks and serious hardware, which would elevate any outfit. And Rejina Pyo’s swingy Riley bag ($845) is crafted from glossy croc-embossed leather for a bit of glamour.

5. Buckle Up

Amidst all the looser and casual handbag silhouettes, a micro-trend popped up that’s worthy of its own category. The buckle got the special treatment this season, landing as a front and center trim detail. We think it gives the blazer + shorts look a bit of edginess and formality.

Boyy’s structured handbag ($1,210) is a stunner with its oversized buckle and refreshing and retro color blocking. Celine’s new shape of the season- the Camarat ($2,700) comes with a belt buckle closure that captures the brand’s version of vintage, Parisian bohemian to a ’T.’

Gucci ($2,790) updates a classic shape from their archives with a luxe gold metal chain and buckle that hits the sweet spot of being playfully posh. This mini crossbody ($995) from Proenza Schouler gives off tough girl vibes with cool, black leather and a shiny, silver buckle.

The Best of the New Chic Designer Spring 2020 Handbags

There you have it! Spring Summer 2020’s hottest handbags and how to wear them. The rest of the story, dear reader, is up to you. What’s your top pick for the new season?

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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