New year, new bag, is our perennial fashion motto and 2018 has no shortage of must-have bags on offer. Notice our emphasis on bags, plural? Well, this year there isn’t a singular ‘It’ bag; instead, in-demand silhouettes have taken ‘its’ place and we couldn’t be happier. The lack of a must-have accessory, which normally equates to a small mortgage, means anyone can get in on the top trends, no matter what your budget.
That said, there are a few handbag trends that stand out, simply because these bags are super chic and we just can’t get enough of them. Oh, and expect to see fringe galore, bright colours that make any outfit pop, and pretty pastel tones across the board. So, we’ve teamed up with Melissa Del Bono of meli melo to list the 5 IDEAL handbag trends for 2018.
THE BASKET BAG
Denim shorts, straw sun hats and flip flops, there are some fashion items that simply sing summer, and although the hot weather seems a long way away, the basket bag is one of these items. Both practical and versatile, this bag adds texture and dimension to any outfit. It’s ideal for hitting the beach on your holiday, looking chic in the city while you run your errands, or going on a country picnic -the humble basket bag will be the summer accessory staple this year.
THE BACKPACK
In recent years, this back-to-school basic has undergone a luxe update. From butter-soft leather bags to canvas styles that are ideal for lugging around your laptop, nowadays backpacks are not only practical, they look fabulous too.
Backpacks made of luxurious leather with the logo of elegant fashion houses and designer brands are sought after for their durability, sophistication, and classic style. No wonder, they’re massively replicated and reproduced, too. Because of this, you have to carefully scrutinise what you’re buying so you don’t fall prey to fake versions appearing in some of the darker corners of local markets.
THE CROSS BODY BAG
If you’re in the market for a do-all bag, then say hello to the cross body bag – it’s IDEAL’s ultimate wardrobe mainstay. This versatile bag can take you from day to night in an instant; there’s something about cross-body bags that is effortlessly cool and oh so versatile, making it the perfectly practical style essential every fashionista should have.
One cross-body bag style that’s making waves is the half-moon bag. You can even have personalised handmade leather halfmoon bags customised the way you like, choosing which size and type of leather you prefer, whether that’s textured or smooth leather, rendered in classic or less traditional colours to pair with your wardrobe.
If you’re the adventurous type, you may have the bags hand-painted by bag designers to make them truly unique and reflect your personality. The half-moon bars are large enough to fit all your essentials like your phone, a small purse and keys. It would be perfect to pair with your OOTD, and you’ll surely stand out from the rest with its unique shape.
THE CHAIN BAG
The magic of the chain bag – set to continue its revival of last year into this – is that it can be worn louchely draped over the shoulder, or crumpled up into a shorter style. Oh, and it can be worn cross body, too. A versatile, must-have staple of the catwalk and street for the coming year, we think. Chain bags with large links are very fashionable and will match your edgy and casual wardrobe, while those with dainty and thinner chains will suit a more formal affair.
THE STRUCTURED BAG
If you’re on the lookout for something different, let us introduce you to the box bag – set to be a serious piece of arm candy in 2018. A style that is guaranteed to get you noticed, the box bag is a sleek and sturdy alternative to more traditional slouchy handbags. The bag’s structured style resembles old school lunch boxes, round hat boxes and old fashioned trunk cases – and that’s no bad thing in our minds. The box bag can be worn across the body, or as a shoulder bag or clutch and can instantly dress up any outfit.
It’s worth noting that it’s very functional, too. You can bring all your essentials and a few other things without breaking the sturdy material of this conventional bag. Models strut the streets with larger types of this bag and go to casting calls and go-sees and you could often spot them very easily.
