Spring 2025 Fashion Alert: Bags That Are a Big No-No This Season
Bags Out of Style for 2025 2026
“What bags out of style this season?” I get this question a lot. Admittedly, you can’t see many fashionable handbags in my dressing room. But does this mean my bags are out of fashion? Well, yes – for some bags! Some of my bags are out of fashion for spring 2024. Scroll down to find out what bags are not worthy of a splurge because they are at the end of their fashion cycle and what bags are out of style for spring 2024. Ps. Don’t toss unstylish handbags into the bin – sell them to Farfetch, or store them for the next season. You know, fashion trends always come back.
OGLAS I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.
So, you spent thousands on a designer bag last season. But is it still in style for spring summer 2025? I know many of you have been wondering this. All in all, designer bags are statements, status symbols. And when you’ve invested that much, you want to know: is it still in fashion, or is it already out of style?
Fashion is a whirlwind of change. One minute, something is the must-have item splashed across runways and Instagram feeds and TikTok; the next, it’s gathering dust as newer styles steal the spotlight. But here’s the something PR doesn’t want you to know – fashion cycles are actually not that small, and not every bag style goes out of fashion that fast. Some have staying power, transitioning from one season to another, while others bow out after a single season. The trick is figuring out where is your bag right now.
But let’s start with the basics.
Fashion trends are cyclical—styles that are big one year might vanish, only to resurface a decade later with a vengeance. Think of the east west shoulder bags from the early 2000s that made a triumphant return not long ago. This ebb and flow means your designer bag’s fate isn’t sealed the moment you buy it. Some bags endure because they tap into something timeless, while others shine briefly before the hype moves on.
What makes a bag go out of style? It often boils down to the divide between trendy and timeless. Trendy bags are the life of the party—bold colors, quirky shapes, or flashy details that scream “now.”
Take those micro-mini bags that had everyone buzzing a few seasons back: they were everywhere, but their tiny size and niche appeal meant they weren’t built for the long haul. Or were they?
So, where does that leave your bag for spring summer 2025? Fashion is shifting, as it always does, and this season is a mix – as always.
Some bag styles from last season are still in fashion. Others are quietly stepping aside, making room for what’s next. And some went out big.
To know if your bag is out of fashion for spring summer 2025, you’ve got to look at the details. Is its shape still popping up on runways? Are its materials – like buttery leather or woven textures – still trendy? Does its hardware (think chunky chains or minimalist clasps) match the season’s aesthetic? These clues separate the bags that are still fashionable from the bags that are out of style.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to play detective alone. Guessing whether your bag is out of fashion for spring summer 2025 and stressing over whether it’s time to update your bag closet – isn’t necessary when you’ve got the right tools.
To empower you, I made a table outlining close to 1000 items, ranging from blazers, jackets, coats, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, blouses, shirts, knitwear, dresses, lingerie, swimwear, socks, hair accessories, hats, shoes, and obviously BAGS and their current trend status for Spring Summer 2025 and Fall Winter 2025/26.
With this comprehensive resource at your fingertips, you’ll know exactly what bags are out of style, what bags are still in fashion, what bags are coming back, what bags are new, and what bags are going out of fashion the next season. Scroll down to see the table and explore the intricacies of what’s in, what’s out, what is coming back, and what is still in fashion but only for that particular *.
Why go to all this trouble? Because in fashion, knowledge is power. Carrying a bag that is outdated makes all the difference.
And if you’re a fashion insider (fashion stylist, fashion content creator, pf or work in marketing or retail) this info is pure gold. Staying ahead of trends isn’t optional; it’s your bread and butter. The spreadsheet hands you that advantage on a silver platter, letting you plan, purchase, and style with precision.
At this point, it is highly unlikely you find this level of detail in a random blog post or trend roundup.
So, is your designer bag out of style for spring summer 2025? The answer is waiting – and it’s closer than you think. Grab this exclusive spreadsheet today and 1) see the trend status of all bags that were in fashion for autumn winter 2024/25, and 2) find out the trend status of bags in fashion for spring summer 2025 for autumn winter 2025/26.
BAGS OUT OF FASHION 2025 2026
*TABLE PREVIEW
How to Read the Table:
- Garment: This column lists close to 1000 garments (not just bags) ranging from blazers, jackets, coats, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, blouses, shirts, knitwear, dresses, lingerie, socks, swimwear, hats, hair accessories, bags and shoes.
- Season: Subdivided into Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25), Fall/Winter 2025/26 (AW25/26) and Fall/Winter 2024-2025 (AW24/25) indicating the trend status for each garment in the respective season.
- Trend Status: This column provides a snapshot of the garment’s current trend trajectory.
- What Keeps it Fashionable: For fading or on-trend items, this column highlights specific elements (fabric, details, styling tips) that can elevate the piece and ensure it remains stylish.
- Replace With: For fading trends, this column suggests stylish alternatives that align with current consumer preferences.
This table is for Brunette from Wall Street founding members only. *Become Brunette from Wall Street FOUNDING MEMBER to receive a pdf in the follow-up mail.
Benefits of paid Brunette from Wall Street FOUNDING MEMBERS: Trend Status Table: list of more than 965 items and their fashion trend status for current and upcoming season (in style or out of style, coming back or going out, still in style); Fashion Trend Reports for SS25 and AW25/26 (essential for Fashion Influencers, Fashion Designers and people working in Fashion Business/Retail), Dress Code Guides (essential for EVERYONE), Full Outfit Edits and 101 Styling Guides for Every Outfit (essential for Fashion Content Creators and Fashion Influencers with little/no academic fashion background).
Well, some do.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
They might already have. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of belt bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Belt bags, commonly known as fanny packs, trace their origins back centuries, with early versions resembling practical pouches worn around the waist for carrying essentials. They became iconic in the 1980s and 1990s as a symbol of convenience, popular among tourists for their hands-free functionality. Typically made from durable materials like nylon, they were both lightweight and versatile. In the 2010s, fanny packs experienced a surprising revival, reimagined by luxury fashion houses and streetwear brands, transforming into stylish accessories seen on runways and in everyday wear. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of belt bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
It depends on the type of the bag. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of all bag styles in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
The history of logo bags is deeply tied to the rise of luxury branding and consumer culture. In the early 20th century, Louis Vuitton and Gucci began using logos on their bags to establish identity, quality, and exclusivity. Originally, these logos served as a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship, distinguishing genuine products from counterfeits. By the 1980s and 1990s, logo bags became a symbol of status and aspiration, with bold, prominent branding taking center stage in fashion trends. Over time, logo designs evolved—from subtle monograms to eye-catching prints—as brands adapted to changing tastes. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of logo bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
The origin of geometric bags can be traced to Cubism and Bauhaus in the early 20th century. Geometric bags gained popularity as avant-garde accessories, blending function with sculptural aesthetics. Later on, Issey Miyake further revolutionized geometric bags with Bao Bao series, emphasizing flexibility and unique tessellated patterns. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of geometric bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Bottega Veneta bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Bucket bags have a distinctive history, originating as utilitarian accessories designed for practicality and durability. Their cylindrical shape and drawstring closure made them ideal for carrying everyday essentials, with the first iterations appearing in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, Louis Vuitton introduced the iconic “Noé” bucket bag, originally created to transport champagne bottles. Other brands have followed. And Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of bucket bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
The history of tote bags dates back to the 17th century, when simple, durable bags were used for carrying heavy loads. The modern tote as we know it emerged in the mid-20th century with the introduction of L.L.Bean’s iconic “Boat Bag” in 1944, designed as a sturdy carryall for ice and supplies. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of tote bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Celine bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Coach bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Gucci bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Louis Vuitton bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of Hermès Birkin bag in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Crossbody bags have a practical history rooted in functionality, dating back centuries as tools for carrying essentials while keeping hands free. Early versions were used by messengers, couriers, and travelers, often crafted from leather for durability and equipped with long straps for ease of wear. In the 20th century, crossbody bags evolved from functional accessories to fashionable staples, with designers incorporating sleek lines, vibrant colors, and unique details. Popularized in the 1980s and 1990s, they became synonymous with urban chic and versatile styling. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of crossbody bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Messenger bags have their origins in the functional needs of couriers and postal workers, dating back to the 19th century. Initially crafted from durable materials like canvas and leather, messenger bags featured adjustable shoulder straps and spacious interiors for carrying documents, parcels, and tools. In the 20th century, De Martini Globe Canvas popularized messenger bags among bike couriers in New York City, with their weatherproof designs and ease of use. By the 1980s and 1990s, messenger bags gained traction as stylish yet practical accessories, becoming a trend in urban fashion. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of messenger bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Hobo bags, known for their slouchy, crescent-shaped design, trace their origins back to the early 20th century, inspired by the bindles carried by travelling workers, or “hobos,” during the Great Depression. Their functional and unstructured shape made them practical for carrying belongings, and they soon transitioned from utilitarian items to fashion accessories. In the 1960s and 1970s, the hobo bag gained popularity as a symbol of bohemian, free-spirited style, often crafted from soft leather or fabric. Luxury brands later reimagined the hobo bag, blending its casual appeal with high-end materials and craftsmanship. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of hobo bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of messenger bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Bucket bags, characterized by their cylindrical shape and drawstring closures, became popular with Louis Vuitton’s 1932″Noé” bag, designed to carry champagne bottles. They gained broader popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, embraced by bohemian and casual fashion movements for their relaxed, utilitarian appeal. The 1990s saw a resurgence, with designers reimagining the style in luxurious materials like leather, exemplified by Hermès’ “Picotin,” while the 2010s brought minimalist iterations from brands like Mansur Gavriel, cementing their status as a must buy of the season. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of bucket bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Maybe they already have. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of bucket bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Studded bags emerged in the 1970s as symbols of rebellion, heavily influenced by punk subcultures that embraced edgy, anti-establishment aesthetics, with designers like Vivienne Westwood incorporating metal studs and spikes into accessories as a form of provocative self-expression. By the 1980s and 1990s, the trend infiltrated mainstream fashion, adopted by rock and metal enthusiasts, while Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen began reimagining studded details in high-end collections. The 2000s and 2010s saw studded bags become a staple of “rock-chic” style, popularized by Balenciaga’s Motorcycle Bag and Valentino’s Rockstud line, which transformed sharp metal accents into glamorous, versatile motifs. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of studded bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
This styling trend is coming back in two years time. However, make sure you don’t pair an unfashionable bag with unstylish shoes.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of large bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Clutch bags, defined by their sleek, handle-free design, trace their origins to the early 20th century, evolving from Victorian-era reticules and 1920s Art Deco evening purses designed to complement flapper-era glamour. Popularized in the 1930s as “vanity cases” for cosmetics, they became synonymous with sophistication, particularly post-WWII, when Judith Leiber elevated a clutch bag with crystals and metals, aligning with Hollywood’s Golden Age elegance. The 1960s-70s saw clutches embrace bold shapes and mod aesthetics, while the 1980s-90s reintroduced minimalist, envelope-style designs. In the 21st century, clutches diversified—featuring detachable straps, avant-garde textures, and tech-friendly slots—with Bottega Veneta. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of clutch bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Backpacks have evolved from rudimentary carrying tools to essential modern accessories, with origins tracing back thousands of years: Ötzi the Iceman (c. 3300 BCE) used a wooden-framed pack, while ancient hunters and traders relied on animal hides or woven sacks. The concept formalized in the 19th century as military “knapsacks” and mountaineering rucksacks, popularized by Fjällräven and Bergans. The 20th century democratized their use. JanSport pioneered nylon daypacks for students in the 1960s, while outdoor enthusiasts fueled demand for technical designs with padded straps and compartments. By the 1990s, Prada and Louis Vuitton reimagined backpacks as high-fashion statements, blending utility with urban style. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of backpacks in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Shoulder bags, characterized by their single-strap, hands-free design, reached their first peak in 1990s-2000s with Fendi’s Baguette and Prada’s nylon designs. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of shoulder bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Saddle bags, originally designed for practicality in equestrian, date back to ancient civilizations. Horse-riding nomads and warriors used leather or fabric pouches strapped to saddles to carry essentials during long journeys. They became iconic in the American Old West during the 19th century, serving cowboys and frontiersmen for transporting tools, rations, and personal items on cattle drives. By the early 20th century, military cavalry units adopted durable, compartmentalized versions, while Hermès elevated saddle bags into refined leather accessories. The style surged in mainstream fashion when Christian Dior reimagined the silhouette in 1999 with its curvaceous, equestrian-inspired “Saddle Bag,” blending historical utility with bold, contemporary design. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of saddle bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of small bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Top handle bags, defined by their structured silhouette and sturdy handles, evolved from Victorian-era portmanteaus and Art Deco-inspired vanity cases. Everyone knows Hermès’ Kelly Bag (originally the “Sac à Dépêches,” renamed after Grace Kelly in the 1950s) and Gucci’s Bamboo Handle Bag (1947). The 1960s-70s saw top handles become staples of jet-set glamour, popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy and her Gucci Jackie O bag, while the 1980s-90s elevated top handle bags as power-dressing accessories with bold logos and luxe materials. Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of top handle bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Classic Chanel 2.55 bags, Hermès Birkin bag, and Hermès Kelly bag, are some of the classic bags that never go out of style.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of slouchy crossbody bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of slouchy shoulder bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
Brunette from Wall Street Substack Founding Members can check the current fashion trend status of heart shape bags in the still in/going out 2025 2026 spreadsheet.
And you want to buy into the latest bag trend.
