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As we all know, your bag can make or break your entire 'fit. Choosing the perfect one can sometimes feel like an impossible task, especially with SO many choices out there. Over time, styles have changed (and wow, have they really, really changed!!), making for a huge variety of colors, shapes, and textures to look back on. From embellished miniaudières to oversize totes, these are the purses that people haven't been able to get enough of over the years.
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1969: Quilted Patterns
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (i.e. Liz and Dick) were spotted leaving their hotel in Paris, but her quilted bag really stole the show. The pattern was widely popular and seen on practically every purse.
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1970: Shoulder Bags
More bohemian and casual styles gained traction in the '70s, like shoulder bags with wider, longer straps. They were also larger and usually featured buckles, like this one on Candice Bergen.
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1971: Patent-Leather Purses
Princess Margaret—and every other member of the royal family, TBH—always brought a purse with her whenever she went out, and this patent-leather number was no exception. The material was a prominent part of British fashion trends in the '60s and became even more popular in the following decade.
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1972: Briefcases
Rectangular briefcases weren't just for work; it became the accessory women brought with them everywhere, and it was more practical than a tiny handbag for stashing all your stuff.
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1973: Weekenders
A year later, larger bags were still in style, this time in the form of weekenders. They were the ultimate accessory if you wanted to be stylish while traveling—after all, who doesn't want to look like a jet-setter?
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1974: Clamshell Clutches
Exactly like the name implies, these purses resembled clams but came in suede, reptilian patterns, and any other material you could think of.
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1975: White Bags
Queen Elizabeth really made the case for bright white purses in '75—she was often spotted with this bag and similar ones when traveling and attending official events. Here, she brought the accessory with her on a visit to Mexico.
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1976: Neutral Shades
Beige and neutral bags hit the scene next, and keeping it in the royal sphere, Queen Fabiola of Belgium toted this one with her while on official duty with King Baudouin. She even matched it to her leather gloves.
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1977: Hermès Kelly Handbag
She was beauty, she was Grace...and she had her own Hermès bag named for her. The Kelly bag is still around today and remains one of the brand's most popular silhouettes.
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1978: Straw Bags
For a more casual bag, straw was a go-to material. The textured purses made a huge comeback during the summer of 2018, but they also were the *thing* in '78. This woman looked beachside chic as she paired her tote with equally cute espadrilles.
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1979: Textured Materials
Woven leather purses followed suit after straw bags, as seen here on Valerie Velardi, Robin Williams' then-wife.
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1980: Metallic Hues
By the time the '80s rolled around, it was all about loud and flashy fashion. For handbags, that manifested itself in the form of metallics, as seen on this gold crossbody on a club-goer at New York City's infamous hotspot Studio 54.
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1981: Gucci Jackie Bag
Gucci named this shoulder bag for the iconic former First Lady Jackie Onassis, and it was just as effortless and as sophisticated as she was.
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1982: Bamboo Handle Bags
Bamboo top handles were super durable, and the vintage-looking accessory has made quite the comeback in recent years thanks to Gucci, as seen on the runway in this image.
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1983: Envelope Clutches
Ever heard of a little TV show called Cheers? Diane Chambers, played by Shelley Long, had the best style (she really loved a good blazer) and was often seen carrying an envelope clutch.
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1984: Louis Vuitton Carry-Ons
A Louis Vuitton bag is often the go-to airport carry-on for celebrities, but it was particularly chic when Audrey Hepburn did it in '84.
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1985: Little Black Bags
No matter the shape or silhouette, 1985 was the year of the LBB, or the little black bag. Here, Sigourney Weaver paired hers with an LBD and matching gloves at the Tony Awards.
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1986: Dooney & Bourke Cross-Bodies
In 1981, Dooney & Bourke branched out of making belts and suspenders and moved onto handbags, and just a couple years later everyone was wearing the brand's leather purses, like this beige and tan cross-body.
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1987: Prada Nylon Backpacks
Prada's classic black backpack (pictured here in a pink mini version) was so utilitarian with its buckles and waterproof material that it became an accessory staple for years.
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1988: Chainmail Pouches
Chainmail became the trendy thing to wear in '88, and the slinky, heavy material found its way onto bags, like this little drawstring pouch. It wasn't as flashy as rhinestones in the '80s but was eye-catching nonetheless.
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1989: Wicker Bags
The Golden Girls were possibly the biggest fan of wicker bags and were, in part, responsible for their widespread popularity.
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1990: Long Clutches
Super elongated clutches were a style that encapsulated the '90s, and you'd often see them, like this black version, on the red carpet at award shows.
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1991: Matching Bags
In '91, odds are you wanted a bag that matched your entire ensemble from head to toe, similar to Sarah Jessica Parker's neutral satin purse that went with her sequin dress and shawl.
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1992: Rope-Strap Bags
Oprah's best accessory (other than her longtime boyfriend Steadman Graham) was perhaps this yellow bag with a fancy rope strap that she carried to the Emmy awards.
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1993: Jansport Backpacks
It wouldn't be the early '90s without Jansport backpacks. The old-school bags were spotted on campuses everywhere—often decorated with Sharpie drawings and iron-on patches.
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1994: Fanny Packs
The '90s were a wild time for fashion, because fanny packs were considered fashionable. But just think of the function and convenience of fitting all your essentials in an easy-to-reach pouch! Even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was a fan back in his glory days.
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1995: Kate Spade Sam Bag
This was the boxiest bag in the best way possible, and it seemed like everyone owned one. The late Kate Spade designed the waterproof nylon purse when she started the company in 1993, and it became so iconic that it was relaunched in 2018, seen here.
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1996: Animal-Print Handbags
The '90s were a time of OTT outfits and accessories, so loud, animal printed purses were the next logical step in the evolution of It Bags. Here, Naomi Campbell carried a leopard-print design while out in New York City.
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1997: Satin Clutches
The late Princess Diana was the queen of clutches—she even used them for a secret trick! But chic satin ones, like this powder-blue bag, were definitely her fave.
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1998: Barely-There Cross-Bodies
The '90s were associated with severe minimalism (think spaghetti-strap tank tops, slip dresses, mules, etc.), including super thin-strapped cross-body bags, much like Jennifer Lopez's here.
FAQs
What age should a girl get a handbag? ›
There is no set age as to the right time to get your first luxury handbag. However, the magic age is at around 15 to 16 years old. At this age, luxury handbags would be actually more useful for day-to-day activities and events.
What is the most exclusive handbag in the world? ›Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse – $3.8 Million
Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse is still the priciest handbag in the whole world, with its record remaining untouched in the Guiness Books of World Records since 2011.
Despite their simplicity, bags have been fundamental for the development of human civilization, as they allow people to easily collect loose materials such as berries or food grains, and to transport more items than could readily be carried in the hands.
What type of bags are in style 2022? ›According to Larian Hekmat, the party bag trend will be just as big in 2022. “Joyful, statement-making bags will continue to be huge in 2022 — think feathers, sequins, embellishments, and rhinestones,” she says.
Do girls still use purses? ›It turns out that fewer women are buying purses. Instead, more people are buying backpacks and fanny packs. One study found sales of purses are down 20% this year compared to 2016. Meanwhile, women's backpack sales jumped a whopping 15%.
At what age should you start carrying a wallet? ›Generally, a wallet makes a good gift for children ages four and up. While some kids may express an interest in Mommy or Daddy's wallet before this age, a preschooler is old enough to understand what a wallet is actually used for.
Which luxury brand has the best leather? ›Named the world's most valuable luxury brand for six years in a row, Louis Vuitton is synonymous with leather goods of the highest quality.
What's the most expensive designer bag? ›#1: House of Mouwad. Mouwad's '1001 Nights Diamond Purse' which was formed in 2011, holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive handbag in history and took ten artisans more than 8,800 hours to make. The heart shape bag is currently valued at an astronomical and frankly ridiculous £1.65 million ($2.35m).
What makes Hermès so expensive? ›The main reason why Hermès products are so pricy is that most, if not all, of their products are handmade. This luxury house prides itself on its exclusive products and in turn the process of manufacturing these goods has always been considered an art form.
Why do ladies use handbags? ›Ladies prefer to carry big hand bags because they contain most of the things they need for the whole day. Big bags offer ladies the opportunity of carrying electronic items like phones, laptops among others. They also carry make-up essentials, body splashes, hand sanitizes among others.
Did you know facts about bags? ›
- Only since the nineteenth century does the handbag exist. ...
- A feng shui saying goes like this: "A purse on the floor is money out the door."
- The average woman in the Netherlands has about six bags in her possession. ...
- The handbag of the average Dutch woman weighs 2.4 kilos.
A purse, also known as a handbag, is a bag used to carry money, wallets, phones, and other daily essentials. Purses often feature a long strap or handle that you can rest on your shoulder or hold in your hand.
Are round straw bags in Style 2022? ›While you may be thinking straw bags are old-fashioned, too chunky or kitschy—they're actually one of the most on trend pieces for 2022. You can now shop them in a range of styles. From crossbody mini bags to chic totes bags, here are a few of our faves to inspire your new love for the woven bag.
Are bum bags still in fashion 2022? ›Bum bags. Probably the most practical and high-functioning of the Spring 2022 trends, bumbags are something we can get behind (pun not intended). The most fashionable way to wear them, as seen at the various Fashion Weeks this year, is actually across the body.
Is Michael Kors still cool? ›Michael Kors has lost its status as one of the coolest brands in the fashion industry. The company's stock is underperforming, leading Morgan Stanley's analysts to remove Michael Kors from its “Best Ideas” list. Michael Kors has lost its status as one of the coolest brands in the fashion industry.
How do you wear a 2022 fanny pack? ›“I'd wear some baggy jeans with a fitted shirt and an oversized jacket or crewneck sweatshirt,” Walcot recommends. “Then I'd put the fanny pack on across your body with the bag in front, right in the middle of your chest.” Brown agrees that the crossbody look is a safe bet.
What color purse is best for summer? ›Light to medium neutral colors
Such as your lighter browns, taupes, greys and off-white. Or even a medium navy. To save these looking boring, look for bags with some texture, or a mix of texture and smooth. To prevent them looking cheap, look for good quality leather with good quality finishes.
The Bucket Bag Is Making a Big Resurgence in 2022.
How many bags should a woman own? ›According to surveys, a reasonable number of handbags a classy woman must have is six or seven. There is a handbag particularly curated for every occasion: a handy clutch for formal evenings, a tote bag for errands, and a satchel for work are just some of the possibilities.
How many purses does the average woman have? ›According to Mintel Research the average woman owns 9 handbags.
How many bags does the average person own? ›
The average American woman owns 11 handbags—but not for long — Quartz.
Can my 11 year old have a debit card? ›Some institutions don't permit minors to have debit cards under their own name until they are at least 16, but others offer them to children who are 13 or even younger. Parents should look for features like no or low fees for funding and maintaining the account, online account monitoring, convenient A.T.M.
What age can a child have an ATM card? ›A child can typically get a teen debit card at 13 years old when a parent or legal guardian opens a teen checking joint account on their behalf. Teen checking accounts are typically available until the child turns 18.
Can a 12 year old have a debit card? ›While many debit cards are only available for teens 13 or older, many kid-focused debit cards are available to kids as young as six years old. No matter what the age limit is for the child debit card, in the U.S., a child under age 18 must have a parent or guardian on the account who is (at least) 18 years old.
What handbag brand is most popular? ›Having transcended eras and seasons, it comes as no surprise that Chanel tops the list as the most popular handbag brand.
Are Coach bags still popular 2022? ›Looking to 2022, wristlet bags like the Cashin will no doubt be a huge trend. Coach's show, the more I think about it, really feels like a representation of this year: It started out much like 2020 and 2021 (unfortunately), with quiet and mundane dog walks and grocery runs.
Are cross body bags in Style 2022? ›The best crossbody bags in 2022 are highly practical and offer major style potential. One of the most appealing features is that these bags are lightweight and smaller than bulky shoulder styles or totes, so they're comfortable to wear all day.
Which handbag brand is best? ›Ans: Hidesign, Caprese, Baggit, Lavie are the most known brands when it comes to handbags. Other brands like Zouk, DailyObjects, Miraggio and Lino Perros are also famous.
How many handbags does the average woman own? ›Bags on bags on bags.
Which luxury brand has the best leather? ›Named the world's most valuable luxury brand for six years in a row, Louis Vuitton is synonymous with leather goods of the highest quality.
What is the most versatile handbag color? ›
Updated July 2020 - The #1 most versatile purse color is a pinky taupe.
Is Michael Kors still popular? ›Michael Kors has lost its status as one of the coolest brands in the fashion industry. remove Michael Kors from its “Best Ideas” list. Shares are down 37% in the past year. Michael Kors enjoyed a stunning rise in popularity in recent years thanks to its trendy handbags and watches.
Do people still wear Coach bags? ›Coach is back and ready to dominate the handbag industry. The famous leather handbag brand fell out of style as the trends of the early 2000s began to die, but now that there is a revival of Y2K fashion, Coach has completely rebranded itself to fit into the wants and needs of 2021 fashion.
Why do people love Coach bags? ›Coach has a significant fandom owing to its exclusivity, quality, and trendy innovations. All through, the brand offers the best quality leather. They are available at the most affordable price within their category.
How do you wear a 2022 fanny pack? ›“I'd wear some baggy jeans with a fitted shirt and an oversized jacket or crewneck sweatshirt,” Walcot recommends. “Then I'd put the fanny pack on across your body with the bag in front, right in the middle of your chest.” Brown agrees that the crossbody look is a safe bet.
Are denim bags in Style 2022? ›Denim handbags may feel like a design reminiscent of the '90s, but in the last few years they're steadily making a comeback in the fashion scene. Tap ahead to shop the style's most modern updates.
Are straw bags in Style 2022? ›While you may be thinking straw bags are old-fashioned, too chunky or kitschy—they're actually one of the most on trend pieces for 2022. You can now shop them in a range of styles. From crossbody mini bags to chic totes bags, here are a few of our faves to inspire your new love for the woven bag.
Is it worth buying a designer bag? ›A well-chosen designer bag really can last you forever, and even become a valuable heirloom after you're gone (sorry, bit morbid). Conversely, if you're interested in actually making money, as well as spending it, then a well-timed purchase and subsequent re-sale could help you bring in the big bucks.
Is Coach still a good brand? ›Coach is known as a designer brand, however, it still sits below top industry players like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci. The Coach logo signifies good design, high-quality, and luxury products, but it's still within reach for many customers.