These 8 Handbag Trends Are Future Classics

Certain genres in fashion call for a bit of trendiness. Ready-to-wear is one of them. I’d even argue that you can play a bit with shoes. Handbags, however, at least in my humble opinion, aren’t to be purchased on a whim just because someone on Instagram said so. With prices on designer handbags going up by double digits in most cases in recent years, shoppers must get their money’s worth, which means opting for classic styles that’ll hold their value (or even grow in value) rather than spike before falling to near worthlessness a few seasons or years later. A hot pink or zebra-print bag might seem like a fun, exciting choice, but trust me, going with a more timeless version will benefit your wardrobe in the long run.

To help anyone purchasing a handbag to kick off 2025, the guide below is all about smart (and chic) investments. When you scroll down, you’ll be met with 8 future-classic handbag trends, a.k.a. bags that are guaranteed to never go out of style, no matter where the handbag trend cycle heads in a year, five years, or more. Think flap bags, east-west bags, and top-handle clutches. But those are just the highlights. For the entire list, start scrolling.

Though the concept of east-west bags is newer than some of the styles on this list, that doesn’t hurt its potential for becoming a classic in the slightest. This horizontal shape has all the makings of a long-term success story, with top brands like Hermès, Alaïa, and Bottega Veneta all leaning in and crafting pieces worth owning and wearing for a lifetime. But they’re not all $1,000+. Affordable brands like Mango and J.W. Pei, and contemporary ones like Demellier, have created enviable options at every price point, making it easy to introduce an east-west bag into your collection this year at any cost.

As long as you treat your suede bags with care and/or get them treated to protect their exterior from the elements, you can and probably will be able to carry them for decades. The best part about a suede bag is how luxurious the fabric makes any outfit look. It just adds a certain richness to ensembles that other materials don’t.

Flap bags, to me, are the epitome of classic. Obviously, you have the famous Chanel quilted flap bag, but there are so many more iconic designs to choose from if you’re craving something more affordable or even just a different take on the style. For example, there’s Balenciaga’s viral Rodeo bag—which comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials—and is destined for long-term success. Saint Laurent’s Manhattan silhouette is another timeless pick that still feels fresh and cool.

From the iconic Hermès Kelly pochette to Alaïa and Bottega Veneta’s newer Le Teckel and Andiamo clutches, there’s no shortage of stylish and anti-trend top-handle clutches on the tips of our tongues in 2025. Why? Well, if you want an evening handbag that doubles as a daytime purse, there’s no better option. Unlike most clutches, this style fits a fair amount, so you don’t have to travel with just a credit card, ID, and phone (and that’s a stretch if you’re an iPhone Plus person like me). Instead, these bags give you room for a lip treatment, facial spray, and pair of sunglasses at the very least.

If you’re seeking a bag shape that’s interesting but not over-the-top, opting for a trapezoid-like silhouette is always a good bet. Actually, many of the most beloved bags through history are shaped with the top corners slightly closer to each other than the bottom two—I don’t know why, but it makes for a beautiful handbag that works for any occasion and dress code. Try Freja’s Caroline Bag, which Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes have carried for something more casual. On the formal side, you can’t go wrong with Toteme’s T-Lock clutch, specifically in the black calf hair version.