This post was originally published on June 10, 2016.
What defines an It bag varies from season to season: Sometimes, it's obvious that bloggers and editors are being gifted a certain style by a brand, practically guaranteeing its status as the item of the moment. Other times, though, a piece is just so classic, so Instagram-worthy, and offers just the right amount of exclusivity that it naturally catches on like wildfire (we're looking at you, Mansur Gavriel).
Despite the varying reasons behind a bag's rise to popularity, there's no denying that we're always trying to get our hands on the next big thing in carryalls. So, to get ahead of the trends, we're putting our money (both literally and figuratively) on these 17 styles. Whether you choose to skip your daily latte and start a savings plan to eventually score the real deal, or are simply looking for silhouette inspiration for your next shopping trip (because let's be real, there will be more-affordable, mass-produced versions of these bags soon enough), click through to see the next generation of It bags that are about to make it big.
It's no secret that 2016 is the year of Gucci, and with its online-exclusive #GucciGarden collection already being worn by influencers and editors around the world, this floral mini-bag (which we excitedly unboxed earlier this month) is kind of a big deal.
Gucci Exclusive Dionysus Mini Bag, $1,800, available at Gucci.
The Jane Birkin-esque basket bag is experiencing an intense resurgence, and while we all hope to find a perfect vintage version of our own (it's not easy!), this Clare V. variation checks all the boxes — and it's already popping up all over Instagram this summer.
Clare V. Alice, $199, available at Clare V.
Over the past two years, oversized pom-pom keychains took over the street style scene as the accessory of choice. So it's no wonder that designers like Les Petit Joueurs are catching on to the trend, producing bags that have the fun-loving accent built right in.
Les Petit Joueurs Mini Alex Bunny Satchel, $1,050, available at Shopbop.
There's no denying that the bucket bag has become the purse silhouette to have. But the new bucket bag (yup, you heard it heard first) is a bit more avant-garde: It boasts a slightly geometric shape, a somewhat-shiny finish, and a single belt-like strap.
Trademark Bucket Bag, $528, available at Trademark.
Every thrift-store-shopping, vintage-lover needs a classic box bag in rotation; it pairs too perfectly with flirty A-line skirts and floral dresses to resist.
Mark Cross Small Grace Trunk Bag, $2,195, available at Barneys New York.
Fendi's Monster bags are filled with personality. But, rather than grabbing the popular furry versions of seasons past, opt for the updated version. Go for a reliable (and poised for a major comeback) baguette shape that offers a more minimalist (and less fuzzy) take on our favorite fashion faces.
Fendi Baguette Bag Bugs Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,810, available at MatchesFashion.
One surefire way to ensure a bag's It potential? Attach an unmistakeable, eye-catching strap that you can easily see from a mile away. Loewe's geometric, colorful, and textured shoulder bag checks that box right off.
Loewe V Bucket Textured-leather Shoulder Bag, $1,550, available at Net-a-Porter.
Teeny-tiny bags might not seem like the most practical things in the world, but when you find a gem like this Sophie Hulme version, you'll immediately come to realize their full potential. Get your hands on this "Honey, I shrunk the tote" (and its attached little whistle) before everyone else, and prepare to receive tons of, "Who makes your bag?" inquiries from complete strangers.
Sophie Hulme Light Grey Albion Box Tote, $595, available at Sophie Hulme.
We're calling it: grommets are the new studs. Ease into the edgy trend with a simple black crossbody you're guaranteed to wear the heck out of (big, silver circles and all).
Prada Daino Chain Bowler Bag with Grommets, $2,190, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Céline totes may have had their moment, but we see this not-too-large 3.1 Phillip Lim bag giving them a run for their money in a more understated, grown-up way.
3.1 Phillip Lim Bianca Small Tote, $825, available at 3.1 Phillip Lim.
Trade in your beat-up black leather bag for a less-structured version that doesn't just have a unique shape, but is buttery-soft and Olsen twin-approved, too.
The Row The Sling Leather Shoulder Bag, $2,950, available at Net-a-Porter.
With Acne Studios' first foray into handbags, it's hard to pick just one that's bound to achieve It status, but there's just something particularly special about this red-hot backpack with thick contrasting black stitching. We can already see groups of off-duty models toting this guy around in-between shows.
Acne Studios Rope Jungle Red, $1,600, available at Acne Studios.
This bag encompasses everything we could want in a statement-making piece — its monochromatic palette, animal-like print, miniature size, and bold handle make it a can't-miss buy for 2016.
Opening Ceremony Lynx Rubberized Leopard Suede Crossbody, $465, available at Opening Ceremony.
Boxy, beaded evening clutches are so 2011, but this itty-bitty bucket-style bag with a metallic ring handle does the same job — just in a way cooler way.
Simon Miller Bonsai Bucket Bag, $360, available at Barneys New York.
If you follow any fashion bloggers, you've probably started seeing this Chloé bag pop up in your Instagram feed plenty already — and that's only going to continue into 2016. This time, a two-tone, all-leather variation is king.
Chloé Faye Medium Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,950, available at Net-a-Porter.
Forget the smaller-sized Saint Laurent cross-bodies you're used to seeing. Instead, the canvas bag gets a high-fashion makeover with the brand's large logo-ed tote. It's bound to catch on as the airport carryall of choice.
Saint Laurent Beach Leather-trimmed Canvas Tote, $795, available at Net-a-Porter.
A wine-colored top-handle bag (with a cross-body option, too) is a safe but interesting deviation from your usual black leather, and sometimes, a single outside zipper pocket is all you need.
A.L.C. Luke Bucket Bag, $595, available at Barneys New York.
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