In 2024, the presence and enduring popularity of elegant fashion is undeniable. Classic, timeless pieces and a refined approach to outfit assembly have been key priorities of the fashion conscious lately, and we’re seeing that manifest in many ways. The shift reflects a broader cultural movement toward quality over quantity, where style enthusiasts are increasingly focused on curating capsule wardrobes that exude longevity and polish. Elegant fashion is about more than just looking good—it’s about embodying a sense of ease and confidence through carefully selected items that speak to personal style without excess or feeling too tethered to a specific moment or trend. These pieces are built and encouraged to last.

Handbags, in particular, play a crucial role in elevating any outfit. The right bag is a subtle yet powerful way to make an ensemble feel more put together. Unlike clothing, which might be trend-driven or seasonal, bags are versatile accessories that offer endless styling opportunities, often bridging the gap between casual and formal with their ability to change the tone of a look. A well-chosen handbag can take a simple look and add an immediate air of sophistication. Whether it’s for the workplace or weekend outings, the an elegant handbag can enhance an outfit without overwhelming it, becoming a go-to piece that will become a style signature of yours. The big question is, which elegant handbag trend is up to this lofty challenge? I’ve spent hours researching the chicest styles on offer, and six kept cropping up. See and shop them below.

6 Elegant Handbag Trends That Make Outfits Look Instantly Put Together

1. Mock Croc

Style Notes: Mock croc fabrications always look expensive, owning to the fact that when the real thing was used more frequently in fashion, it was just that—very expensive to buy. Now, however, there are so many sleek-looking faux iterations of the material that haven’t lost their elegant connotations. Often boasting a glossy finish and refined metal hardware, a mock croc bag will always look polished.

Shop:

Toteme

T-Lock Top Handle Dark Brown Croco

DeMellier

The Tokyo in Off-White Croc-Effect

John Lewis

Leather Turn Lock Grab Bag

2. Suede Tote

Style Notes: Right now we’re seeing more demand for tote bags than ever before, but there is a nuance to this sudden popularity. While leather styles will always be in, it’s suede totes that have won fashion people over. While brown is perhaps the most elegant-looking hue (even more so than black, in my opinion), there are a slew of other stylish colours to choose from, too.

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The Midi New York | Mocha Suede & Mocha Smooth | Demellier

Reformation

Medium Vittoria Tote Bag

KHAITE

Lotus Medium Suede Tote

3. Sleek Clutch

Style Notes: It might not be the most practical bag on the list but, in terms of looking elegant and refined, a clutch bag will always serve you well. While we’ve seen everything from puffy pouches to woven leather come through previously, it’s longer, East-West silhouettes that feel the most premium and timeless.

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NEOUS

Phoenix Suede Clutch

ZARA

Animal Print Leather Clutch Bag

MÉTIER

+ Fernando Jorge Ease Embellished Suede Clutch

Jimmy Choo

Diamond Frame Clutch

4. Top-Handle

Style Notes: I tend to avoid using the word “ladylike”, but there’s no better word to describe a top-handle bag. From smaller, dainty styles to roomy, fold-over silhouettes that could house a laptop, if they have a handle to hold in your hand, they’ll always edge towards looking elegant.

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Polène

Numéro Neuf Mini Bag

Bottega Veneta

Small Andiamo in Olive Oil

5. Two-Tone

Style Notes: While colourful handbags can look very chic—there are several styles in my edit that prove this point out—there’s just something about black-and-white handbags that scream sophistication and whisper wealth.

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HUNTING SEASON

The Trunk Leather-Trimmed Straw Shoulder Bag

SAINT LAURENT

Le 37 Canvas Bucket Bag

Loewe

Small Paseo Bag in Shiny Nappa Calfskin and Canvas

DeMellier

The Tokyo Saddle in Salt & Pepper Canvas Tan Smooth

6. Simple Saddle

Style Notes: While some deem crossbodies as casual or low-key, I don’t think this is necessarily the case, especially when you see the new guard of very sleek styles on offer at so many brands, from Gucci to Sézane.

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Gucci

Horsebit Shoulder Bag

SOEUR

Bell S-Embellished Leather Cross-Body Bag

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