When it comes to shopping for a new handbag, there are a lot of little details worth considering beyond pure aesthetics and asking yourself if it’s “cute” or not. From size and shape, to its material and intended use, this is not a purchase that should be taken too lightly, regardless of price point. So it makes sense why designers and brands are so particular about their pieces. Case in point, functionality seems to be the name of the game for this season’s handbag trends, to ensure it has the power to work hard in every shopper’s wardrobe. (The fact that they’re aesthetically pleasing is just icing on the cake.)

Like most things in fashion right now, this season’s it bags fall into one of two categories. On one hand, following the popularity of slouchy silhouettes from last season, you have structure-less bags that are surprisingly spacious inside. On the other hand, you have trends of pure novelty with fruit-shaped clutches replacing the bird bags of yesteryear and viral vintage-inspired purses as seen on everyone’s favorite TV fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw. Although they’re two very different sides of the same coin, both deserve a spot in your spring wardrobe.

Not yet convinced? Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the popular handbag trends of the season, along with the key pieces you’ll need to recreate the looks yourself.

If you are a fan of the bowler bags, then you’ll love the structure-less shape for 2026 just as much. Seoul-based brand and certified cool-girl label Margesherwood led the way with its slouchy dumpling bag, while Miu Miu and Loewe offered up styles made with supple suede and textured leather. The key is finding a style that’s spacious and malleable enough to fit all your essentials. Bonus points if you find one in one of the standout shades of the season like persimmon or turquoise. 

Drawstring pouches à la the Chloé runway are starting to replace the classic everyday crossbody, and these are the definition of cool yet functional. Whether it’s a slouchy pouch from Prada and Alessandro Michele’s embroidered design for Valentino or more structured silhouettes like the quilted Chanel 25 bag that shoppers can’t get enough of, these drawstring details are everywhere. Chloé even took a more artful approach with a pleated crossbody that looks just like a bouquet of flowers. 

Whether you’re looking for hands-free options that work hard in your closet or are hoping to take your accessory game to the next level, a utility-style belt bag with multiple compartments is an absolute must and the spring 2026 runways are proof. London-based designer Johanna Parv took a more technical approach with “gorpcore” inspired designs, whereas Coperni and Julie Kegels leaned into utilitarian aesthetics. Pro tip: Find a style that will fit just the essentials — think keys, wallets, lip gloss, etc.

The change in the season (and weather) is your chance to experiment with different textures, which makes the timing of the seashell trend on the runways at Balmain and Ulla Johnson, among others, just so perfect. Whether you’re going to the beach or not, Simon Miller’s raffia tote is a great accompaniment for the months ahead and will add a little extra oomph to the most basic outfit. Simkhai offers a more literal take for minimalists hoping to embrace the trend with a shell-shaped clutch that oozes spring. 

Every so often there’s a vintage silhouette that inspires the next generation of designs. The resurgence of the YSL ‘Mamba’ bag –– in line with all the metal handles on the market –– is a prime example. Thankfully, that means you can participate in the trend with a style that has similar vibes. Consider adding top-handle bags with artful shapes to your cart for occasions, like spring weddings, that call for a little extra flair. 

It’s almost as if every season, fashion picks a random everyday thing to create novelty bags around –– birds, vegetables, electronic devices. And this season, according to Giambattista Valli, Moschino, and Chanel, it’s all about fancy fruit clutches. If you’re looking to get in on the trend, Cult Gaia is known for its cheeky accessories, including a “bunch of grapes” bag, while the Maison de Sabre coin purse is a great way to dip your toe in before fully committing.

In line with the utilitarian theme for spring, there are so many bags with statement buckles and they all look a little different, which means you’re bound to find one that works well for you. From dainty east-west satchels and slouchy shoulder bags, there are a slew of options that will get you through the season with your belongings intact.

There have been rumblings of a kisslock resurgence for the last few seasons. Coach’s archival silhouette made a viral comeback on the runway, and then again on Sarah Jessica Parker in And Just Like That on Season 3. The vintage-inspired detail has been on the rise ever since. Off the runway, Edie Parker released an undie-inspired kisslock clutch that is an instant conversation starter a night out.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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White sneakers are officially cancelled… Okay, not really, but this spring we are making space for more interesting shoe styles. This season, shoemakers and savvy shoppers alike are prioritizing sneakers that would make your average passerby stop and stare. New lines center on the whimsical and unexpected, featuring high-impact design elements, such as Mary Jane straps, luxe suede, and glossy patent faux leather.

Alongside these vibey styles, several sneaker trends from the archives — like gorpcore, chaotic color blocking, and toe shoes — have, once again, taken their rightful place in the spotlight. “Nostalgic trends continue to grow,” Dana Cohn, Macy’s director of editorial content, tells Refinery29. “Slim, retro styles have been trending. There’s been a lot of elevated materials, like suede, in a variety of colors.”

Though they certainly make an impression, these sneaker trends are surprisingly wearable (I can confirm, because I’ve already begun adding them to my closet). Keep reading for the most interesting spring sneakers to slip into.

If there was one standout sneaker style to come from this latest fashion month, it would be metallic silver sneakers — hands down. Show-goers adopted the glitzy shoe trend across cities, leaning in particularly hard on the streets of Paris, France. Savvy American retailers are catching on, embracing sparkly footwear within their respective spring collections. 

“Silver has become more of an everyday look, versus a statement,” notes Cohn. The trend is so versatile, she says it can be worn with everything from punky styles to streetwear, but her personal favorite is “styled in contrast to denim and softer colors.”

This time last year, the Nike Air Rift was nearly impossible to find in stores. The unconventional sneaker positively flew off the shelves and Nike responded with gusto. For the spring season, the athletic brand has amped up it’s distribution, supplying shoppers with multiple iterations and more than enough colorways to tide them over. 

Their popularity paved the way for other toe-centric sneakers — like Vibram’s FiveFingers style — to follow in their footsteps. Though originally released in the early 2000s, the kooky shoe style has returned to the mainstream for the first time in decades, rising to the top of every quirky girls spring shopping list.

Ever since Miu Miu released their viral New Balance collab in September 2025, suede has been on the rise, dominating designs across categories. Everything from trench coats to handbags to boots and skirts have gotten the frilly touch. Suede sneaker options multiplied overnight, cropping up in collections from high-end labels, such as Bottega Veneta, Dries van Noten, Isabel Marant, and, of course, Miu Miu’s sister brand, Prada.

“We’re seeing a lot of suede sneakers in neutral and warm colors like tan, brown, blue, and burgundy,” says Cohn. “These are easy, everyday styles that feel really elevated.” And when styling these suede shoes, Cohn says it’s best to embrace their preppy nature by “mixing these with classic separates like denim, blazers, tees, and layered jewelry.”

Mary Jane sneakers have dominated trend reports for the last four years running. Thankfully for MJ loyalists, the same will remain true in 2026 — and Cohn backs this up. According to her, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. “We’re still seeing Mary Jane sneakers, especially with sporty details like mesh,” she says.

Just this week, Imade a trip to the shopping mecca, spotting no less than a dozen different styles on Macy’s shelves. Brands ran the gamut of price points and demographics, with styles available from Puma, Dolce Vita, Sorel, Vionic — I could go on.

Dopamine dressing has officially reached the footwear space and shoe designers are prioritizing styles that spark joy and inspire child-like wonder. Sure, plain white sneakers remain a reliable staple, but recently, beloved brands such as Adidas, Saucony, Reebok, and more have begun intentionally embracing the most chaotic color stories imaginable. Burgundy and mustard, lime green and eggplant, electric violet and tangerine, pink and crimson — today’s trending color combinations seem to be chosen for no other reason than the fact that they clash fantastically. 

Introducing these delightfully deranged sneakers to one’s closet requires wearers to embrace whimsy within their wardrobes. Combine electric hues, graphic patterns, and mixed prints to make these sneakers feel right at home. TLDR; The more whimsical, the better.

If you’re looking for an up-and-coming spring sneaker trend to hop on before anyone else, look no further than patent pleather. Though its popularity pales in comparison to more mainstream styles, like suede and Mary Janes, glossy sneakers are slowly working their way into the footwear space. 

More “elevated materials,” as Cohn calls it, “have been trending,” making appearances on designs from Aldo, Adidas, Puma, and beyond. I just added a pair of patent leather Adidas Sambas to my own curated sneaker lineup — but believe me, this under-the-radar trend won’t be so for long.

Before there was cottagecore or balletcore or coquette, there was gorpcore. First coined in 2017, alongside the normcore craze, this function-focused look was one of the original social media aesthetics. Nearly a decade later, the trend cycle’s circular nature has swept the look back to the forefront, bringing its staple shoe style — hiking sneakers — along for the ride. 

Longtime activewear labels, such as Salomon and Merrell, will only continue to tighten their grip in the months to come, via several well-placed fashion collabs. This time around, however, they’re being adapted, not only by streetwear-loving hypebros, but by fashion girls as well. Said fashion girls will primarily pair these all-terrain shoes with juxtaposing pieces, like frilly sundresses and midi skirts, embracing a more eclectic vibe.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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We’re just 10 days away from Weekend 1 of Coachella (April 10 – 12), where music lovers will gather in Indio, California to dance the days and nights away with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and more artists. So if you’ve secured a ticket, but don’t have your festival outfits planned yet, we’re here to help. Coachella outfits are some of the most eccentric, Pinterest-worthy looks you’ll likely ever wear, but you can truly make them fit your personal style and music taste.

Want to channel a western cowgirl or bohemian babe for the desert setting? Looking for something a bit punchier for the rave tents or rock performances? Feeling bright and glittery? There are so many aesthetics you can try for a music festival, so we’re offering inspiration (and product recommendations). From matching sets, denim trends, and graphic tees to headscarves, combat boots, and statement sunglasses, there are tried-and-true festival fashion staples you’ll want to have in your arsenal.

So, whether you’re looking for last-minute Coachella outfits for Weekend 1, cementing your Weekend 2 look, or planning ahead for the rest of festival season, read on to cart up your favorite pieces and build a statement-making look.

If you’re going to Coachella to see The Strokes, Iggy Pop, and Interpol, you’ll need a rockstar-worthy outfit for these rock-heavy performances. To look edgy and effortlessly cool, grab outfit staples like leather jackets, denim shorts, and combat boots. We’re loving studded styles across clothing and accessories for a punk touch. And adding a graphic tee or merch from your favorite band is the perfect finishing touch to celebrate their music.

Whether you’re tuned into country artists or not, western aesthetic has become synonymous with music festival style. From cowboy boots and hats to double-denim and suede fringe, cowgirl staples are a tried-and-true way to dress up for festivals. Stick to a denim matching set or mix in crochet pants or a suede jacket to break up the look. Then throw on a bandanna or cow print handkerchief as an accessory that can double as a face mask to keep the dirt and dust away.

Get a blend of OG Woodstock style and mid-aughts Vanessa Hudgens vibes by pairing flowy pieces with tons of accessories to make you feel and look like a whimsical hippie or fairy. For this nostalgic-heavy aesthetic, look for vintage-inspired pieces (if you don’t have the time to go thrift shopping) in more earthy tones with tons of texture. Think: ruffles, lace, mesh, and crochet. And you can’t go wrong with motifs like paisley and florals.

If you’re hoping to spend most of your time in the Yuma and Sonora tents dancing to DJs and transcending into the rave experience, then you should opt for moody or neon styles — as long as they’re super comfortable. To ensure you can dance the days away, check out the official Coachella x Loops earplugs to protect your ears, wear a funky pair of shades to take reprieve from strobe lights, slip into chunky platform sneakers that won’t make your feet instantly hurt, and — again, if you don’t have time to make your own — buy a pack of Kandi bracelets to swap with strangers.

Even though Coachella is set in the desert, you can still manifest mermaid vibes through your outfit. We promise you’ll want to stay as cool, ethereal, and breezy as possible in the 100-degree temps. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your favorite swimwear to wear under crochet, netted, or mesh layers (like coverups). Opt for bright colors and patterns as well as shimmery, iridescent accessories to get the mermaid effect. A pair of jelly flats are also a better alternative to backless, toes-out sandals.

If you really like making a celebratory statement with your outfits (or just love headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s aesthetic), consider a ‘70s-era disco moment. For this vibe, you can either go for high-shine fabrics, sequins, and metallic colors, or try psychedelic prints and bug-eye sunglasses. While a full-on jumpsuit may not be the easiest or breeziest style for a festival, you can still wear bedazzled maxi dresses, patterned rompers, and sparkly hot pants to get the disco effect.

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