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Just about every modern fashion era can be time-stamped by the It-bag people were lusting over at the time.

In the 90s, it was a practical Prada nylon bag. In the early noughties, it was something slouchy and boho-inspired from Chloe.

Sleek-chic Celine bags took over in the mid-noughties, and more recently, emerging brands like Telfar and Polene have established their own unique hold on the handbag market.

Watch as international stylist Grace Lam explains how to create contrast within your outfit. Post continues below.

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Creating Contrast in Fashion | Nothing To Wear

In 2026, things look a bit different.

While designer bags still carry status, these days it's less about spending your entire month's pay cheque on a luxury tote with a giant logo, and more about how the bag you choose complements your style.

If there's one good thing social media has done for the economy, it's democratise the handbag space. Now, mid-market brands and high-street retailers understand how to make a desirable, on-trend accessory you can buy into without a huge financial commitment.

As a result, we've never had more options when it comes to shopping for arm candy… but it does help to whittle things down a bit.

There are three defining bag trends that are set to take over this year. Here's what you need to know, plus options to shop at every price point.

1. The slouchy pouch.

How to carry your bag in 2026. Images: Instagram/@manondevelder; @greceghanem.

There's a new way to carry your bag, and it's not down by your side.

All the fashion girlies are clutching them close to the body like pouches, rendering the handles essentially redundant.

The go-to style right now is slouchy and unstructured — all the better to squish them. And while the mini clutches of old barely fit anything, the latest oversized styles are a whole lot more practical.

We're seeing them hit the market in tactile woven leather and suede, across neutral colourways as well as muted pastels.

Don't want to commit to hands-free? You can get the same effect with a roomy hobo worn folded over.

How to style them: With their soft edges, these bags look especially cool contrasted against tailored pieces like blazers, collared shirts and streamlined denim.

MNG Suede Handbag, $139.95.

Image: MNG.

NA-KD Suede Clutch Bag with Folding Detail, $139.95.

Image: NA-KD.

Target Premium Suede Slouch Shoulder Bag, $80.

Image: Target.

Vestirsi Savannah Hobo Bag, $449.

Image: Vestirsi.

2. The sleek black bag.

Style tastemakers Anouk Vye and Natalie Jacobson with sleek black bags. Images: Instagram/@anoukyve; @natjacobsonstyling.

When Chanel debuted a refined take on their cult shoulder bag at the Spring 2026 ready-to-wear show in September, a new It-bag was born.

Rendered in black leather, with a simple boxy shape and a subtle gold logo, it offered a sleeker alternative to the ladylike tweeds and dainty chain bags the luxury brand is associated with.

Hailey Bieber was seen toting the large version of the bag on her arrival into Sydney, while brand ambassador Margot Robbie carried a petite 'east-west' style while on home soil earlier this week.

Despite its unassuming nature, the accessory is drumming up waitlists around the world.

The headline here? Simple black bags are back in the spotlight. Balenciaga has a similar style doing the rounds, but on the more affordable end of the spectrum, brands like St Agni and Reh Studios have met the trend with everyday leather bags that are as functional as they are fashionable.

How to style them: Black bag addicts rejoice; there is basically no outfit this style won't hit it off with. It makes a lot of sense as a daily work bag, while Margot and Hailey wore theirs with polished-casual looks at the airport.

St Agni Belt Detail Baguette, $479 (pre-order).

Image: St Agni.

Reh Studios Valentina Bag, $299.

Image: Reh Studios.

NA-KD Squared Leather Tote Bag, $149.95.

3. The animal print bag.

Influencers Lois Sterling and Luna Isabella adding a touch of animal print. Images: Instagram/@_loissterling; @lunaisabellaa.

As the trend for textured accessories continues to dominate, it makes sense that animal prints are entering the chat in a major way. We've seen them take over shoes, and now it's time for handbags to play with wild motifs.

While leopard is a classic choice, zebra, deer and tiger print are having a moment too, popping up across bags of all different proportions — from structured shapes to chic eveningwear styles.

Look for velvet, suede or ponyhair finishes to amplify the textured effect.

How to style them: As 90s minimalism returns to the fore, this is a good time to let your bag do the talking against a pared-back look.

One statement accessory can do a lot for silky separates, or a simple white tee and black pants. But if you're feeling experimental, don't be afraid to clash prints with your outfit: think a deer-print bag with a striped shirt.

M&S Leather Animal Print Shoulder Bag, $145.

& Other Stories Deer Print Leather Tote, now $180.

Mimco The Clutch Bag, now $99.

Image: Mimco.

Laura Jones Beaded Shoulder Bag, $80.

Image: The Iconic.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack , listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube .

Feature image: Instagram/@greceghanem; @anoukyve.