Drawstring bags have come a long way from the polyester backpacks you used to tote to gym class. The simple closure has become a bona fide street style trend, turning up on everything from embellished pouches to sturdy leather carryalls.
It's a natural evolution from the ultra-minimal handbags of recent seasons (think Mansur Gavriel's bucket bags or Everlane's market totes), eschewing heavy hardware while giving your valuables a little extra security. It's also surprisingly versatile: Nylon and leather styles look sleek and sporty, while satin and velvet versions recall vintage evening purses. Some, like Alexander Wang's rhinestone-encrusted pouch, even manage to do both.
The best part of the trend, though, may be its relative affordability: Even the designer styles ring up well under $1000, and others, like Zara's and Madewell's, are less than $200.
Below, shop 16 of our favorite drawstring bags of the season.
Theory
Post Small Soft Pouch in Satin
Between the metal ring and the satin exterior, this little pouch is very on trend.
Von Holzhausen
The Shopper
Meet your new everyday bag.
Attico
Crystal-Embellished Striped Drawstring Pouch
A twinkly alternative to your typical clutch.
Zara
Leather Bucket Bag With Gussets Detail
This bag only looks expensive.
Alexander Wang
Ryan Dust Bag
A little glitz never hurt anybody.
AllSaints
Ray Nubuck Bucket Bag
This style is an instant classic.
Prada
Vela Drawstring Pouch
Prada's nylon bags never go out of style.
No. 6
Shearling Bucket Backpack
Any excuse to add a little more shearling into our lives.
Vasic Collection
Bond Drawstring Bag
These clever straps can be worn two ways.
Miu Miu
Suede-Trimmed Velvet Clutch
Elegant enough for the opera but cool enough for downtown drinks.
Madewell
The Medium Drawstring Transport Tote
Yes, you need a pink bag.
KhoKho
Thembi Drawstring-Top Basket Bag
How to take your basket-bag obsession into fall.
Les Petits Joueurs
Heart Bucket Bag
This has a glam-rock vibe we can't get enough of.
Jil Sander
Drawstring Tote
So cozy, you'll want to use it as a pillow.
DVF Diane von Furstenberg
Evening Drawstring Bag
Bold and graphic yet totally easy to wear (even better, the sturdy leather strap is detachable if you want to carry the bag around your wrist).