Move Over, Quiet Luxury: These Statement Bag Trends Are Having a Moment

Much of 2023 has been defined by quiet luxury, the hush-hush, no-labels fashion movement that's gotten several celebrities on board thanks to its toned-down aesthetic and appeal of inconspicuous consumption.

Whether you prefer the team stealth wealth or low-key luxe, the minimalist, paired back aesthetic has been the look du jour for a few months now— that is, until now. As we round off the year, it feels like more and more of my fashion friends are looking forward to start anew and have fun with exciting, statement pieces again— a polar opposite than that the quiet luxury movement instills in us. Take the handbags we're seeing everywhere, for example. Instead of no logos, understated, simple bags, editors, influencers, and celebrities are slowly tuning in to these 6 statement handbag trends that are sure to pick up steam over the next few months. 

From wearable bucket bags to celebrity-loved Gucci handbag debuts, these statement handbag trends are a breath of fresh air if you're looking for loud, anti-quiet luxury looks. 

Exaggerated Hardware

Maybe it's just me, but truly, it feels like the '90s are actually back in: just take a look at the increasing popularity of Sabato de Sarno's Gucci debut handbag from the brand's nostalgic Fall-Winter 2023 show. While the silhouette is beyond dreamy, it's important to note the style paving the way for the anti-quiet luxury movement focused on oversize embellishments or exaggerated hardware on bags. Sign me up.

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Unconventional Clutches

While the stealth wealth branch of fashion-obsessed people often opt for tiny, minimalist clutches on their way to charity galas or elaborate lunches, the XXL Ferragamo clutch that's taken over our fashion editors' hearts and minds is only leading us to believe one thing: structural, unconventional clutches are back in. If you're looking to switch up a bag you already have, opt to carry your top-handle bag with the handles tucked in under your arm rather in the crook of your shoulder.

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Oversize Tote Bags

In this editors' eyes, quiet luxury has always been tied to the simpler things, extending to tiny handbags that only fit the essentials (a phone, credit card, lip gloss, and a stick of gum.) With the presence of ludicrously capacious tote bags in which you can throw in everything, the antithesis of the stealth wealth bag is now back en vogue. Opt for totes larger than your torso for the look. 

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Chain Details

Fun, chain details (whether subdued or maximalist) are a subtle way to add additional texture to a bag silhouette in the face of minimalist, rich-looking bags.

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Bucket Bags

While quiet luxury bags of the recent months have focused on traditional, structured silhouettes, throw-and-go bucket bags have been making waves as of late as overstuffed bags à la Miu Miu Spring-Summer 2024 become more mainstream. There's nothing more chic than a person who throws a pair of pedestrian shoes for the subway into their circular bottomless-pit of a bag!

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Colorful Bags

There's nothing more anti-quiet luxury than a loud, colorful bag. Opt for an in-your-face, bright color to show off personality and add a bit of fun back into your outfit in the face of an aesthetic movement that relies on blacks, neutrals, creams, and tans to convey a stylish and polished look.