The "Dated" Handbag Trend That's Back From the Dead

frame bag trend shown in a collage of runway and street style images
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Even if you're not superstitious, chances are you've had a missed purchase that haunts you. For bag ladies like me, it's those vintage purses we didn't buy during their prime. I'm not talking about discounted designer bags, but niche purse shapes—oversize bowler bags, barrel bags, or any '90s trend—that we obsessively search for, even if they're not coming back in style anytime soon. (I'll be the first to admit that it's not the healthiest habit.)

Thankfully, there's hope this season: the return of frame handbags. Yes, you read that right. Vintage-inspired clasp bags, first popularized in the '50s, are back with their structured silhouettes, visible metal frames, and kiss-lock clasps. Designers have updated the trend with modern details, making it feel cool and fresh again. Think Ferragamo's sleek, patent leather top-handle frame bags from F/W 23 or Coach's oversize kiss-lock coin purses from S/S 25.

Most notably, what makes clasp handbags so irresistible now is the sheer variety of styles available. Whether you're dreaming of sculptural top handles or oversize coin purses, these bags are destined to haunt your dreams—unless you secure one. Ahead, you’ll see examples of the trend on the runway and curated options to buy now.

On the Runway

The frame bag trend is shown in a close photo from the Ferragamo fall 2023 runway show with a model wearing a black patent leather dress with a black frame handbag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Ferragamo F/W 23)

The frame bag trend is shown in a close photo from the Altuzarra spring 2024 runway show with a model wearing a cropped trench coat over a satin mini dress with a red frame bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Altuzarra S/S 24)

The frame bag trend is shown in the resort collection of Khaite with a model wearing a black blouse, black trousers, red pumps, and a black frame bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Khaite Resort S/S 25)

The frame bag trend is shown in a closet photo from the runway show of Michael Kors fall 2024 show with a model wearing a leopard print coat and a black frame bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Michael Kors F/W 24)

The frame bag trend is shown on the runway of Coach Spring 2025, with a model wearing a brown pinstripe blazer over a white graffiti print T-shirt styled with striped shorts and an oversize frame coin bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Coach S/S 25)

In the Wild

The frame bag trend is shown in a street-style photo of a woman wearing silver earrings, a brown button-down shirt, a black Prada tie, a black belt, black trousers, and a black frame bag

(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

The frame bag trend is shown in a street-style photo of a woman wearing a leopard print coat with wide-leg jeans, black pointed pumps, and a black and white frame bag

(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

The frame bag trend is shown in a street-style photo of a woman wearing a long black coat over a black turtleneck styled with a red leather pencil skirt, red pumps, red leather gloves, and a black frame bag

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

The frame bag trend is shown in a street-style photo of a woman standing in front of a mirror wearing a black leather dress with black heeled mules and a brown frame bag

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

The frame bag trend is shown in a close street-style photo of a woman standing outside in a garden by a statue wearing a green blazer with a matching waistcoat and trousers with a black frame bag

(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

Shop the Trend

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.