The Y2K Bag Trend You Really Don't Need to Spend a Lot On

If there's one accessory that epitomises the '90s, it's surely the baguette bag. Just one glimpse at its teeny proportions and dainty shoulder strap will take you thundering down memory lane to a time when jeans were low-slung and crop tops were plentiful. For me, the trend has connotations of chick-flick heroines, glamazon girl-band members and, well, Regina George. As an accessory, it certainly had a particular "look" attached to it.

I prefer low-key silhouettes and practical handbags, so it's fair to say that I was initially dubious about the baguette's return to fame. But before you dismiss it like I did, let me assure you that the current iteration has a different flavour than the '90s and Y2K originals. Along with many other summer trends, the baguette 2.0 has taken on a more minimalist spin, and the majority of styles this season come unprinted in shades of black, brown, cream and faded pastel.

Designed to sit nicely with tailored shirting, loose-fit jeans, sharp blazers and slouchy sweaters, the bag adds polish to basic outfit pairings, as many of our favourite influencers have been showcasing. If you're worried about the price tags of the designer iterations beloved by Carrie Bradshaw and crew, rest assured that the high street has delivered a bounty of winning styles that can fit into any budget. This is also a trend that lends itself to buying second-hand, so if you fancy a pre-loved look, head over to Vestiaire Collective or Etsy, and keep your eyes peeled. I've also included a few options below.

Scroll down to see and shop the throwback bag that won't cost you the earth this summer.

Throwback to the '90s with a vintage check baguette bag, as seen on Anne-Laure Mais.

Go tonal with a matchy-matchy skirt and jumper. Then add a colour-coordinated baguette.

Why not use your baguette to add a pop of colour to a casual weekend look à la Lucy Williams?

Shop the Best Baguette Bags on the Market

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.