Spring is in the air and we’re all strutting our stuff outside after two years of never leaving the house. Which means bags are again de rigueur accessories, helping us carry everything we need from A to B, but not only. Bags can be practical, but why restrict yourself? Make a fashion statement with some arm candy by taking inspiration from some of the biggest women’s designer bags of 2022.
1. Chain
Chains are classic for a reason and add a little je ne sais quoi to every bag. Valentino shoulder bags have gotten the memo and The Maison offers plenty of options for a statement chain bag. One of the easiest trends to follow, chain bags come in all shapes, sizes and colours. All 2022 asks is that you add some chain to your favourite bag.
2. Pint-sized
Micro bags are back, but move away from the somewhat silly micro bags of the past. For 2022, shoulder purses may be small, but they’re also practical. Pint-sized bags this year should be tiny but allow you to carry your belongings, and we’re not just talking about one lipstick. Fit in your card, phone and other bits and bobs in your small shoulder handbags. What’s not to like?
3. Handheld
Handheld bags are making a big comeback and while they do look fantastic, they can be a bit cumbersome. Valentino Garavani has the answer with clutch bags adorned with chains, ticking two great 2022 trends and giving us all the option to carry a clutch and a cocktail at the same time.
4. Party
What Vogue UK calls “The Party Goes On” bag trend, the “dancefloor-ready bag” takes many forms. The ultimate anti-lockdown bag, the party bag of 2022 is not afraid to take centre stage. Think crystals, studs and other adornments.
In terms of colours, metallics and glitter are big. If these shoulder purses could talk, they’d tell you 2022 is about going out and living your best life, not binge-watching another show on Netflix in your PJs.
5. Bright
Neon or a bit more subtle, the colours of 2022 aren’t afraid to make a statement. Bright green or orange, yellow or pink, the rainbow is yours to wear. There are plenty of options for brightly coloured shoulder handbags among designer bags 2022 collections at Versace. Pick one, pick two, go mad and buy them all.
6. Crafty
Crafts, crochet and artisan bags can be knitted, knotted, woven or fringed. It doesn’t matter much to 2022, but you’ll want something a bit free-spirited to take to the streets this summer. If the boho style isn’t your cup of tea but you still want to join in on the fun, a structured bag in raffia, as seen at Prada, could be the perfect shoulder purse for you.
7. Structured
It’s a sad fact of life we still need to go to work in between all the parties. For your 2022 day bag, structured is best. We’ve seen a lot of XL bags on the runways and while they’re fantastic empty, they can get heavy. For work, we’d recommend a nice rigid, minimalist bag that looks good without being cumbersome.
8. Curve
Bucket and half-moon bags are making a comeback, which means “curvy” bags are again highly desirable. However, it doesn’t have to be all curves and no angles. Shoulder handbags can tick more than one trend box at the time, and a structured hobo bag does just that.
