The Best Purses You Can Find In 2021
With women being expected to have a vast array of products on hand at any moment, purses have become a crucial accessory. And just like the ladies whose arms these bags hang upon, purses are often forced to meet impossible standards. In addition to conquering physics with a Mary Poppins-esque ratio of items to bag proportion, we also want our purses to be comfortable, durable and stylish.
We've seen many styles over the years, and 2021 is no exception. According to Cosmopolitan this year's purse trends will feature puffy leather, feathers, chain mail and beads. The current purse fads embrace fantasy over reality, a trend we're happy to submit to during a pandemic, but pulling off high fashion on a less than haute couture budget can be tricky.
Thankfully, fashion experts have revealed the perfect bags that seamlessly blend 2021 trends with wearability and affordability to ensure you'll be looking chic while lugging around your daily necessities.
Classic flap handbag
If you have the funds and you're willing to splurge, From Luxe With Love suggests investing in one of Chanel's Classic Flap Handbags. Blog creator and fashion influencer Natalie Lucas calls the bag an investment piece "as their prices on classic styles should only go up." Lucas also suggests the Chanel Wallet on Chain "for a smaller cross body style."
Since you'll want every opportunity to show off this luxe item, go for a neutral color like black or beige for optimal versatility. The timeless design has always been a fashion staple, and with the iconic flap look returning to runways in 2021 (via Who What Wear), your purchase will serve as a retro nod to the past while remaining modern.
However, if the over $6000 handbag isn't in your budget, you're definitely not alone. Try an equally chic flap bag substitute like the Rebecca Minkoff Geo Love Crossbody Bag or the Salvatore Ferragamo Ginette Small Leather Shoulder Bag (via Purse Bop.)
The chunky chain trend
To check off the 2021 chunky chain trend seen at Milan, Paris and Copenhagen fashion weeks, Vogue recommends sporting the Manu Atelier XX Mini Cylinder Bag. The purse's heavy hardware and leather pouch are a creative mix of feminine and masculine energy which has fashion experts applauding the Istanbul-based brand.
Sister designers Beste and Merve were inspired by their childhood which is "full of memories of us combining the different leathers and creating our own miniature handbags" (via Marie Claire). Their ability to subvert fashion tropes has made Manu Atelier a fast favorite amongst 'it girls' like Sarah Jessica Parker and Bella Hadid.
While the Mini Cylinder Bag retails for $400, there are many affordable alternatives, such as Shein's Metal Decor Cylinder Crossbody Bag or Slowline's Classic Mini Duffel Bag. If your heart is set on nabbing the authentic purse, check out consignment sites like The RealReal or The Outnet for reduced price designer items (via Insider).
Cushion bags
Cosmopolitan has called Lanvin's cloud-like Sugar Bags "the ultimate cozy girl's dream" because, at first glance, these purses could easily be confused for a pillow. According to Lanvin, we can thank Bruno Sialelli for this modern reinvention of the early aughts trend. The bag has inspired a plethora of designers, making inflated supple bags a staple accessory for spring.
Valentina Ignatova, co-founder of indie handbag brand BY FAR, calls this look, "A throwback to cult looks from the early 2000s, the cushion bags will be the next go-to for city girls on the go — easy, roomy, and complimenting a casual or business day look, just as well as an evening one" (via The Zoe Report).
If the $1250 Lanvin Sugar Bag is out of your price range, opt for a more bank account-friendly option. Vogue suggests Free People's We the Free oversized puffer tote or Nordstrom's Cara Nimbus Tote. And if you're not a fan of leather, check out Simon Miller's vegan-leather Puffin bag (via Vogue).
Feather accents and circle shaped bags
Cosmopolitan suggests Loeffler Randall's Zadie Feather Circle Tote to hit two 2021 fashion trends with one stone: fluffy feathers and structured circular designs. The feather tote is just one in a series of shaggy handbags that will be dominating spring fashion. Other feather bags to look out for include Prada's Faux Fur Crossbody Bag (via Vogue) and Fendi's Fluffy Feathers Bag (via Mens Focus).
PopSugar calls The Loeffler Randall Zadie "a great day or night option" thanks to its oyster off-white and metallic silver feathers which give the bag a neutral quality while still maintaining an edge with its leather strap. The feathers are made up of 100% ostrich and turkey feathers, so lengthen your bag's shelf life by keeping this purse dry and away from the elements (via Loeffler Randall).
As always, you can recreate the $350 look for less by checking out TopShop's Frosty Feather Handbag (via Nordstrom) or Eric Javits' Shindig Bag.