2020 may have just begun but we are already well on our way to welcoming everything new season for the spring-summer collections of 2020. With fashion month in full swing as well there is no shortage of outfit inspiration for a new season, but it’s also a great time to see which trends have stood the test of time. Investing into a luxury designer handbag is no snap decision and with so many options it can be hard to figure out which one is worth your buck. Is it a timeless purchase? Will I love it a year from now? A few years from now? How much wear will I get out of it? These are all valid questions to be asking yourself and to make the process so much easier, I have created the ultimate guide to all the handbags of 2020.
I’m outlining for you which ones are worth snapping up, and which ones you need to leave on the shelf. I will be updating this page regularly as well so don’t forget to check back and if you’re considering a bag you don’t see on this list, then leave me a comment below and I’ll be sure to give you some personalised advice. Stay tuned as well for my list of the classic bags that are always worth investing in, no matter what year it is. Until then, let’s see what’s currently hot in the fashion world.
THE CHANEL 19 BAG
The Chanel 19 took the fashion world by storm to be the latest “classic” release from the brand. Inspired by the original 2.55 classic, this piece is a similar shape with the diamond quilting but is meant to be “freer” in its shape. It has a gold chain as well that can be used to hand-carry the bag, making it particularly versatile. It comes in four different sizes; belt bag, original, large and maxi.
Now I’ve seen the bag in person and I had some mixed feelings about it. I’m a classic 2.55 girl and I found that this shape was a bit pillow-like and in certain finishes like the classic black and white I didn’t enjoy the large quilting design. I will say though that I adored this bag in the tweed finish and the colours. So, with that said if you’re on the hunt for a classic with a twist, opt for the Chanel 19 in the belt bag colours or a tweed or fabric finish. However, with that in mind, is it really worth the price? If you’re out for a classic bag then leave this one on the shelf and go for either a 2.55 or the Chanel Trendy.
Image via Pinterest
VERDICT: KEEP ON SHELF & GO FOR THE 2.55
THE BOTTEGA CASSETTE BAG
Bottega has made such a massive comeback in the last year with their dumpling bag and now with the Cassette bag too. There’s something about these puffy quilted bags that everyone is falling for this year and of all the options in this particular style, the Bottega Cassette bag is my favourite. It’s a super versatile shape which means you can style it for the day or for dinner in the evening too. I know it comes in a variety of colours but for a bag that you want to use all the time for every season, I recommend going for it in a neutral colour. Plus, in comparison to some of the other bags in the collection, it’s quite affordable for a luxury purchase nowadays. It’s the kind of timeless purchase that may go “out of trend” for a while but will always come back.
Image via Pinterest
VERDICT: GRAB IT
THE DIOR BOOK TOTE
The Dior Book Tote isn’t new to 2020 but it is new in the sense that it now it comes in two new sizes (a medium and a mini) and in a bunch of new patterns as well. This bag has quickly become a fashion insider favourite simply because it is so easy as a carry-all. A great bag to travel with, to take with you on errands and generally for most things where you need a lot of space Now I’ll be honest guys, I’m not a fan of the mini. I know it’s every fashion bloggers favourite but I don’t think it looks as luxe in this size. Instead, opt for the medium or original large options. My personal favourite? The super colourful one from the S/S 20 collection!
Image via Pinterest
VERDICT: GRAB IT BUT LEAVE THE MINI ON THE SHELF
THE GUCCI 1955 HORSEBIT
So, this is a bag that everyone has fallen in love with over the last year. It’s got a vintage feel to it as the shape and design is a throwback to the Gucci archives but I for one am not a fan of this particular bag. Although the shape is nice and the bag does fit a lot, I find that it isn’t a forever piece. It’s easy to throw on with jeans and a tee but actually, I think this bag would be much more challenging to style outside of that realm than one would think. If you’re in the market for a super luxury purchase, I don’t think this is the one. If it’s the shape that you are after, because as we have seen from Paris Fashion Week, it’s about to make a BIG COMEBACK – then hold off and wait for the YSL version.
Image via Pinterest
VERDICT: LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF
THE PRADA RE-EDITION
If you asked me to list my favourite luxury brands, Prada would rank very highly on that list because this amazing house never fails to show us something that is both classic and trendy at the same time. My Prada Sidonie is one of my most used bags! That being said though, The Re-edition is not my favourite from this house. Part of me felt like it was an answer to the high demand for the LV Multi Pochette (keep reading for my review on that one!). The house has so many other amazing bags that are so much more classic and that will stand the test of time more than this one.
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VERDICT: LEAVE IT ON THE SHELF AND GRAB THE SIDONIE!
LOEWE BALLOON BAG
Firstly, a bucket bag is a classic shape. You cannot go wrong. Now if you’re looking for a beautiful, designer bucket bag, Loewe is your answer. The bag is durable and sturdy while still being elegant and comes in three different sizes; small, medium and large. The medium and large sizes also have an extra adjustable strap, which means you suddenly have more styling options too. Guys this is an easy win!
Image via Pinterest
VERDICT: GRAB IT
LOUIS VUITTON MULTI POCHETTE
I was surprised at how much I loved the LV Multi Pochette when I saw it pop up on Instagram last year. I loved it so much that I pre-ordered the bag and it has become one of my most worn bags ever. In the classic LV canvas (It also comes in another colourway which is so cool!) with a choice between two straps (pink and khaki), you can wear this bag in a multitude of ways. The bag is made up of three parts that can all be worn individually or together and can be worn for any occasion! I love that it adds a bit of edge to my outfit when I want it too or I can make it super dainty and elegant. A bag that adapts to your style is a bag worth having!