The fashion industry has decided the 70s are A Thing again whether we like it or not, and although tan suede and flared jeans are not my particular cup of tea, the era’s aesthetic resurgence has brought about at least one good thing: the return of the saddle bag.
Saddle bags are characterized by top flaps and curved bottoms, and they’re a particularly functional way to carry your stuff. Most of them are medium-sized, which means that they’re big enough to carry everything you need without being bulky, and they generally fasten securely and allow for either shoulder or cross-body carry. Because the look has been around for ever, many of these bags won’t look too trendy when the 70s cycle back out of style in favor of some other decade.
Even if you’re not on the boho bandwagon, many of these bags are worth a look; the style has become so popular among designers that plenty of options exist for those who prefer something more modern or minimal. Also, because of the saddle bag’s simplicity, many attractive options can be found with three-figure price tags.
Alexander Wang Lia Crus Leather Saddle Bag
$825 via Saks
APC Luxembourg Crossbody Bag
$452 via MATCHESFASHION.COM
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Flap Messenger Bag
$2,000 via Saks
Chloé Marcie Nude Crossbody Bag
$839 via MATCHESFASHION.COM
Coach Dakotah Shoulder Bag
$425 via Coach
Gucci Lady Web Suede Shoulder Bag
$2,100 via Gucci
Jerome Dreyfuss Nestor Saddle Bag
$1,335 via Shopbop
Jil Sander Robin Crossbody Bag
$1,820 via Forzieri
Madewell Woven Flap Saddle Bag
$168 via Shopbop
Mansur Gavriel Mini Crossbody Bag
$425 via Moda Operandi
MICHAEL Michael Kors Bedford Medium Flap Bag
$248 via Macy’s
Rachel Comey Wicker Crossbody Bag
$398 via Anthropologie
Rag & Bone Bradbury Flap Bag
$695 via Saks
Saint Laurent Snap Shoulder Bag
$1,490 via MATCHESFASHION.COM
Tommy Hilfiger Emma Suede Python Shoulder Bag
$73 via Macy’s
Tory Burch Toggle Messenger Bag
$475 via Shopbop
Vanessa Bruno La Scala Shoulder Bag
$925 via Anthropologie
Since when were saddle flaps ever out?
They were never unstylish, per se, but like Givenchy Lover said, they seem to have kicked back up into the “actively trendy” category.
I don’t think they were. They are just particularly in style now.
Amanda, you may rethink your opinion on tan suede if you saw my Tan suede Delvaux 🙂
Oh, I’m sure I’d love it! I love a lot of things on other people that I don’t necessarily love for myself. I think the Chloe Faye is beautiful in tan suede, for example, but it would just never feel at home on my body.
I love the SL, the Mansur Gavriel and the Vanessa Bruno! I saw the Chloe yesterday in person and it’s really cute too. As always, great post! (auto correct tried to turn Mansur into Manure…LOL)
Jerome Dreyfuss one looks like Hermes Pass Guide bag… which I liked. for the metal sides detail. But I’ve never seen one with the Hermes in person tho. Is it still sold in stores?
I’m not sure if the Pass Guide is still around or not; I know it was revived a couple seasons ago in limited release, but I’ve never been entirely clear on whether that was a seasonal thing or something that’s ongoing.
I’m with you on the 70’s. I can’t stand the boho styles of this decade and can only tolerate a few of the Studio 54 fashion references if they aren’t literal. I wish designers would create new designs that can become iconic in their own right.
That being said, I’ve always loved this handbag silhouette. This is such an easy style of bag to wear and it can be terribly cute!
The Chloe is a cute version. Not so sure about the color combo though. I would like the Gucci more if it didn’t have the fabric (canvas?) strap but I get why they designed it that way. It’s just not for me.
I’m intrigued by the Rag and Bone and would like to see it in person.
This is a cute selection of bags. Thanks for putting it together!
I’ve always loved this style of bag!
I’m hunting down the Jerome Dreyfuss bag. Yes, because it looks like the Hermes Passe Guide bag. I once saw the Passe on a woman in line at an ice cream shop here in Portland, OR of all places. She mispronounced “Hermes”. I wanted to tell her if you can’t pronounce the name you don’t deserve that gorgeous bag!
I actually just came across this Jerome Dreyfuss bag on sale at Simons
http://www.simons.ca/simons/category/c1729/designers-accessories-sale-for-her?/en/&eid=A9YUg7m5quMXXjS0RgeYSqjuew&utm_source=imarcom&utm_medium=Newsletters&utm_campaign=mai15-je28-soldes-designers-30&utm_content=mai15-je28-soldes-designers-30-en theyre are two different sizes
and those are the funniest people who don’t know how to say the names of what they’re wearing properly. LOL
HERMES PASSE GUIDE its all about the original trend setter is not ????
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I am glad I dug out my old Dooney & Bourke saddle bags now. They are a very efficient use of form and they are more comfortable than my big totes.
Love the Hermes Convoyeur bag. I have not seen one in person but it appears to be not much more than a wallet on a chain with a saddle shape. Also interested in the Chloe Faye.
Saddle bags never really went away – even though the Drew is a cult bag of the season, Chloe’s Marcie styles have been going strong for years now…. This 70’s trend is having such an impact on bag shapes – it’s nice to see a return to some more retro styling after the angularity and modernity of the last few seasons. I have a feeling it’s going to last for a few seasons.