If I were to assess my wardrobe, I would guess that 75% of it was purchased based on comfort. When I say comfort, I mean leggings, oversized sweaters, and on really lazy days—it can even mean Uggs. Before you judge me too hard, it’s not like I’m wandering the streets in pajamas or anything (although if a pajama trend ever emerges, I want in). I’m just someone who feels strongly that the athleisure trend was a dream come true…never having to put on real pants? Sign me up, I’m team leggings for life. So what’s my saving style grace on my lazy days? You guessed it, a stellar statement bag. I wish I was someone who enjoyed dressing up for any occasion and dressed nicely even on a grocery store run, and no matter how much admiration I possess for those people, that’s just not me.
I consider a statement bag to be my secret weapon in appearing put together. It’s reassuring to know that even if I’m in leggings and a plain tee-shirt, my bag can disguise the fact that I’m having a lazy day and make my outfit look elevated. If I opt to wear a basic but comfy outfit, I always pass on the neutral bags in my closet and grab a statement bag instead. It usually averts people from noticing that I’m wearing leggings as pants. I love how I feel special and beautiful with a statement bag, no other effort necessary. In a way I almost prefer to let my bag be the star player of my look, because as an avid bag lover, having my bag be the focal point of my look is the goal. While a great design can render compliments, nothing makes me feel as special as a fun statement bag. I actually think statement bags look better with a neutral outfit, but whether that’s a little black dress or your Lululemon leggings is for you to decide.
A statement bag can come in many different forms. The term “statement bag” is not confined to one specific style or design but is comprised of many different details. What one person considers a statement bag may not translate for someone else—it really depends on the person’s taste and personal style. Bright colors, funky shapes, distinctive logos, ornate beading, cool prints, and appliques can all be considered statement bags. I think it’s important to note that a statement bag has to straddle the line of tacky and classic, and that can be a hard balance to strike. Even if I’m rocking a statement bag I want to remain tasteful, and typically my rule of thumb is that if it could never pass as a neutral, it’s a statement bag. We all have different thresholds for what we consider neutral, which is something I love about fashion.
I’ve picked some of my favorite statement bags. What’s your go-to statement bag? I want to see it!
Original illustration by Kat J. Weiss
Coach Parker with Allover Tea Rose Stones ($450)
Cult Gaia Eos Box Bag ($348)
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Rainbow Crossbody ($1,650)
Aranaz Cherine Raffia Top-Handle Bag ($365)
Gucci Sylvie Bee Star Mini Bag ($2,600)
Coach Parker Shoulder Bag ($495)
Loewe Flamenco Knot Grid Tote Bag ($2,350)
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Americana Leather Tote Bag ($2,175)
Pop & Suki Takeout Bag ($295)
Love the Valentino bag. The Cult Gaia looks like a tissue box.
That’s a real trend lately haha. It’s not the first bag I’ve seen that looks like a tissue box!
Mmm… My statement bags are my novelty/quirky bags (Olympia Le Tan, Anya Hindmarch, Kate Spade, Loewe), my Lancel Brigitte Bardot bag (because it is a very unique bag), my Fendi Denim Squirrel Spy (because of its uniqueness too) and my deep green suede Ralph Lauren Ricky + my Prada Soft Cahier: they are classic but have such presence!
That squirrel denim spy is the one that got away from me! You’re so lucky. I still mourn my slow-to-decide sometimes.
Ugh… It’s so difficult to mourn ‘the ones that got away”… The Squirrel Spy was my Holy Grail for quite some time- I could not afford a new one but was lucky enough to get a preloved one in perfect condition 🙂
I was remembering that Brigitte Bardot bag just the other day! I really wanted to get one back in the day but never pulled a trigger. I now think that a small version of it would really appeal to me
I saw it for the first time in a Lancel store window and it was love at first sight: I was literally standing there, dumbstruck in the middle of the street 🙂 I knew I had to get one… Anyway, it sure is bulky and heavy!
I like the Coach “Parker.” It reminds me of a TV test pattern from the 80s. Like the Pop and Suki “Take Out” Bag, but it kind of makes me crave fried rice.
The Pop & Suki Bag is too cute.
I would say that 90% of my bags are statement bags. I mostly wear black and my purse adds some color or texture. Right now I am favoring my Gucci metallic pearl studded Matelasse bag in Gold. Alessandro Michele is a king of the statement bag!
I can easily see myself carrying that beautiful Loewe. The Coach Parker is gorgeous and exquisite for a cheap bag. And Cult Gaia cannot disappear into obscurity fast enough for me.
I love that Pop & Suki bag!!!
Totally agree with this article! I wear neutral colors, and generally dress casually. My favorite statement bag at the moment is my Gucci Queen Margaret GG Supreme… the one with the big jeweled bee on it. I always feel “dressed” when I carry it, even if I’m just wearing jeans and a tee.