If the 2010s were all about crossbody bags, the 2020s are all about shoulder bags. In the early 2020s, the shoulder bags we loved in the ’90s and 2000s were suddenly so back, and along with them came the big bags and mid-sized icons like the Chloé Paddington and Saint Laurent Mombasa that were popularized in the 2000s.
It’s impossible to ignore that shoulder bags of every size reign supreme these days.
Gone are the days when functionality was king and a hands-free, no-fuss bag was the bag of the moment. Like it or not, the trend no longer leans toward crossbody bags, despite their ease of use. These days, it’s all about the shoulder bag, and you can thank the trend cycle for that.
The Ebs and Flows of Fashion
Fashion is cyclical, and just like history, it has a way of repeating itself. If you’ve ever studied fashion or read about it long enough, you’ve likely heard of the trend cycle. Simply put, every trend has an introduction phase, leading to saturation, a peak, and eventually, decline. Then, somewhere down the line, the trend gets reintroduced, and the cycle begins again.
Revivalism
Revivalism goes hand in hand with the trend cycle when it comes to understanding the inner workings of fashion. And while the trend cycle is shorter than ever these days—thanks largely to social media and consumers’ constant access to newness—revivalism itself is a concept that hasn’t changed.
Historically speaking, trends have almost always referenced the past in one way or another. And while it may seem like nostalgia is at an all-time high these days, the concept itself is nothing new. The revival of trends dates back centuries. One of the best examples is the Gothic Revival movement of the Victorian era, which reimagined medieval Gothic style for a new generation.
The Shoulder Bag Returns
You can thank revivalism for the major return of the shoulder bag. As fashion’s obsession with the trends and “It” items of the ’90s and early 2000s continues, the handbag trends of those decades are primed for a comeback as well. Just look at the seemingly endless supply of re-edition bags designers continue to push, like the Fendi Baguette, Gucci Jackie, Louis Vuitton Baggy, and more.
Not to mention, new-east favorites like the Prada Bonnie, Khaite Simona, and Alaïa Le Teckel.
Conversely, the crossbody bag had its moment in the 2010s, when many of the era’s most popular bags were designed to be worn with a longer strap across the body. There was the beloved Chloé Drew, Gucci Soho Disco, Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis, and more. Those icons were all released during the 2010s (and here’s to hoping the bandage skirts of that era stay gone forever).
Now, this isn’t to say that crossbody bags no longer have their time and place—they still exist as part of nearly every brand’s assortment—but from a demand and supply perspective, the shoulder bag has taken over.
Are you team shoulder bag or crossbody bag?
I understand the trend cycle, and love looking at new fashion, thanks for the article Kaitlin. I’m typically team crossbody for dog walking, easy hands free errands, team shoulder bag and hand carry bigger bag depending on the needs I have atm. One thing I enjoy is not following trends, if I love it I wear it, if I don’t love it I don’t buy it, don’t care if it’s on trend. We each have such unique style and preference and we have zillions of bags to choose from. If I love it, that’s all that matters!
Even though designers and houses tried to force micro bags onto all of us, that was just never going to work for me! Cute they are, but useless and not-functional. And as costly as actually usable bags!
And no matter the trend, I just will never with the LV baggy, or denim bags, or the moto bags that look sloppy and tangled to me (some can rock them wonderfully, it just isn’t for me).
Like you said the trend cycle moves so fast these days, we can all wear anything we love, and look great, on trend or not! I appreciate your columns.
Perfectly said!!
I prefer the aesthetics of shoulder bags (or if we’re dreaming, hand-carry bags), but the sheer functionality of crossbody bags is unbeatable.
Personally I find that a shoulder bag that’s light enough to be comfortable is constantly sliding off my shoulder and ends up living in the crook of my arm — arm-carry is a lewk too but not quite hands-free. Bags with enough heft to stay on my shoulder quickly become too heavy for comfort — my desk job and lugging a baby around already messes with my posture, so I am hyperaware of anything that’s putting unnecessary pressure on my neck and shoulders. I end up tensing and raising up my bagged shoulder to compensate, so all bad news.
Am I the only person who way overthinks and over-feels my shoulder bag usage?! And after I had a baby….FORGET IT. I still own and love my non-crossbodies but they get very little use these days.
I was so excited to use my vintage Kelly on a recent date night. Unfortunately after using a crossbody Baggu almost exclusively for the last 6 months, I was driven insane by my precious Kelly’s turnlock and belt and handle and shoulder strap…so many fiddly little bits when I’m already over stimulated :’)
yes! all of my shoulder bags fall off and then i end up sort of holding them against my body with my elbow and then my neck and back are unhappy. And i dont have neck and back issues! I have sold or given away all my shoulder bags except my big valextra hobo and even that, if it’s not packed with enough heavy stuff, slides off constantly.
Maybe a nice backpack would work even better for you.
The thing about backpacks though is that they are hot to wear, unwieldy and unsightly on most women. They are unsecure because they are behind you. And they have a tendency to make skirts or untucked tops, lift. I have several bags that convert to backpacks I have never worn any of them as a backpack
I’m team convertible. My preferred bag is the Hermes Kelly Danse. I like versatile bags that can be worn multiple ways. I also prefer mini bags. However, just recently, I discovered the Vestirsi Bella and I’m quite intrigued.
I also love to hand carry my bags. But if I had to choose between the two teams, it’ll be shoulder bag over crossbody. I simply do not find crossbody bags to be comfortable. My left shoulder would almost always hurts, even after a short time.
After spending years loving shoulder bags, I’m now into handheld/crook-of-the-arm only bags. It’s been at least 8 months since I carried a shoulder bag. Hopefully, I’ll get back into them. The ones I own are so pretty.