Even though not every runway trend makes it to real life (thank goodness), we noticed one from the recently completed Spring 2016 shows that’s as close to a sure thing as it gets: tailored flap shoulder bags of all kinds.
This trend has a solid foundation in existing consumer preferences for handbags; now more than ever, Chanel sells its signature flap bags as quickly as it can make them, and one of Fall 2015’s biggest trends is 70s-inspired saddle bags, also with flap closures. When you put those two influences together, you get a season full of awesome flap bags on long straps.
This is one of my favorite bag structures because it’s so versatile. Most flap bags have at least some structure to them, and couple with a shoulder bag’s tendency to be more petite than a satchel, you get bags that are easy to dress up or down, depending on your situational needs. If you tend to dress up, go for a dainty chain strap; if you’re more casual, choose something a little bigger and softer.
Because this trend has been building for some time, you don’t need to wait six months for Spring 2016’s runway bags to hit stores. Below, we’ve assembled well over a dozen buy-right-now options for your shopping pleasure.