Bowler Bags, Strike Back!
Bowling bags are so back, baby! As the name suggests, this structured bag has a flat bottom and curved top to carry bowling equipment. The style's adaptation and subsequent embrace into mainstream fashion were ushered in by Dior's vibe bag (released in 1997) and Prada's bowler bag (released in 2000). While these two luxury brands may have given the bowler bag its "lane," the redux of '00s aesthetics in recent runway collections has ensured its continued relevance. With several designers have reimagining the classic shape—including in the F/W 24 and S/S 25 collections of Miu Miu, Tod's, ACNE Studios, Bally, Stella McCartney, Coach, Khaite, and Sandy Liang—there's no denying that bowler bags will strike out as one of the season's biggest trends for spring.
Gasp! The Glam Jewelry Trend That's Giving "Money"
What's the old saying, "Diamonds are forever?" There's a reason that jewelry remains an excellent long-term investment! Even if you're not buying a big 'ole rock, jewelry is one of the few accessories that actually transcends the ever-changing trend cycle. That's no more apparent than with the '80s-inspired jewelry trend that's taken over in the last few years: chunky cuff bracelets. For the record, large bangles, cuffs, and bracelets have never entirely gone out of style, but they've become even bigger in recent years. It's no doubt in part due to their presence on the runway, which can be recently traced back to the Saint Laurent S/S 23 collection that reignited the trend. Models sauntered down the runway with stacked bangles, chunky cuffs, and oversize bracelets layered over big bomber jackets, jersey jumpsuits, and leather gloves. One could argue that the critical acclaim surrounding that collection kicked off the cuffing craze, which we subsequently saw surface in the collections of Tory Burch, Chanel, Alaïa, and Gucci.
The "Dated" Handbag Trend That's Back From the Dead
Even if you're not superstitious, chances are you've had a missed purchase that haunts you. For bag ladies like me, it's those vintage purses we didn't buy during their prime. I'm not talking about discounted designer bags, but niche purse shapes we obsessively search for, even if they're not coming back in style anytime soon. (I'll be the first to admit that it's not the healthiest habit.) Thankfully, there's hope this season: the return of frame handbags. Yes, you read that right. Vintage-inspired clasp bags, first popularized in the '50s, are back with their structured silhouettes, visible metal frames, and kiss-lock clasps. Designers have updated the trend with modern details, making it feel cool and fresh again.
Everyone With Expensive Taste Is Wearing This Vintage Jacket Trend Again
Finding the best coat for winter is akin to Goldilocks looking for the perfect bed to hibernate in for the rest of the winter. Sure, puffer coats are warm, but are they the prettiest options? The jury is out. Fur coats are fabulous, but can they be too formal at times? Definitely. You could rationalize the shortcomings of any classic winter coat. Before you spiral, let me share the knowledge I've accumulated after a lifetime journey through the proverbial woods. I've come to the following realization: Peacoats are the superior option. As far as classic winter outerwear goes, no other style has stood the test of time, and it's remained a staple since its creation by Dutch sailors in the early 19th century. What's made the peacoat perennially revenant goes back to its posh silhouette, which typically features double-breasted buttons, broad lapels, and a short hemline that cuts off around the hips. Moreover, what's distinct about peacoats compared to other jackets is that they're typically made from thick wool, mohair, and cashmere—ensuring that they'll keep you warm throughout the winter. It's no wonder that we've seen designers continue to give the classic style contemporary updates by playing with hemlines, texture, and bold colors in recent F/W 24 and S/S 25 collections.
The Accessory Micro-Trend Making a Big Comeback in Copenhagen, Paris, and NYC
It's time to stop ignoring the signs. Bag charms are back, baby! Like it or not, we've seen this micro-trend stage a huge comeback on the runway, on the streets, and even online. While it might be easy to pass off bag charms as a silly way younger people can tap into nostalgia surrounding '00s and '10s fashion, there's actually more to the story. You have to keep in mind that all trends exist in the context of everything that came before them, including bag charms. From a historical standpoint, purses have always acted as a visible indicator of social standing, social values, and personal style—that's also true with bag charms. Although small, bag charms have served as an indicator of society's shifting relationship with luxury. There's no better example of that than this current moment, which shows us that the return of this trend is a microcosm of what's happening in culture. With the rise of the quiet luxury movement, we've seen a mass movement toward minimalism, which has been incredible to witness because we all should be investing in staples for the long term. In the silence, however, we've also come to feel that our focus on the basics has left our style feeling, well, basic. Luckily, the bag-charm trend is ready to fill that void.
Hunch Confirmed: Leopard-Print Coats Are on Their Comeback Tour
"Are leopard prints a neutral?" That's the question we recently posed in an editorial meeting. Although the jury's still out, what's irrefutable is that this print never really goes out of style. Even when other print trends emerge in the fashion ecosystem, leopard remains at the top of the chain. In part, that staying power can be attributed to how popular this pattern became with prominent style icons throughout the '60s to '90s—leopard was spotted on the likes of Jackie Kennedy, Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, and so many others—cementing it as an alt-neutral among the It crowd. However, if we're being truthful, what's made this print timeless is that it's continued to evolve over time. We've seen leopard prints continuously reimagined on the runway, recent collections being no exception to that rule. While there are plenty of ways to embrace this print, I'd argue that coats are the most compelling form. Before there's uproar in the crowd, hear us out: Leopard-print coats are on the prowl again (or at least their comeback tour), as they were spotted throughout S/S 24, F/W 24, and even S/S 25 collections. Moreover, we've begun to see leopard outerwear encroach on the closets of women around the world—further proving the trend's dominance.
