If you're going to buy a designer handbag, it's understandable to want to invest in something classic. When you're spending a lot of money, you want to be sure you're going to get your money's worth. But all too often, you replace your worn-down, go-to black tote with, surprise, another black bag. Well, it's time to break that play-it-safe cycle.Fortunately, the runways this past Fashion Month from New York to Paris are signaling that the end of the classic black handbag we all know and love is near. But what's getting its moment in the spotlight, instead? Bags that take a more-is-more approach, complete with 3-D embellishments, statement straps, and novelty shapes. And no matter how scary those might seem at the moment (we can just feel you clutching your simple black crossbody for dear life), we're betting the trends ahead are going to be reaching the masses in no time at all — and your closet is no exception.
So, will one of the in-your-face handbag details ahead be what it takes to finally break your black-leather-handbag habit? Click on to decide for yourself.
3-D Embellishments
Get ready to let your bag be the focal point of your look, with can't-miss embellishments like knitted floral appliqués, chunky bedazzling, and studs and buckles galore.
Christopher Kane
Velvet Textures
Crushed or detailed velvet textures will be taking center stage come next fall. And it'll have double the impact when executed in rich jewel tones, like magenta or emerald green.
Opening Ceremony
Oversized Shoppers
Good news for those of us who constantly carry too much in our black-hole bags: These oversized shoppers (preferably in loud, graphic patterns, like stripes or plaid) are here to channel the inner over-packer in all of us.
Balenciaga
Double-Bagging
Why carry one bag when you can carry two? Balance out a dressier, bedazzled handbag by doubling up with a simple, vintage-looking coin purse — one bag for the essentials and one for, well, everything else.
Dior
Metal Ring Handles
Too bad for our cold winter hands, because bags will be trading leather straps for structured or architectural metal rings that are cold to the touch, but look way too cool for school.
Marni
Hands-Free Phone Cases
Take a less-is-more approach with a crossbody or belt-bag that literally only holds your iPhone 6, and nothing else.
Chanel
Barely There Bags
Or, go even teeny-tinier with a crossbody that doesn't even hold your phone — just a Chap Stick and a piece of gum for later.
Kenzo
Statement Straps
This It Girl favorite is continuing from last season, so don't expect to see any less cool statement straps in those street style roundups.
Fendi
Matchy-Matchy
Match your purse directly to your outfit for an ultracamouflaged look.
Miu Miu
The Wristlet Bucket
Remember those Coach wristlets you wore in the '90s? They're getting a dressed-up, grown-up, toughened-up edge. Picture the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag shrunken and with a little handheld strap.
Alexander Wang
Novelty Shapes
From vintage televisions at Dolce & Gabbana to cat heads at Loewe, no shape (or furniture or animal) is off-limits when it comes to your handbag.
Dolce & Gabbana
Ruffles
Even if you're not ready to completely part with your beloved black bag, consider adding some contrasting ruffles for an eye-catching touch.
Lanvin
Bag Piercings
This one's already got the ruffled statement strap covered — add some studs, and hardware that resembles a septum piercing, and you've got an It bag any street style star would wear proudly.
J.W.Anderson
Edgy Trunks
The structured, boxy trunk bag is getting a punky twist with leopard prints and black hardware. They're officially not so prim-and-proper anymore.
Louis Vuitton
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