The best designer handbags stand out because of their aesthetic, colour palette, logo design, and other factors that set them apart.

In short, all the same things that make a logo design successful can make a handbag successful. These are the top handbag trends of 2020, and the top designer bags to keep your eye on.

Simplicity in a Bag

The name of the game for handbags this year is simplicity. Clean lines and shying away from busy patterns are what’s on-trend right now.

Brands like YSL and Naturae Sacra are showing that sleek folds and basic fabrics are timeless. Designers are using simple contrasting colour details or mixing up fabrics to make their bags stand out.

One such bag, Loewe’s ‘Horseshoe’ two-tone suede and leather shoulder bag, uses different fabrics to bring its design to the next level. It really doesn’t take glitter and sequins to make something sparkle — just a little bit of creativity!

Chill Out Time

Another trend this year is a more relaxed feel in the design of handbags. Many designers this year are using slouchier fabrics or big, quilted pillows for a more comfortable and casual style.

Handbags like Maison Margela’s pillow quilted leather clutch and Bottega Veneta’s ‘The Pouch’ large leather gathered pouch look like you could take an afternoon nap on them. Some designers used the casual trend to the extreme.

Isabel Marant’s ‘Warden’ striped canvas tote, for example, seems to be totally gym-ready. And Nannacay’s ‘Beatrice’ tasseled woven straw tote looks like it’s on its way to a picnic in the park.

Logos, Logos, Logos

You always want to consider your handbag’s logo when purchasing a bag. How it’s designed, how it’s printed, and what material is used is a super important part of the design of your bag.

You want to be sure that the bag you choose represents you well. For example, Fendi’s ‘Karligraphy’ leather shoulder bag uses their Karl Lagerfield signature logo as the buckle. That unusual choice completely sets it apart from most other bags of its type.

A different Fendi bag, the ‘Sunshine Shopper’ logo embossed leather tote, takes a different approach. It features the name Fendi printed in huge letters across it, for a completely opposed look and feel.

Jacquemus’ ‘Le Chiquito’ micro textured-leather tote uses their ‘J’ as a focal point of the otherwise simple bag. That’s a great move for design and brand recognition. Fonts are also a huge distinguishing factor for the best handbags of 2020.

Alexander McQueen’s ‘The Story’ bag uses an unusual font and mixed cases to truly set the name “Alexander McQueen” apart from the rest.

Christian Louboutin’s ‘Bing Bong’ gold-tone enamel clutch uses the brand’s iconic red to contrast with the gold of ‘Louboutin’ scrawled in cursive across the clutch. The bag uses two of this year’s hottest trends in perfect harmony.

Keeping It Casual

If you’re looking for a more casual bag, or you want to design packaging for your business to match your own handbag, you can always get custom bags made! Places like in the bag can even help you match your business packaging to your own, to bring your branding to the next level.

Tote bags are always functional, and they never go out of style. And, you can design them yourself, so shopping around isn’t as much of an issue.

Mixing Up Sizes 

The best handbags of 2020 come in many different shapes and sizes. Bigger, oversized bags don’t just look great — they’re useful! You can fit way more of your everyday necessities in a larger bag, so you won’t have to carry a backpack as well. That doesn’t just save space, but it can help save your back as well.

Tiny bags also have your place. You don’t want to be carrying a huge bag on a formal occasion, right?

Miniature clutches, micro bags, and other tiny versions of everyday bags all have their place, and that place is usually the red carpet. Plus, they’re super cute!

It’s All About Embellishment

Chains, rhinestones, tassels, and more — these are the things that can make or break a designer handbag.

Having too many or too few design elements can take a bag from a standout to a mess in a second. For example, chain straps are a great and versatile feature in handbag design.

Contrasting a detail not typically seen in such a feminine object always helps a handbag look a little more interesting than it normally would. That can be seen in Gucci’s ‘Broadway’ python shoulder bag.

Unexpected details we don’t see often in handbags can make a huge world of difference to the appeal of a bag.

Feathers, hearts, and flowers all make appearances on some of the best handbags of this year.

Breaking from the trends might be scary, but it’s also fun to make a statement every once in a while.

Shiny, Shiny Fabrics

Do you know what’s always an eye-catching choice? Metallics. Shiny materials always draw the eye and will bring you compliments galore. Even better if you can check out your reflection in the bag!

Designers this year are using tons of different metallic fabrics in their best designer handbags, such as Chanel, Sies Majan, Bienen-Davis, Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, and L’Afshar.

They use different shades and use them and different ways, but the result is the same — shiny! Some designers have even taken their metallic game to the next level.

Jeffrey Levinson’s ‘Elina Plus’ mirrored rainbow aerospace aluminum clutch is made from aerospace aluminum. It’s not just a handbag — it’s a work of art.

The Best Designer Handbags of 2020

With all the different trends that can make a designer bag stand out, it’s clear what the best designer handbags of 2020 are. Without further ado:

• Ennigaldi Octo Shoulder Mini Bag
• Jacquemus Black ‘Le Chiquito’ Clutch
• Alexander McQueen’s The Story Shoulder Bag
• Dries Van Noten’s Small Metallic Envelope Clutch Bag
• Naturae Sacra’s Arp Mini Two-Tone Leather and Resin Tote

What’s your favourite designer handbag of the year? Is there one you love that’s missing? Contact us and let us know!