These 3 Bag Trends Will Be Huge in 2026, According to an NYC Creative Director

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re collectively thinking about what’s next on the horizon across all areas of the fashion landscape—from jewelry to coats to handbags. For further insight into the latter we tapped Joyce Lee, Creative Director of Parker Thatch, to guide us on the handbag trends to know for 2026.

Not only is Lee an expert in the bag industry, she’s also based in NYC so she has unique insight into what fashion girls are gravitating towards in the city. “In New York, it has to be a big tote that can hold everything and move with you from morning to night,” she shared. “I always carry a smaller bag inside—something you can transfer easily between bags and that doubles as an evening bag or clutch when plans change unexpectedly.” Genius.