It’s an accessory favored by glamorous stars including Meghan Markle and Gigi Hadid, but is the “boring bag” the must-have piece for this season and beyond?
With wallets tightening amid a cost-of-living crisis, fashion websites are reporting a rising demand for functional bags that can be paired with any outfit, rather than eye-catching items with flashy branding.
The times reported that ‘timeless’ and multifunctional bags are in increased demand as people lead hybrid lives, work between home and office and are more on the move.
Celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL that the shopping trends are a “reflection of the times” as consumers become more aware of their carbon footprint and move away from fast fashion.
She added that many classic bags from luxury brands can’t keep up with the demands of our demanding lives – which is another reason why people turn to understated designs.
Fashion experts tip the so-called ‘bland bag’ as the fashion accessory of this season. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is often spotted carrying chic and elegant bags with more functional designs, without flashy logos. Pictured: Meghan leaves Prince Archie’s 2019 New York christening with a Carolina Herrera bag
The Duchess of Sussex is often known to step out with stylish yet understated bags on her arm, making headlines in 2017 when she attended the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada, sporting Everlane’s The Day tote bag in a tan color (of which Angelina Jolie was also pictured months earlier).
Two years later, she attended her glitzy baby shower in New York while pregnant with Prince Archie wearing another understated cream tote bag from Carolina Herrera, in the Matryoshka design.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has also been spotted sporting chic yet functional bags during public appearances, stepping out ahead of Milan Fashion Week 2021 with The Row’s timeless Park bag.
Rochelle explained that as people become more aware of the impact of fast fashion, they are opting for products with longer lifespans.
Meghan Markle pictured with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto, 2017, wearing Everlane’s The Tote bag in tan
Arket’s Landscape bag is a little more affordable at £259 and is a simple yet versatile design, with a plain strap and top buckle
Gigi Hadid, photographed in Milan in 2021, has been spotted wearing The Row’s timeless tote bag
“There’s been such a change in shopping behavior and how they look at brands and items,” explains Rochelle.
‘Consumers are making more conscious purchases and want to do their bit for the environment.’
She added that consumers are not only considering the impact of fast fashion, but are opting for more modest options, even if they spend a lot of money on an item.
“Having bags without heavy branding is a more modest look and can even be better matched with outfits and environments,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s knowing you have a luxury item, brand new or second hand, that you know is a piece worth something but doesn’t scream it.”
Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at Matchesfashion, said this season’s trend could be described as “luxurious but almost unrecognizable” as people opt for quality without worrying about logos on their items.
Rochelle further explained: ‘Many luxury bags with all the bells and whistles cannot hold much and these ‘everyday’ luxury bags tend to be more practical for everyday use. They are timeless and can last for longer seasons.’
Of course, bags from luxury brands that aren’t bursting with logos may still be prohibitively expensive for many – giving way to another emerging trend.
The Times reported that second-hand luxury fashion platform Vestaire has confirmed it has seen an increase in demand from its customers for ‘less immaculate’ bags, with searches tripling in the past year.
And for those not looking for luxury, there are plenty of high end high street brands offering their answers to the ‘bland bag’.
Crafted from leather, Arket’s Landscape tote bag is a simple design that comes in neutral colors including black and burgundy, and costs £259.
Meanwhile, Osprey’s Primrose Hill bag, which costs £175 at full value but currently retails for £79.00, is a classic crocodile-print black leather option.