Handbag Trends Fall/Winter 25-26: Belted Bags

Alright now, zip up that coat because it’s another cold Chicago day, and you know I’m not letting a little snow stop our handbag talk. Picking up from our Structured Box Bag chat in Article Five, today we’re diving into something sleek, detailed, and oh so chic, the Belted Bag. 

This trend is giving classic with a twist for Fall/Winter 2025/26. According to LVR Magazine, belted bags are one of the standout looks this season, described as handbags featuring “decorative or functional straps” (1). These beauties take structure to another level, with those belt details acting like the perfect accessory on top of an accessory. It’s proof that one small feature can turn a simple purse into a full-on statement moment.

Now, picture it, this season’s belted bags are crafted in everything from brushed and distressed leather to soft suede, and the hardware game is strong. We’re talking smooth buckles, gold tone accents, and closures that gleam just enough to catch the eye (2). The belts themselves can cinch a flap, decorate a pocket, or wrap around the entire body of the bag, adding polish and personality all at once. And here’s the magic part, that same belt can make a bag work for any occasion, from your office rotation to your weekend stroll down Michigan Avenue.

Call Dibs on our Serena Suede Shoulder Bag, a true style multi-tasker.  Designed with a sleek East-West silhouette, comfortable shoulder carry handles, secure underarm style, and a chic belted detail, this bag blends of-the-moment design with timeless appeal effortlessly.

Cosmopolitan magazine highlights a designer who went to the next level with the concept, creating a belt that lets you slip your hand through a loop to hold a clutch (3).  That's both genius and practical.  Then there's Rivta Factory, which points out how belts and chains give these bags an urban edge, taking them from refined to refreshingly bold (4).  And if you're feeling creative, here's a little insider tip, grab that old belt you never wear, wrap it around a plain handbag, and voilà, you just gave your old purse a second life with major style points.  

So, as the wind picks up and those fall layers start stacking, think of the Belted Bag as your finishing touch. It’s sophisticated but playful, structured but adaptable, and totally of the moment. And don’t go too far, bèbè, because in Article Seven we’re kicking off with the cozy and relaxed side of fashion, the slouchy silhouettes that bring ease and elegance all in one soft shape. 

FOOTNOTES

1. LVR Magazine. “Top 10 Trending Bags for Fall Winter 2025 to 2026.” LVR Magazine, 12 Aug 2025. https://www.luisaviaroma.com/en-us/lvr-magazine/trends/top-trending-bags-fall-winter
2. Ibid.
3. Cosmopolitan. “5 Fall Winter 2025 Bag Trends You Will Be Obsessed With.” Cosmopolitan, 2 Sep 2025. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a65672194/bag-trends-fall-2025/
4. Rivta Factory. “Top 15 Tote Bag Trends for 2025 & 2026: Stylish and Sustainable.” Rivta Factory, 2025. https://www.rivta-factory.com/blog/top-15-tote-bag-trends-for-20252026-stylish-and-sustainable-i00157i1.html