Designers know there's a subtle power in the purse you carry. That's why the biggest names across the four major fashion weeks vie to debut the next It-bag every season. An outfit as simple as straight-off-the-floor jeans and a tee, or even the post-yoga leggings and sweatshirt, go from casual to effortless with the right handbag perched on your arm. This year, the spring 2023 handbag trends popping up on the runways in New York, London, and beyond can convey exactly the type of woman you want to be (or perhaps, already know you are).
 

This season, the biggest spring 2023 bag trends are tending to fall into two major categories. First, there are those in the camp of quiet luxury: Even the humble shopper bag is getting a luxury upgrade this season thanks to Gabriela Hearst and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Then, there are the trends that embrace the carefree, playful attitude many are relishing as they explore the joys of getting dressed again in the post-quarantine era. Look-at-me metallics and nods to the absurd (JW Anderson's dolphin-splashed bag is sure to be a crowd favorite) encourage you to eschew minimalism and to play with your personal style. While designers still explore larger silhouettes—likely aware that women are continuing to spend more and more time back at the office—spring's lineup doesn't choose practicality just for practicality's sake.