I’m not afraid to say it: the importance of a good handbag to elevate an outfit is key. When I’m on my daily social media scroll and spot a particularly chic dresser, my first thought isn’t usually about her jeans or shoes (well, sometimes it is), but it is always: “what bag is that?”
So what makes an It bag significant? First of course is the brand. The most sought after bags typically come from luxury fashion houses renowned for decades’ worth of impeccable craftsmanship. Names like Bottega Veneta, The Row, and Chanel have become synonymous with this status amongst fashion people and celebrities alike for just that. Then there’s the silhouettes and the detailing. Is it practical, boasting ample space and interior pockets, or is it more of a fun, statement piece? When you think of the Birkin or Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7, it’s the design that makes these bags instantly recognisable. And lastly, we must look at the brand “clout”. In an era driven by social-first fashion, an It bag is only as popular as social media says it is. Case and point: the frenzy surrounding Matthieu Blazy’s spring/summer Chanel collection, where demand has reached a fever pitch online and subsequently translated into stores.
Since the start of 2026, we’ve seen plenty of contenders attempt to claim the title of It bag of the year. Think the Saint Laurent Mombas or Chanel’s equally popular Large Tote and Small Flap bags (each with undeniable staying power). But both styles are one of many new designs slung around the shoulders of some of the chicest celebrities, and so clear edit of the same heroes has emerged. These are bags which can withstand the ever-changing trend cycle, and ones which will stay within your rotation for decades rather than being listed on resale sites at the end of the season.
Curious to see what made the cut? Scroll on to see the 5 most covetable It bags of 2026 and find out exactly why they deserve a place in your wardrobe.
1. Chanel Maxi Flap
(Image credit: Courtesy of Chanel)
Style Notes: From Hailey Bieber to Kylie Jenner, Blackpink’s Jennie and Who What Wear UK’s very own Editor-in-Chief Jane McFarland, the Chanel large tote bag is undoubtedly one of the most discussed designer bags of 2026 thus far. Part of the wider large bag revival, it’s wonderfully capacious in size, meaning you can fit everything you’ll need and more inside. Finished with Chanel’s signature delicate gold hardware makes it instantly recognisable, but what sets this bag apart is its nondescript simplicity, an understated quality which ensures longevity. Practical enough that you can fit your life inside yet designed to perfection, it’s one you’d pull out year after year without ever feeling dated.
Shop the Chanel Maxi Flap:
I will be desperately jealous of you if you get your hands on this.
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CHANEL
Mini Classic Handbag
A very wise designer-bag investment.
Chanel
Classic Double Flap bag
With their luxury goods rigorously checked by authenticity experts, you can rest assured you’re pieces are as authentic as they look.
Chanel
Lambskin quilted crossbody bag
Finished with a stylish top handle in a vivid blue hue, this quilted crossbody bag is one you’ll pull out when wanting to make a statement.
2. The Row Marlo Bag
Style Notes: This wouldn’t be an It bag round-up without at least one style from The Row, a brand synonymous with impeccable quality and minimalist silhouettes, The Row has long been a favourite of fashion people and celebrities who have clamoured to get their hands on its designs since 2005. Over the years, it has spawned many an It bag (most notably the discontinued Margaux). But 2026 is all about the Marlo. Pre-empting ‘90s nostalgia before it was even in full swing, the Marlo is like the Margaux’s chicer little sister. Medium in size, top-handled and finished with a functional zip to close, its all about slouchy, undone elegance, the likes of which only an Olsen could think up. Probably why Kendall Jenner adores hers so much.
Shop the Marlo Bag:
This bag is available in black, ebony brown, white and tan.
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The Row
Terrasse Bauletto Bag
One of The Row’s more recent releases, Kendall Jenner has also added the softly structured Terrasse to her rotation too.
Year after year, celebrities constantly turn to the ’90s bag for a nostlagic hit.
The Row
Soft Margaux 15 Bag
And just like that, the Margaux is back like it never left!
3. Prada Route
Style Notes: I’ll admit, I was initially undecided on the Prada Route, that was until I spotted Alexa Chung carrying it, (and yes, the reigning queen of cool can make me take a second look at just about anything). This cargo-style bag is a perfectly formed rectangular, top handled bag, with an abundance of pockets both outside and in, allowing you to store all your worldly possessions with ease. But, it made the It list because it couldn’t feel more 2026. As we swiftly swap the era of quiet luxury and clean girl minimalism, for a period where function and style coincide, it’s utility energy is gaining more celeb fans like Emma Chamberlain and Ruby Lyn by the day.
Shop the Prada Route:
Prada
Prada Route Large Leather Tote Bag
This just just straight to the top of my wish list.
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Prada
Bonnie Medium Leather Handbag
The Bonnie comes in two sizes to suit your personal preference.
Prada
Re-Edition 2005 Re-Nylon and Saffiano Mini Bag
Does it get more classic.
Prada
Medium Re-Nylon backpack with pouch
Enter into your Bianca Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You with the re-released Nylon backpack.
4. Gucci Giglio Large Tote
(Image credit: Gucci)
Style Notes: Alessandro Michele may have departed Gucci, but his influence shall live forever through his exquisite taste in handbags. Most notably, the Gucci Giglio. Roomy, sculptural, and designed to be noticed, the Giglio was a direct rejection of the years of quiet luxury, and unsurprisingly, celebrities love it. From Sienna Miller to Dakota Johnson, Emily Ratajkowski, to Kate Moss, fashion people can’t seem to get enough of this capacious over-the-shoulder hobo bag and years after its release it remains one of Gucci’s most standout styles.
Shop the Gucci Giglio :
Gucci
Giglio Large Tote Bag
There are 12 colour ways of the Giglio online right now.
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Gucci
Jackie 1961 Large Bag
A timeless classic, this bag needs no introduction.
Gucci
Borsetto Large Boston Bag
Spotted on Kate Moss and Alex Consani recently, the Borsetto is quietly beginning to bubble as an It bag of the year.
Gucci
Softbit Maxi Shoulder Bag
Recently spotted on Daisy Edger-Jones, whilst I love this in the soft khaki shade, it also comes in six other colours.
5. Alaïa Le Teckel bag
Style Notes: Whilst fashion is loving all things large and capacious, the small bag can still hold its own, and the Alaïa Le Teckel bag is proof of just that. Sending fashion into a frenzy when released in 2024, its elongated e/w shape and top-handle finish have become instantly recognisable. With an expert design, luxurious fabrications and colourways and a bold sculptural shape, what could have been a fleeting “trendy” bag has cemented itself as a legacy buy, and the chicest celebrities adore it. From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Hailey Bieber, there are very few famous faces who don’t have this bag tucked into their collection.
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Alaïa have just released a line of fresh suede colourways in this bag.
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ALAÏA
Le Click East West Small Bag
With curved lines, tasseled details, and eye-catching gold hardware the sophisticated yet playful Le Click has been gaining traction fast.
The Alaïa Le Coeur bag will always hold a special place in my heart (pun intended).
Instantly recognisable for its laser cut “Vienne” pattern, the Mina has been a fashion person’s favourite for years.