It’s rare to find an accessory that can be utilized for wedding ceremonies, work events, girls’ nights, and even afternoon bodega runs in your sweatpants. Clutches can lean too dressy, mini bags are wildly impractical, and your laptop-sized work tote would knock anyone out at the club. But there’s one handbag that truly can do it all and more: the barrel bag.
A 1960s relic made modern, this spherical purse style has risen in popularity over the last year, fast becoming a must for the fashion-inclined. Luxury labels, like Prada, Saint Laurent, and Loewe have launched their own iterations, following in the footsteps of Louis Vuitton, a brand famous for their monogrammed design. Ready-to-wear labels, too, have followed suit—one such retailer is Anthropologie. “Barrel bags resonate with shoppers because they perfectly balance style and utility,” says Kyla Flax, head of styling at Anthropologie. “They’re roomy enough for everything you need, but offer a unique silhouette that’s fun to style.”
Though the round bag renaissance started during the age of “quiet luxury,” the style can easily adapt to the more-is-more approach we’re seeing on runways today. Something about the novelty-adjacent shape invites whimsy and personalization. These bags are practically begging to be accessorized. “Tying a bright scarf around the handle can really make it feel lived-in and personalized,” Flax tells InStyle. “These styles are perfect for adding charms or a satin bow. Accessorizing your accessories is a fun way to take fashion one step further.”
Sure, the shape is trendy and we all love a blast from the past, but its utility is really what has built tubular carry-alls such a huge following. Sandra Nehme, the brand VP of global merchandising for ALDO’s ladies’ footwear, handbag, and accessories sectors, agrees with this sentiment. “I love barrel bags because—not only do they hold more than you might think — their drop handle design [is] perfect for wearing over thicker sweaters and coats,” Nehme says. “I think the shape has really stood the test of time.”
Ahead, a mini masterclass in the barrel bag’s versatility, straight from the internet’s most stylish.
Bold and Bright
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“There are a ton of fun options in faux leather that offer a pop of color and lightness,” says Nehme. Cherry red, brat green, rich burgundy, and butter yellow are the colors of the season. Shop your next barrel bag in one of the said colorways for an easy way to implement color into your all-neutral fall wardrobe.
Cottagecore
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These bags are minimalistic and structured, which means they can be styled effortlessly with similarly architectural pieces (like a crisp suit). Flex its versatility by pairing your barrel bag with an aesthetic that feels a little more unexpected, like frilly cottagecore or athleisure (more on that later).
Monochrome
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Remember what I said about brat green? Use your bright bag as inspiration for your entire look and channel the hue from head to toe. “A textured finish can add a nice depth, and classic colors are always a safe bet for versatility,” Flax says.
Elevated Athleisure
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Your favorite oversized hoodie has entered the chat. The mod-era accessory can add an element of joyful juxtaposition to sweatsuits, leggings, jerseys, and more. Essentially, just raid your “lazy day” drawer and throw on a rounded bag.
Bag Charms
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Nehme says barrel bags “provide the perfect canvas for customization,” so feel free to accessorize liberally. “I think part of the beauty of the barrel bag is how it can be styled and personalized. Long handles provide the perfect backdrop for fun elements—like bag charms, as well as scarves and pins—without the bag appearing too cluttered or busy.”
Match Your Sunnies
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I’m about to let you in on a little-known secret only shared by the most experienced stylists: sunglasses. A good pair of sunnies can anchor an otherwise random outfit addition (like a white bag with an all-burgundy look) and make it feel intentional. Just be sure the sunglasses are in a similar color to keep the color story consistent throughout.
Day-to-Night
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Up until adulthood, I never truly understood the necessity of a daytime outfit that’s also appropriate for the bar after. But the day-to-night look is key for the metropolitan woman — and barrel bags do both, due to their sleek functionality. “Their size and shape make them ideal for transitioning from day to night,” Nehme says.
Off-White
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When shopping for your next bag (barrel or otherwise), it can be tempting to go with a white-bright style — it’ll go with everything, right? Wrong. Most white tees, sneakers, etc. are slightly off-colored from repeated wear, which means your blinding new bag is going to clash against them. Shop an ivory style, instead for maximum styling capabilities, even during the winter months. (Freja’s Mini Chrystie in “Oat” is my favorite.)
Classic Monogram
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Monogrammed styles give off that Y2K vibe by default because some of the most famous barrel bags of all time came in this print. “LV [was] known for their iconic aught barrel bags,” says Flax. Nehme, too, recommends monogram styles, because of their neutral, go-with-everything colorway. “If you’re looking for a great new fall bag, I love burgundy or rich brown,” she says.
