Winter is all about fashion and looking your best and it's no wonder why. While summer and fall make for great backdrops and have their own share of fan followings, it is usually winter that is the runway season of the year because of all the things one can style — from tops to sweaters to overcoats and boots, and of course, handbags. With winter here in full swing, we are here with some of the hottest handbag trends you can carry with you from this year to the next. 

Textured/sheared

Fuzzy, furry numbers pop around every few years and this year too, it has decided to stake its claim in the fashion spotlight. Go for a warm, soft, faux-fur piece or a shearling style. Winter wardrobe complements the textured handbag well and warm toned bags will make the bags easier to maintain. However, if blending in is not your thing, bold colours are all the rage this season and we are here for it.

Quilted

Who says style and comfort cannot be best friends? Quilted bags are here to beg otherwise. As the world wakes up from its pyjama-clad comfortable days of working from home and tries to ease its way back to normalcy, the soft, quilt patterned leather bags in sizes big and small are here to make the transition a little smoother. The mosaic like pattern looks luxurious, feels comfortable to the wearer and it is definitely kinder to the more fragile things inside the bag. With chain or leather handles, these quilted bags are winter must-haves in at least a few vibrant colours, and look great with almost all informal get-ups.

Chains

Imagine the perfect marriage between jewellery and bags — there you have it, the chain handbag.  We loved the sporty cloth straps and we loved the leather belts, but the star of the show this year is most definitely the bold chain.

Chunky, clunky gold chains or chains intertwined in leather, the use of links has us in, hook, line and sinker. From small to medium numbers, from shoulder bags to evening purses, designers have incorporated chains into either being the handle itself, simply being the bling-y attention seeker in your bag by letting it loosely dangle or a half and half.

The accessory looks decorative and makes the wearer look decadent even without much jewellery. Great for parties, you can continue the bold look by adding a chunky belt to your ensemble or simply go classy with some earrings to complete the look.

Oversized

Ever since we have accepted oversized bags, we knew we were in "too deep," right? Pun intended, there is simply so much room that it automatically becomes the first choice for all hustlers going after that effortless casual look.

If there is something that can carry our lunch and water, our moisturiser, that favourite bottle of body mist and even a laptop and charger, while still making us look hip, who are we to say no? For those who travel light, medium sized "large" totes are also a great option. From light sequined patterns to plain or even monogramed versions, big bags are here to rule and we are not complaining!

Crossbody straps with handles

Ever had a purse that you loved but had to ditch most of the time simply because you would need your hands free too? Here's a chic solution to that little fashion hiccup — crossbody straps. An answer to the age-old prayer of wanting to look dainty while also maintaining some functionality, the crossbody straps are a hip, clip-on addition to handled and heavy office bags or handled and delicate party purses, that would evidently outstay their welcome on the wearer's hands halfway through the day or evening. If you are a multitasker like that and want the nest of both worlds, this is where your search ends.

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed