Usually, I’m able to call out three to five trends that are guaranteed to be a hit for any given season. That said, as I started building my 2021 wardrobe, I couldn’t help but notice literally all handbags and purses following the same exact formula: puffy, slouchy, scrunched (Is this the new classy, bougie, ratchet?!). It’s true—2021’s bag trends all revolved around the exact same look: a laid-back but still luxe approach to leather.

When I was a kid, I remember favoring a brown paper bag over my cartoon-themed tin lunch box. I can’t explain why, but the neutral bag with its bunched nape just seemed ~cooler~, and I was sure my playground peers would notice. I don’t think my bag actually won me any cool points back then, but it seems as though I predicted 2021’s top bag trend at an early age. Pretty much all of the bags I’ve got my eye on right now are ruched and slouchy, and while there are a few pops of fun color, they lean mostly neutral.

If you’re saving up to splurge on the Bottega original, I salute you—that said, know you can totally shop the look for less, as tons of brands are dropping gorgeous bags inspired by The Pouch and its laissez-faire leather look.

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