Has The Girl finally grown into The Woman? According to the current change in style, she may just be your eccentric but modest aunt. What items will be in her wardrobe this season? Collarless jackets, ladylike skirts, delicate shoes and modern brooches. In addition to these, there are Goldilocks handbags that embody this new mood. Bridging the gap between uptown and downtown, these east-west bags are neither too sophisticated nor flashy, just right. It is not limited to evening wear, but adds an elegant touch to daytime looks.
Vogue’s favorite east-west bags:
Street Style Favorite: Alaia Le Teckel Shoulder Bag, $2,490 Ladylike Top Handle: Savette Symmetry Bag, $1,390 Best Seller: Freja NYC Chrystie Bag, $268 Classic Investment: Saint Laurent Suzanne Shoulder Bag, $1,950 Bold Addition: Jil Sander Cannolo Shoulder bag, $1,500 High Street Champion: Zara Rigid Shoulder Bag, $50 Coquettish Challenger: Magda Butrim Bridget Top Handle Bag, $2,350
Every season brings huge changes in style that are hard to ignore. Think going from skinny jeans to baggies, going-out tops to oversized blazers, or chunky sneakers to ballerina flats. Bag trends tend to be less divisive, but they do make a difference. The East-West bag is a perfect example. With its long, thin strap (located towards the center of the bag) and relaxed silhouette, this bag is one you won’t want to miss. Its quiet influence has captivated street style for the past few seasons. This fact is evident from Alaia Le Teckel’s continued dominance. East-West bags were also prevalent on the 2025 runways, with repeats from Bally’s structured blue option to Prada’s green top handle seen in its spring/summer collection.
Current season options also resolve delicate relationships. There’s pleated Loewe, Givenchy in black croc, suede Staud and Jil Sander in pops of cherry red. Impact! A guide to staying ahead of bag trends from East to West.
prada
medium leather top handle bag
Magda Butrim
Brigitte leather top handle bag
loewe
Paseo leather shoulder bag
saint laurent
Suzanne baguette shoulder bag
Savet
Symmetry Pochette Top Handle Bag
jil sander
Cannolo small leather shoulder bag
